The Original 0777

[Thomas W]

Recently there has been a revelation that Microtech came out with a knife called "Project X" at the NYKS. Many have complained that it is a blatant copy of the ZT 0777, but wondered if there was an agreement or collaboration with ZT concerning these two knives.

I've opted to take the high road with my answers here as I think its best.

The ZT0777 is an in-house Kai design. Jim MacNair headed the project, and was assisted by the talents of the R&D team surrounding him. We did not work with MT on the design. Never consulted with them. Their "Project X" knife is on them. They opted to create another manufacturer's design. That is their prerogative. It is what it is.

To say the 0777 or the "Project X" came from Dmitry or was inspired by his work as stated on a MT forum would be inaccurate.

As to concerning IP issues, as with all our patents, we are very protective...

Hopefully this doesn't sour the upcoming ZT 0777, but instead shows how influential the design really is.

Again, here are images of the original ZT 0777:

 

[nick425]

Sigh...

 

[JTR357]

Thanks for the clarification Thomas.

 

[mongomondo]

Microtech is smart! Why waste millions on R&D when you can just steal.

 

[Los Angeles]

Thomas, I tried to contact you via the forum, but it looks like access is blocked.

I want you to know that Arizona Custom Knives is selling (or was selling) the 0777 knock-off for $1895. By profiting off of the sale of this knife, they should be considered in your actions.

Here is the link: http://arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=23052

Thank you,

Kent

 

[Steven65]

Thomas I have not seen the Microtech "Project X" but if it is indeed produced as a blatant copy of your 0777, I will dispose of all my Microtech's and never buy another one.........ever.

I really am at a loss to understand such behavior.

Edit- I have just seen LA's post above mine.........The knife is basically identical! this is disgraceful!

 

[EricV]

Thanks for the update, its sad that its needed.

But the 777 will still be as epic as its been since its debut!

 

[Colog]

It is a blatant copy in every way. It is just discusting to me. As someone said in the Michrotech forum, makes me want to throw up in my mouth. I had been interested in some of their knives. Not any more.

 

[Tony8179]

Ridiculous. I will never buy another Microtech again. Tony Marfione.... He's a real classy fella.

 

[ssblood]

I hope your legal department picked that up for evidence

 

[presz]

Looks like they are related.

 

[ono724]

Wow, yeah, I'd say they're as close as you can get without being twins.

 

[larry1096]

You know, my all-time favorite knife is my MT SOCOM. Now that they're back in production, I'd decided to pick up a spare, but not now. Between this and the MSAR warranty debacle, I can't send another cent toward Mr. Marfione and crew.

So looks like I'll have to pick up a ZT; the 200 looks nice....


Larry

 

[Socom Elite]

I would like to hear what MT has to say. "oh, we'll its a coincidence that they look the same" I'm sure that's what they will say. It's either that or "yea, we stole your design". On top of that MT has never made a flipper before either. I really hope KAI takes them to court on this

 

[gundude73]

It is a blatant copy in every way. It is just discusting to me. As someone said in the Michrotech forum, makes me want to throw up in my mouth. I had been interested in some of their knives. Not any more.

+1.....

 

[Thomas W]

So a little update. I've tried to go on the MT site and post, but my status has been "pending" for a while now.
This one is for you CJ...

As to the ZT OTF part of the story.
At Blade, we had an OTF that we had been playing with for a while. We wanted to prove out an OTF, and never really did. In cycle testing, we never felt there was long term success with the internals. They all failed. 2 proto's were brought to Blade. While we could have produced and sold these OTF's, had a lot of interest, we never were comfortable with the durability and warranty portions associated with OTF's. Thus the project was scrapped. Shortly after, all auto's for 2012 were disco'd.

Tony came by the booth and wanted to see the OTF, and was a tad rude in his take. Whatever, I wasn't too bothered.

Guess this is some odd way of "revenge" for OTF's (that never made it to market) that apparently he has ultimate dibs on.

Oh, I should add that he got upset that his award winning S/F needed a name change. At Blade MT had the piece named as "Select Fire". I let Jim know that we had a Select Fire G.G. Hawk piece out for a couple years now. Guess a Google search is too difficult to do prior to naming a knife and going to market with it?

So there is the story on the OTF CJ.

 

[Bjblade]

That is unbelievably sad and petty. I've never had a microtech, never like the feel of them for a 400 dollar knife. and now i never will.

 

[jaynick]

wow. thats a close copy. i would never purchase this because of its crazy price tag and blatant use of zt's award winning design, BUT ill be the first to admit that the cowry x steel and the tri-wing screw designs have me intrigued. the one thing that is disappointing about the 777 to me is the 440c equivalent steel being used. i still have one on preorder though..

at least you guys at KAI know youre doing something right.. keep it up! p.s. i want my tilt that never came and a zt560!!!

 

[thegeek574]

On a knife that will most likely never see use, the steel doesn't matter. it costs more than a sebenza and is a darn sight prettier. why would you want to use that?

Thomas, It is really sad to know that a company I though was decent has started to follow the examples of some chinese companies. harumph.

 

[rororo64]

Is there by any chance going to be another colaboration with Grant and Gavin Hawk to make another knife to replace the Ram thats supposed to be disco'd?