A formal apology from Jared West of Mantis Knives

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To: All forum users who've been offended,
From: Jared West of Mantis Knives

This post should serve as a formal apology for some over-zealous marketing techniques that I recently used to spread the word about our products.

As some of you may know, I'm a 27 year old man with an undying love of all things sharp. I've loved knives ever since I was a little kid...not unlike most of you. Two years ago, at the advice of a wise knifemaker and friend, I founded the Mantis Knife Co. The goal of Mantis Knives was to bring high quality, high-tech knives to the industry at a reasonable price.

Mantis has gained a following, certainly comprised of like-minded individuals with similar taste in design as myself. But it was always been my goal as the leader of this company; to show ALL "knife nuts" our lineup, and to expose even the savviest of knife buyers to something vastly different.

It was/is NEVER my intention to "dupe" or trick anyone. From time to time I would visit Bladeforums, and on one particular visit, I read a post that hurled insults at both my designs and myself, and made terrible false accusations. This angered me greatly, as it would ANY of you, and I reacted. Later that day I put in an inquiry to our collector's club and I asked them to write into the forums to speak THEIR minds about their own Mantis experience. I did this because I KNOW 100% of them are more than satisfied with their knife, with Mantis as a company, and with me; Jared West...the guy they've grown to know as a friend and fellow knife-nut. I felt that with their testimonials, that some of the skeptics out there would realize that there's really no need to fear the unknown, and would allow Mantis to present our knives in a neutral setting. Boy was I wrong... My inquiry to The Militia was construed as something entirely different, and for this I apologize.

It was brought to my attention that even some of my personal past struggles were brought into the forums by some users, and I would like to address this as well. Yes, it's true that I've had past struggles with the law, but I feel very fortunate to have turned that part of my life around while still in my twenties. I've been granted the serenity to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference...and this will remain within me, god-willing...one day at a time.

The bottom line is this: On a daily basis, I strive to create some great products for ALL of us to enjoy. I hope that all of you will accept my most sincere apology for any offenses caused by my actions. I'd rather "face the music" head on, than to hide from it.

My hope is that this post is taken seriously, as it comes from my heart. I've never lied to any of my customers about ANYTHING. I never meant to offend a single one of you, and should any of you feel the need to comment on what you've read here, please call me directly at Mantis (714) 701-9136.

Thank you for your time,

Jared West
 
Jared,

I for one think it's stand up to offer an apology.

However, there does seem to be a lot of controversy about some of the steels you use versus what you SAY they are. could you comment on how you manage to sell seemingly expensive steel very cheaply?

thanks,
brett
 
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You can use "the google" (trademark J McCain) to see that he is a knifemaker.
From some reviews it seems his work is compared to Cold Steel.
 
Eh, no problem, I forgive ya.' Some of the guys in W&C might take a bit more convincing, though.:D
 
It is stand up to offer an appology. Why would you expect a knife company to be taken seriously, but call its collectors the militia? And what exactly is the deal with the conflicting reports of your steels?
 
IMO as long as he's being honest and trying to make ammends for what he percieved offened others I think it would be unfair not to accept his apology.

And even though I'm known to be a little cynical I give him the benefit of the doubt and I have more respect for him and his knives than I had before I read his apology.

But if he's lying (which is a possibilty when any human being speaks)about products and materials and that can be proven, that apology would only add insult to injury.
 
Considering your closing statement, I assume you are done posting here. If not I have a couple of questions.

1. What countries are your knives made in?

2. Why do your knives have no country of origin label?
 
Sorry, Mr. West. The only way you'll make amends to me personally is by sending me a Mantis knife. Like many folks on this board, I can be self righteous and indignant when a knife company crosses the arbitrary boundary of offensiveness. But I can be bought.
 
To: All forum users who've been offended,
From: Jared West of Mantis Knives

This post should serve as a formal apology for some over-zealous marketing techniques that I recently used to spread the word about our products.

As some of you may know, I'm a 27 year old man with an undying love of all things sharp. I've loved knives ever since I was a little kid...not unlike most of you. Two years ago, at the advice of a wise knifemaker and friend, I founded the Mantis Knife Co. The goal of Mantis Knives was to bring high quality, high-tech knives to the industry at a reasonable price.

Mantis has gained a following, certainly comprised of like-minded individuals with similar taste in design as myself. But it was always been my goal as the leader of this company; to show ALL "knife nuts" our lineup, and to expose even the savviest of knife buyers to something vastly different.

It was/is NEVER my intention to "dupe" or trick anyone. From time to time I would visit Bladeforums, and on one particular visit, I read a post that hurled insults at both my designs and myself, and made terrible false accusations. This angered me greatly, as it would ANY of you, and I reacted. Later that day I put in an inquiry to our collector's club and I asked them to write into the forums to speak THEIR minds about their own Mantis experience. I did this because I KNOW 100% of them are more than satisfied with their knife, with Mantis as a company, and with me; Jared West...the guy they've grown to know as a friend and fellow knife-nut. I felt that with their testimonials, that some of the skeptics out there would realize that there's really no need to fear the unknown, and would allow Mantis to present our knives in a neutral setting. Boy was I wrong... My inquiry to The Militia was construed as something entirely different, and for this I apologize.

