"Originality" of SOG's new knives?

[Sean]

Here is an interesting little response from Spencer (Sog), Blade Forums.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7780434&postcount=90

[Medic82]

Here is an interesting little response from Spencer (Sog), Blade Forums.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7780434&postcount=90

And I am not a member................Copy/Paste anyone?

[AHB]

Here is an interesting little response from Spencer (Sog), Blade Forums.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7780434&postcount=90

And I am not a member................Copy/Paste anyone?

PM sent..

[Woz]

Can I get this PM too please? I´m not a member on bladeforums.

[Sean]

here you go...

 After reading through the many comments here and on other threads and forums, I've had a chance to digest your thoughts and concerns- in turn, I passed those concerns onto Spencer (our founder and Chief Designer) to get his thought on the matter. Here is his response.



Thank you for your comments and input. Just to clarify a few misconceptions that we have seen in print lately- SOG is and always has been dedicated to producing innovative quality products with the needs of the consumer in mind. Since our inception in 1986, we have seen the industry evolve and grow. We are proud of the fact that we have been responsible, along with many others, in helping this happen. Today there are so many companies and individuals out there contributing to our great industry, and as a result many ideas appear across company lines; You can be assured that we at SOG work hard to protect our trademark and intellectual properties, while at the same time working to respect the intellectual property of others.

There are many many designs out in the market. We as designers and manufacturers individually contribute to the advancement of the industry as a whole through our innovations. As occurs with all industries, when a design feature becomes popularized , others within the industry look to build upon this innovation. A great example would be the hole in the blade that now is used by many companies- Did you know that this was originated by Scagel back in the 30’s? Or the tanto blade shape made popular in many tactical designs, which originated in ancient Japanese styling and now commonplace for many knife companies? SOG saw our bowie style folders spread though the industry, and the same can be said for other’s innovations, like the lock back, the liner lock, the interframe, thumbstuds, the invent of multi-tools, kraton handles, clips on knives, etc.

Indeed all knives have historical precedent. Although it is a very distinctive product in its own right, our SogZilla line did call upon previous generations of knives for inspiration. There is no chance of it being mistaken as it is emblazoned with the SOG logo, has a novel opening shape, distinctive dual directional handle pattern, and other design features which are unique to itself.

On another note we are concerned with the threat to all of the legitimate knife companies and knife buying public with the blatant copy and counterfeiting of products. There are people out there who are exactly copying a product, brand name, logo, and even packaging. We have seen this in greater incidence and are actively combating each and every occurrence.

We appreciate your passion and dedication to the knife category and to SOG. You can be assured that we will continue to push forward and contribute to the evolution of the industry as we create exciting new products.

Spencer Frazer
Founder and Chief Designer




I hope this helps alleviate any concerns you may have, or at the very least clarify SOG's official position on the matter. As always, if you have thoughts or concerns you wish to share on a one on one basis, you can always email me at marketing@sogknives.com.

Chris Cashbaugh
SOG Marketing Director
Reply With Quote

[Medic82]

“You can be assured that we at SOG work hard to protect our trademark and intellectual properties, while at the same time working to respect the intellectual property of others.”

I really noticed that when I bought a counterfeit SOG knife and reported the seller to SOG, not a single word from them, they didn’t even send me an e-mail confirming that they had gotten my mail. I even mailed them a second time with some more information about the seller but still no word.

I also bought a Spyderco from the same seller that was also counterfeit so I reported him to Spyderco also, they on the other hand gave me a quick response that the mail had been sent to the legal department and within 2 weeks I got a mail from the head of the legal department thanking me for the mail.

[DaveK]

So what was Spencer Frazer responding to? Did I miss something?

[Magnus]

so translated from corporatespeak:

no, it isn't a blatant copy.

no it really isn't a blatant copy!

It really, really, really isn't a blatant copy!!

stop bullying meeee!!!! 

[Medic82]

So what was Spencer Frazer responding to? Did I miss something?

I have no idea, but I think it is the consern about quality and production moving to China? If it is a response to that concern then I think it’s a bad response.

[AHB]

So what was Spencer Frazer responding to? Did I miss something?

There's a six pages thread on bladeforum about SOG supposedly is copying others designs...

[Medic82]

So what was Spencer Frazer responding to? Did I miss something?

There's a six pages thread on bladeforum about SOG supposedly is copying others designs...

