Where to draw the line on "borrowing" designs?

[Bruce Bump]

Thats an amazing picture to see 10 almost identical Senderos. Thanks for that one.

 

[JParanee]

I doubt there's anyone who can't see the above Hunters (Karl's design vs. Will's design) are different. It's just when many are striving to make the perfect hunter we get hunters that are more similar than dis-similar.

Many of the makers whose Hunter designs are the most copied vary from piece to piece. Jerry's Senderos always have subtle differences except when his intent is to make them close the same.

thats impresive may I ask are they all yours and if so how long did it take to amass this great collection of Sendero's

 

[Rossi Knives]

At Ashokan one year I really took a shine to a Tim Zowada knife. I asked Tim if he would mind if I made one similar. He said, "Nick, I think I have had one or two original ideas ever."

As long as credit is given and it is done with respect, I say fine.

 

[Kevin Jones]

thats impresive may I ask are they all yours and if so how long did it take to amass this great collection of Sendero's

Unfortunately they are not mine. All 10 knives were made as a set at the same time. Quite a project. Sorry if I got off topic here but thought they were relevant since discussing influential knife designs.

 

[mike deibert]

Thank you gentlemen for the feedback. I really appreciate all your insight. I know all these thoughts are going to make me a better maker. I'm quite impressed with the overall theme of humility between all who responded. That is one quality that I find often and admire most in craftsmen. Everyone who responded here was more willing to give the glory to their mentors then to themselves. That sort of attitude us quite refreshing.

You guys are awesome!
Mike

 

[David Stifle]

When I was starting out, I tried to copy several knives I liked. All of my efforts though, turned out to be "mine", very few people can copy a knife without turning it into their own. At least, that;s my experience.

And, even if I could very accurately copy a knife, I wouldn't. I likw working up my own designs.

Dave

 

[Will York]

...very few people can copy a knife without turning it into their own. At least, that;s my experience...

Dave

My experience, also. I find very significant differences between each of the three knives I posted in those photos and the other two, but the most obvious differences of all, to me, are the differences between those three knives and my sketch:

I wasn't even trying to do something original--I just listed all the aspects of a large hunter that I had come to appreciate over the years and realized I'd never had a knife that incorporated them all. That was my only reason for initiating the project.