It was brought to my attention that even some of my personal past struggles were brought into the forums by some users, and I would like to address this as well. Yes, it's true that I've had past struggles with the law, but I feel very fortunate to have turned that part of my life around while still in my twenties. I've been granted the serenity to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference...and this will remain within me, god-willing...one day at a time.

The bottom line is this: On a daily basis, I strive to create some great products for ALL of us to enjoy. I hope that all of you will accept my most sincere apology for any offenses caused by my actions. I'd rather "face the music" head on, than to hide from it.

My hope is that this post is taken seriously, as it comes from my heart. I've never lied to any of my customers about ANYTHING. I never meant to offend a single one of you, and should any of you feel the need to comment on what you've read here, please call me directly at Mantis (714) 701-9136.

Thank you for your time,

Jared West
I have just one question - if you were so offended by what one poster in particular wrote, why did you not come to the board immediately and respond instead of sending your minions on your behalf? What you did was classless, if you ask me.
 
I can appreciate your public apology here... Even if it is a little late. Personally, I think that you caused more damage to your company's "reputation" with that stunt than good. We... Well, I'll speak for myself. "I" did not enjoy all the riling up of both knife related forums that I frequent, by members of your "militia" out trying to win a knife. "I" will never even consider buying any of your knives based on this ploy, regardless of how good they may be. I have a feeling that many others now feel the same way.

BTW... Have you also apologized to BladeForums.com member diamdave as well over your note stating, "no message. I've already spent enough time with this loser." Jared West,owner,Mantis... ?

Thank you for your apology.
 
I have no lingering grudge over the 'contest'. But I hope you can take a moment to revisit this topic and answer the questions regarding your product line.

-Bob
 
I think it was a great gesture to stand up and apologize for what was construed as a mistake. Jared is a 27 year old man running a Knife company. With experience, I believe he will learn from successes as well as mistakes. At 27 I dont think I could have been an expert in business practices, Nor am I now at almost 42. I will continue to support Mantis Knives, and Jared West. I am a fan of his products, and am proud to call Jared my friend. I am glad that Mantis knives are different. If all knife companies were the same What would the point be??? That is why I am also a Huge Spyderco, Emerson, Strider, and Benchmade fan.
 
this still DOES NOT answer the lingering questions here. Nothing short of transparency is acceptable.

Brett
I think it was a great gesture to stand up and apologize for what was construed as a mistake. Jared is a 27 year old man running a Knife company. With experience, I believe he will learn from successes as well as mistakes. At 27 I dont think I could have been an expert in business practices, Nor am I now at almost 42. I will continue to support Mantis Knives, and Jared West. I am a fan of his products, and am proud to call Jared my friend. I am glad that Mantis knives are different. If all knife companies were the same What would the point be??? That is why I am also a Huge Spyderco, Emerson, Strider, and Benchmade fan.
 
Although the public apology was a nice gesture,I have to agree that it loses all meaning when it's not done personally.


Also calling your knife collectors the "Mantis Militia" only adds ammo to the anti-knife people,which is never appreciated among the knife community.


My personal opinion on your knifes is that they are...well that's not important.


Good luck Jared
 
Well, FWIW, I do own a Mantis knife. A small keychain-sized hawkbill/multitool. I've said it before and I'll say it again. The fit and finish on that knife is flawless. Now, where's my free knife, Jared?

I keed, I keed... ;)

Seriously, it's a very well made knife. Any knife company would be proud to release a knife with such a high level of workmanship. Jared West didn't ask me to say this. I was not compensated in any way. I bought the knife and was very impressed with it.

Also calling your knife collectors the "Mantis Militia" only adds ammo to the anti-knife people,which is never appreciated among the knife community.

I dunno. This level of humorlessness and self importance proves that anti-knife sentiment has won. Nothing about knives is so sacrosanct. Mantis isn't the first company to adopt some kind of martial theme. Thumbing through Blade magazine reveals many ads of well respected knife companies associating their products with badass knife fighters and mean old black firearms. "Mantis Militia" seems pretty tongue-in-cheek in comparison. To selectively criticize one company for practices many companies engage in nullifies the weight of the criticism.
 
I dunno. This level of humorlessness and self importance proves that anti-knife sentiment has won. Nothing about knives is so sacrosanct. Mantis isn't the first company to adopt some kind of martial theme. Thumbing through Blade magazine reveals many ads of well respected knife companies associating their products with badass knife fighters and mean old black firearms. "Mantis Militia" seems pretty tongue-in-cheek in comparison. To selectively criticize one company for practices many companies engage in nullifies the weight of the criticism.

I agree with this sentiment wholeheartedly. I think we need to lighten up a bit and see convenient alliteration for what it is, with a sense of humor.
 
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