Well DUH! The one knife that I have seen sure looked like a Spyderco knife.

[DaveK]

So what was Spencer Frazer responding to? Did I miss something?

There's a six pages thread on bladeforum about SOG supposedly is copying others designs...

You mean like the one that looks like a Spydie in the OP of this thread?

Yup - Spencer Frazer's response makes perfect sense now. Thank Allan

[hawkchucker]

Yup Smells like fish.

[Magnus]

Yup Smells like fish.

No, this smells like fish.

[hawkchucker]

Haaaaaaaaaa. But unfortunatly he really did not explain how these blades are way to close to the original design.

[Anthony]

Yea Bladeforums had a few threads about this actually.  The knife community is not happy with SOG at all.

Another weird thing I just realized...why woulden't SOG rip off a really expensive Spyderco model instead of the $50-$60 Endura (or was it the Delica they ripped off?)...I'm guessing the SOG copy is going to be comparable in price, so why not copy a $200 Spyderco model?

[hawkchucker]

I know with the pics of the 4 knives in question. There is no way it was coincedince. The honest answer he should have gave is "Yes we took thier designs and changed them a total of 3 MM per knife. But no They had to take the low road and basically sad everyone does it. Well the Zilla was bad.Toothlock worse, The Fielder painful, but the Tomcat 3 LTD. Come on they really cant take us as that stupid. I for one cringe at what they have become and that is a shame to have a company with a long history that was clean is now tainted.

[J-sews]

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SOGZilla

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Endura

Okay, so I see how much the SOGZilla resembles the Spyderco Endura, but I'm not familiar with those other ones John. Do you have any links/pictures?

[hawkchucker]

Yah in that thread. Let me see if I can shift it here

[hawkchucker]

[hawkchucker]

[hawkchucker]

[hawkchucker]

[hawkchucker]

Those are why I am ticked.

[Sazabi]

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What model Spyderco is that?  It's  . ... Or is that the massive Police model? XD

[Edit:  And yes, the SOG "models" are blatant rip offs of the Spyderco, Benchmade, and... whatever the other two companies are... designs. :/  I'm happy I only have the free Micron SOG sent me, because I'm definitely not spending my money on them now. :/  ... And especially not on that rebranded light. o.O]

[Freudian Frog]

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Okay, the other two I understand but this one doesn't really encroach much at all.

[Witmen]

I didn't know about all the other designs SOG has stolen.  Now that I do I honestly can't believe it,  This is the crap that you expect from some Chinese made knife that you would buy at a flea market for a few dollars.  I used to buy those knives all the time when I was a kid.  They were real generic, blatant copies of good knives.  Now it's a very well known American company doing it. 

How could they decide to do this?  Did they really think people wouldn't notice? 

[Santos]

  Not defending sog here but in some respects how many ways can you really make a conventional knife???
Handles and blades have to be a certain shape to work

The tanto one the blade looks different and hasn't it got the`SOG patented locking system so its more of sog improving on their design hey?

(i don't really buy sog knifes but i am keeping an eye on their multitools, a locking paratool and a fat lockback knife with pliers is what i am hopping for)

[Magnus]

Not defending sog here but in some respects how many ways can you really make a conventional knife???
Handles and blades have to be a certain shape to work

The tanto one the blade looks different and hasn't it got the`SOG patented locking system so its more of sog improving on their design hey?

(i don't really buy sog knifes but i am keeping an eye on their multitools, a locking paratool and a fat lockback knife with pliers is what i am hopping for)

Despite my previous comments, I actually quite agree with this.

The blade shapes on several look quite different on the SOG models too, almost a little "kukriish".

[Precise]

I don't get what all the fuss is about. I agree there is only so many ways you can make a tactical folder. I think this is going to become pretty standard soon.

I have case stockman, but gasp! I have seen GEC, Queen, Buck etc etc all have stockmans that look right down almost like it. Slippies have been around for a *really* long time. It is *expected* for a company to offer to a stockman slipjoint, or maybe a trapper. See my point?

Think about it, tacticals have only been mass produced for a few decades now. Only now were getting to the point were certain blade shapes are coming to the fore for purpose, usefulness and tacticoolness. In a few years from now you'll find a guy with a collection of all 'tanto' blade. Some from the SOG line, spyderco, benchmade, cold steel such an so forth.

It is a changing industry.