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[Ed Schempp]

Over my years of bladesmithing I have observed a problem reoccuring that hurts the free flow of information. The problem is that occassionally pattern, design or material technology is often credited to the people whom get published first, not necessarily the innovator of that process or technology. I believe this distorts the truth, and makes the innovator reluctant to share new information for fear of being "ripped off". A proactive approach to solving this problem would be to develop an archival system, where with documentation an accurate chronological account of technological advancements within the industry could be recorded for all to view.

This effort might include a committee, group, or board of interested but disinterested people to evaluate and authorize the information to be archived. A web site to support this process might be necessary.

When a maker "discovers' a new process or technology several years might pass before the information is dissemenated to the site, giving that innovator the opportunity to capitalize economically on that information. But as soon as one person posts on that technology the flood gates will open and all parties of interest will post to protect thier contribution to the industry. I feel that this system will help the dissemination of information to the industry while protecting the innovators of that information. I believe that this is a win-win deal. I'm very interested in any and all comments that would help develop this archival effort. This is a little like the U.S. patent system without the expense, lawsuits, and bad feelings. I believe that it would promote truth and education and overall advancement to the industry. This could apply to commercial as well as the handmade industry.

[Tightwad]

Ed, I'm not sure that the various knife forums is the place to
ask this question or promote a very good idea of this type.

I say that from a laymans point of view because while the forums
are populated by knife makers the majority will be hobbyist (sp?).
To really promote your idea might be better to engage in a letter
writing campaign to the various makers and the AKTI for their mambers
to consider.

What you say is true ,but, the fact that history isn't recorded correctly
about any given idea can often be laid at the feet of the person who made
the discovery. Many will not be willing ,or able , to take care of the details
of recording the history of their discover as science does with the "papers"
that they publish to announce their discovery. Knifemakers seldom
understand that the "devil is in the details" in anything you do.

Good luck on your effort as it is worthwhile.

[Ed Schempp]

Tightwad, You made some excellent points,pretaining to getting knifemakers to document their work is a great challenge, good participation is the best that can be hoped for. The knife buying public would also be a benficiary to an archival system. The educated informed buyer makes the best buying decisions. It give buyers the opportunity to do some background work on the makers and pieces they tend to purchase. Every knife I sell has a part of me in that knife, and it goes with the knife. Do you refer to your pieces by the model or the maker? Knowledge will set you free...Ed

[Ed Schempp]

Thanks for the patience

Edited by - Ed Schempp on 2/21/2002 12:41:23 AM

[Ed Schempp]

mistake, sorry

Edited by - Ed Schempp on 2/21/2002 12:40:08 AM

[Ed Schempp]

sorry

Edited by - Ed Schempp on 2/21/2002 12:38:08 AM

[Ed Schempp]

oops

Edited by - Ed Schempp on 2/21/2002 12:37:09 AM

[Ed Schempp]

oops

Edited by - Ed Schempp on 2/21/2002 12:35:55 AM

[sal]

Hi Ed. I fully agree that the need is there and some type of solution would benefit the industry.

Spyderco tried to do this several years ago with names of knives. Since we unintentionally used another companies names on two occassions. We couldn't get more than a few companies to submit to us a name list.

As mentioned, the details become important and the details are where the technology gets copied.

AKTI has begun the names list in an attempt to sort it out, but they have their hands (and money) tied up in legal battles and I question their ability to pull it off.

It's a difficult project. Proving one was first would be the first chore. I personally know of several designs in the industry right now that demonstrate what Ed is talking about and support Eds' suggestion.

Knife names, technological concepts, mechanical concepts, design concepts, all are a problem.

Ed, you might consider bringing this up on the main forum. There are many who visit there regularly that might have some suggestions.

Spyderco would be able to create the location in this site. We could even add another section dedicated to the problem. Manpower and an organized system would be difficult for us at this time.

sal

[Tightwad]

Ed, between model or maker I'd have to say maker would weigh
in as the heaviest.

Model names are the referance point for the exact product ,but
you need maker(s) names to get'em in the door. As a rule I always
look for who made it first .......then look to see if they have any models
I might like. For those times when I know the model I want I check
my favorite maker(s) first. Do that with most everything I buy........

[Ed Schempp]

Gentlemen, I have noted comments, thank you, and posted one message at the general forum, please except my apology for the multiple post.

[panguero]

<img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Edited by - sharp1 on 2/21/2002 1:01:42 PM

[Ed Schempp]

Sharp 1, thanks for the technical support...Ed