I agree completely with as far as clones go. There should be some kind of oversight as far as artic design rights. Knives and the design effort that goes into a quality piece is nothing short of functional art. I think as with all things there are obvious levels to the craft but when someone hits on that definitive design that is often ground breaking they should be the beneficiary of the benefits. Having cheaper priced knock offs that are never the gonna be the same as the original if only for not coming from the designers factory(tho more than usually clones lack in almost every aspect) but will always affect the success over time of the original. Man it seems like if designers can't sell their original s for what their worth after cost, then the industry could end up lacking where it has shinned most lately the explosion of knife designers, custom forges, and even companies that have come on the scene in America this last while. If each individual cog in the production, designers, forges, etc. Can't make a full time living or keep the doors open then we all suffer from what seems like would be an inevitable decline for the creative end of the market. Products are always made best by passionate people who love their craft and understand quality control can make or break a smaller company. I grew up in Alaska, guns and knives were always close if not on. It's a way of life still even in the town's, outside of Anchorage. Even in the city u don't need a conceal permit for either it's so ingrained. I've seen knives change like all else in my life time. I am constantly blown away by the creativeness and inguinuity in the knife market today. It's healthy and ever growing. I understand free markets are great for consumers but...
Wow got passionate myself there and a lil carried away. I'm interested to see what other people think about this. Does anyone know(if there isianyone is still out there) if there is any national or internation oversight as far as design credit, royalties, or like in the tech world Intellectual Property Rights for code and such, licensing laws...? Or is it just a free for all? If not then it seems like the ARTISTS, ENGINEERS, MACHINISTS to THE LOGISTICS WIZ, Hell most of American knife industry as it is may go the way of The Antartic Ice Shelf, Glaciers back home, or being able to punish your kids per your own discretion as to how u see fit! CONCERN OR CRAZY?