(Very?) Good Knife Co. and an oddly familiar maker's mark

David Mary

David Mary

pass the mustard - after you cut it
Moderator
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
16,982
As many of you know, back in 2020 I took over making the Good Knife Co. models for Chad when John, of JK Knives, who had been making them up until then, decided to focus more on his own knife models. Since then I have had the good pleasure of building several of Chad's excellent outdoor oriented knife designs.

Well I happened to be browsing the forum, and came upon a post in this thread:

M

Post in thread 'Your newest addition:traditionals of course!'

Out for a walk today in a county park with my latest acquisition, a Very Good Knife Co Wasp. Also shown is my GEC83 for size comparison. I did radius the handle to suit me (the original handles were dead flat) and I dyed the handles from natural micarta to a darker brown. At 6-3/4" long, think it and the GEC are a nice combination for a walk.
1000000148.jpg
  • Like
  • Love

Containing this picture:

1740452125071.png

Immediately I thought wow what a coincidence, this knife looks a lot like a slightly slimmer 24/7 design by Chad! And the company name is Very Good Knife Co.

I showed Chad what I found, and looks like he had seen knives from this company before as well, as he then showed me this:

1740452831427.png

That maker's mark looks oddly familiar.

IMG_1585.jpeg


Did I maybe see these knives a decade ago before I came up with my own mark, and inadvertently imitate it? Better look into it.... Ah found them on IG. Look like I'm off the hook since this company with an oddly familiar name and mark is less than half as old as David Mary Custom and Good Knife Co. But the world sure is full of funny coincidences.

1740455376879.png
 
Congratulations , looks like you've been cloned , sort of like ?

"Sincerest form of flattery " , or so they say . :rolleyes:

Might want to try to protect against this , IDK .
 
Awful lot of coincidence there, but the valknut has been around since the 8th Century, and that's really all there is to the Very Good logo thing.

I think it's a blatant rip off, but...I have been accused of excessive cynicism once or twice...

But...when you're worth ripping off, that means you are movin' up in the world. Right?

I promise, if I see your knives on Amazon for $17.99 plus free Amazon shipping, you'll still be the one getting my blade funds...
 
David Mary said:
I understand how one might see a similarity - which is entirely unintended. My maker's mark is actually three interlocked sevens.
Click to expand...


I was trying to be careful how I mentioned the Valknut and referencing the other guy, but I kinda figgered an explanation was pending. I deal with....errrr.....gentlemen who like that symbol on a daily basis, and you definitely ain't one of them types.
 
Imagine my surprise to find my posting as the catalyst for this controversy. I'm curious as to what is meant by design "similarity". Not trying to be a troll here but I can think a number of relatively straight-spine, drop-point, sabre or flat ground knives. Could you provide a photo of what knife these knives are similar to as I'm a big fan of what I see as a traditional knife.
Oh, and BTW, none of these symbols are properly "Valknuts". This viking symbol, which may mean "knot of slain warriors" is shown below. We are admonished to use it carefully as many internet authorities believe it to be a symbol of white supremacy. Personally, I think it would make a cool logo.

1000000408.jpg
 
MessieurRick said:
Imagine my surprise to find my posting as the catalyst for this controversy. I'm curious as to what is meant by design "similarity". Not trying to be a troll here but I can think a number of relatively straight-spine, drop-point, sabre or flat ground knives. Could you provide a photo of what knife these knives are similar to as I'm a big fan of what I see as a traditional knife.
Oh, and BTW, none of these symbols are properly "Valknuts". This viking symbol, which may mean "knot of slain warriors" is shown below. We are admonished to use it carefully as many internet authorities believe it to be a symbol of white supremacy. Personally, I think it would make a cool logo.

View attachment 2889460
Click to expand...

The knife in the OP, and the company name, are very similar to this one, and the symbol is very close to David's before they changed to the arrow. There may have been one or two other models from them as well that shared some close similarity. It seems like a big coincidence if not intentional.

Close enough that David and I, and some good friends of mine who are familiar of my work, have been "what's this?" Not a big deal, but something we all noticed apart from each other and saw the close resemblance.

You may not be aware, David Mary David Mary makes most of my knives so his symbol is on the opposite side of this knife.
1748727063048.png
 
Last edited:
bikerector said:
The knife in the OP, and the company name, are very similar to this one, and the symbol is very close to David's before they changed to the arrow. There may have been one or two other models from them as well. It's seems like a big coincidence. Close enough that David and I, and some good friends of mine who are familiar of my work, have been "what's this?" Not a big deal, but something we all noticed apart from each other and saw the close resemblance.

You may not be aware, David Mary David Mary makes most of my knives so his symbol is on the opposite side of this knife.
View attachment 2889501
Click to expand...
Thanks. Beautiful knife. What's the wood?
 
I really enjoyed working on the olivewood scales. I should get more of that wood in the shop.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top