Vtech the next CRKT

Poboy: Not sure if your question was asked in jest:

It was just an example of how CRKT might have gotten some of their inspiration for the Commander from Benchmades Leopard Cub. Hence, they all look to other knife designers for ideas at times. Some pull it off by changing it enough so as not to raise an eyebrow, some blatantly steal the design which "might" be the case in Vtech's corner. I have never held the Venom, nor the others that allegedly look like knockoffs. So it's a "guess" at best that they are knockoffs with just a picture.

* I have owned at one time the Sebenza Large & Small, BM Pinnacle, BM 942, Commander Large & Small, and BM Leopard Cub
 
Basically all knives are similar but this is pretty similar to people similarity (wow, what a nice construction!). All people have basically two arms, two legs, one head etc. But each have something what differs him or her from other humans and makes strictly individual and unique. When Madonna begun to emulate Marline Monroe and when some another beauties begin to emulate Madonna – this is clearly visible, right? This proves the lack of own individuality clear and visible enough to make them stars, or at least it proves the lack of their belief in their own individuality.

The same with the knives. To be considered as new, independent design the knife should have something what is hellishly hard to describe or explain but what is clearly visible with plain eye, without any formal justification.

Naturally it is hard to imagine why one design couldn’t influence or inspire other ones, in my opinion the matter remains correct if designer or manufacturer honestly claims that this particular design is inspired by ABC model or XYZ designer’s work. There are a lot of designs inspired by Bob Loveless’ work and it is nothing wrong. Quite inversely, this could show the great appreciation of Bob’s work putting it into classic category.

However the border between inspiration and ripping-off is very subtle and hard to determine with clear cut. Something like the border between exaggerated love and – you probably guess what.
 
Ryan, It was said partly in jest. Though I don't see too much of a resemblance between the two knives posted. I agree that a lot of knives have similarities to knives that came out earlier. But in the case of V-Tech, it seems to me that everything they have released is just too close to models that are popular now. I won't buy anything from them. If you choose to that's fine with me. To each his own.
 
Ryan, the CRKT Summit series and the Benchmade/Crawford Leopard Cub are similar in that they have holes in the handles, however, the CRKT is not a knockoff of the Benchmade Leopard. Many knives on the market both production and custom have holes in the handles. That does not necessarily make them knockoffs. Many knife makers are inspired by previous designs, but modify them based on their own styles. It's when you have an outright copy of another maker's design which makes them knockoffs. Behold........:

sw-bm.jpg


In the pic above, you see the Benchmade 3500 designed by Mel Pardue and below it, the Smith & Wesson (Taylor Cutlery) ripoff of the design. That is what I consider a knockoff. Taylor Cutlery in no way credits the original designer for this so called "Law Enforcement" model and blatantly steals business from Benchmade by offering a "clone" of cheaper quality and price.
 
The Comparison.

I want to say that my first statement was made because CRKT is a company that produces quality knives for a low price, it however takes long strides to come up with their own original knife ideas.

So let me say that Vtech has very good quality (from what little I have seen), but needs to spend more time on coming up with their own ideas knife design wise. I am not pro design rip-off in order to get a better price on a knife ... to be honest these days the only thing I carry is my Orange Leatherman Juice (no folders/fixed). What I am pro choice of are knives that affordable & replaceable, and are high on quality.
 
I agree that the CRKT doesn't appear to be a ripoff of the Benchmade, but the Smith & Wesson *does* appear to be a ripoff. This is the main reason I dislike Taylor Cutlery -- they do this too often for my liking.

Joe
 
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