I spoke to Stephen on his Instagram page. He admitted that it was 'inspired' by Don, but then proceeded to point out one or two differences that were supposed to make it original somehow. This tells me that it was purposeful, not an accident (and come on, that's a pretty far fetched 'design' to come up with out of the blue, particularly considering his other handle shapes). In addition, a number of other people commented the same thing. Deleting those comments, to me...was the part that made it truly something I personally wouldn't appreciate. Another guy has been copying Don's handles as well. His name is Joe Edson (he's a great guy) and he mostly makes straight razors. The difference is, he fully admitted it, as well as admitting that he did it out of complete and total respect for Don's work. The posts are still public on his Instagram page...rather than being hidden to avoid notice. Similar actions, two different responses from the people who did it, and a completely different reaction from people who stood up and pointed it out.
The thing about this issue is that makers who come up with unique designs that are both beautiful and functional are rare. Even rarer are those that come up with unique designs that are exceedingly beautiful and functional. If we don't back them as a community, there's very little incentive for them to do so outside of their own will. I can tell you that as an artist/sculptor of sorts, that will is strong...but if someone were copying my art, and the community that I made it for didn't stand up for my efforts in the face of pretty blatant plagiarism...I would be more than a little saddened.
It would be a lot different folks, if he had just modified a 'wa' handle. Don's handle isn't an octagonal/wa handle in the first place...it's not even freaking close. It's more of a skewed hexagonal/multi-tapered diamond with purposeful facets. It is/was completely unique in the kitchen knife world. Think about Bob Loveless. There's a MILLION knife makers out there copying his design. But guess what the design is called? A Loveless drop point. I think Don's design is unique enough to warrant at MINIMUM the respect of calling your copy of his work by his name in a public format. 'Here is my 240mm chef's knife with a Don Nguyen style/inspired handle'...and not just once, either. Every single time you make one.
Doesn't seem so hard at all to me.