A formal apology from Jared West of Mantis Knives

[SPXTrader]

I think one of the reasons he won't be back is because he'll have to put in writing what's what. And I'm not so sure he wants to do that.

But feel free to call him anytime! I hope you have a recorder going if you do.

 

[STDK]

It takes a big man to apologize and sometimes itakes a bigger man to accept it. Personally I dont think I have even seen a Mantis knife but I can accept his apology for his mistakes.

 

[JTR357]

here's one

 

[Esav Benyamin]

The knives aren't the point. The steel isn't the point. Lots of companies, some better known, some less, lots of designs and quality of construction. Ya pays yer money an ya takes yer choice.

Mantis got off to a bad start here when dozens of posts opened up arguing back and forth about the knives, about the campaign to sell them. They will never completely live that down, but they can lower the decibel level of the discussion and let future sales speak for themselves.

One of the problems with spamming, like trolling, is it generates conflict here. Some of that conflict is self-inflicted, with members enjoying the food fight. In any case, please understand that your own reactions are up to you. You have a right to them, but they aren't someone else's fault. Ignore, don't click on the thread, move on.

 

[richard j]

well said g.vantilburg:thumbup: you saved me the trouble of telling him

 

[richard j]

spx, i wonder if he can handle a massive ammount of calls? how could anyone be sure its really him on the other end and not some flunkie?

 

[The Moose]

your forgiven

 

[g.vantilburg]

The knives aren't the point. The steel isn't the point. Lots of companies, some better known, some less, lots of designs and quality of construction. Ya pays yer money an ya takes yer choice.

Mantis got off to a bad start here when dozens of posts opened up arguing back and forth about the knives, about the campaign to sell them. They will never completely live that down, but they can lower the decibel level of the discussion and let future sales speak for themselves.

One of the problems with spamming, like trolling, is it generates conflict here. Some of that conflict is self-inflicted, with members enjoying the food fight. In any case, please understand that your own reactions are up to you. You have a right to them, but they aren't someone else's fault. Ignore, don't click on the thread, move on.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

 

[enderwiggin]

I'm glad to see an apology, and I think it was somewhat admirable.

Somewhat because an apology was needed, but it's also partially just saving face.

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." --Warren Buffett.

There's still a long way for Mantis Knives to go toward building their reputation, especially with all the dishonest testimonials as credit toward the negative.


A good start would be for Jared to go back to posting under his Jared_West username, instead of posting as Made4Blade.

 

[ragingwolf66]

I'm glad to see an apology, and I think it was somewhat admirable.

Somewhat because an apology was needed, but it's also partially just saving face.

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." --Warren Buffett.

There's still a long way for Mantis Knives to go toward building their reputation, especially with all the dishonest testimonials as credit toward the negative.


A good start would be for Jared to go back to posting under his Jared_West username, instead of posting as Made4Blade.

Very good post, However, Jared West is not Made4Blade. M4B is Located in Boyne city Michigan. Jared West and Mantis knives are located in Anaheim California. They are both Friends of mine. Just so there is no Confusion, I am in Troy, Montana.

 

[Bushman5]

i'm all tingly, the uber drama in this thread is out of this world!

 

[Keith Montgomery]

Jared, it's good to see that you realize that what you did wasn't appropriate.

 

[Jos]

I think this "apology" only comes about because he saw that his "Mantis Militia" wasn't having the desired effect.

Kind regards,

Jos

 

[macgregor22]

was that the real jared west or someone pretending to be him?

Fake!

The first two paragraphs were copy and pasted from the mantits website.

The rest could be put together from the spam threads in TGTB&TU including the cell # that was posted there.

 

[Jared_West]

During the hours following my apology to the forums, I thought about all of the points that I may have missed, and whether I should weigh in again...I decided to do so.

I will be the first to admit that the look of the Mantis Knives lineup isn't for everyone. They're unique, some folks like them while others have no interest at all. This is okay! But the quality of the knives or the steel that is used should NEVER be questioned. There should be NO misconceptions whatsoever: I've put into writing ALL of the specifications of ALL of the knives. At any time, you can take a look at MY website to find all the information that you might want. In addition, I will mail a catalog to anyone who is interested in learning more about what we're trying to do here OR finally, you can take a look at the (current) September 2008 issue of BLADE magazine where the writer speaks very transparently about my knives being designed and built in prototype form here in the U.S. but then being built in quantity in Taiwan.

Mantis offers a lifetime warranty on ALL of our products, no questions, no conditions...we couldn't do that if our knives weren't of quality. Period.

To reiterate though, I never intended for any of my actions to be construed as unscrupulous.

With Mantis and the Mantis Militia, I'm mainly concerned with creating a homogenous environment where loyal Mantis customers can share ideas and lend a helping hand in creating some great products for all of us to enjoy. I've learned a lot from our customers in our brief history, the Militia is an extremely vital part of the Mantis organization.

I'm pretty sure that I've said all that needs to be said with this second attempt, thanks for taking the time to hear (read) me out. I do appreciate it.

 

[shecky]

Sorry, Mr. West. That reply simply won't do. What you did is unforgivable in the eyes of the knife Gods. Without true contrition and total submission to our hurt feelings, the name of Mantis knives will not be spoken here with out an accompanying curse, rending of clothes, and lamentations over the state of the world which allows you to earn a living.

 

[severedthumbs]

Sorry, Mr. West. That reply simply won't do. What you did is unforgivable in the eyes of the knife Gods. Without true contrition and total submission to our hurt feelings, the name of Mantis knives will not be spoken here with out an accompanying curse, rending of clothes, and lamentations over the state of the world which allows you to earn a living.

knife gods? pffffft lol

 

[LX_Emergency]

There really is a simple solution to all this.

First of all Jared West needs to make a statement similar to this one:

"I behaved like an idiot, I'm sorry."

Second he needs to offer to send a few of his knives out to wellrespected members for a testing. Maybe on a loan he he's not willing to give them away for keeps....but if for a loan at least knowing that they'll be USED (read...not ABUSED...) and might come back with a few scratches.

The knives will speak for themselves that way and everyone can be happy.

(PS...don't own any of his knives....don't know if I ever will but I kind of like the look of the Classier Act knife he makes.)

 

[nathan310]

During the hours following my apology to the forums, I thought about all of the points that I may have missed, and whether I should weigh in again...I decided to do so.

I will be the first to admit that the look of the Mantis Knives lineup isn't for everyone. They're unique, some folks like them while others have no interest at all. This is okay! But the quality of the knives or the steel that is used should NEVER be questioned. There should be NO misconceptions whatsoever: I've put into writing ALL of the specifications of ALL of the knives. At any time, you can take a look at MY website to find all the information that you might want. In addition, I will mail a catalog to anyone who is interested in learning more about what we're trying to do here OR finally, you can take a look at the (current) September 2008 issue of BLADE magazine where the writer speaks very transparently about my knives being designed and built in prototype form here in the U.S. but then being built in quantity in Taiwan.

Mantis offers a lifetime warranty on ALL of our products, no questions, no conditions...we couldn't do that if our knives weren't of quality. Period.

To reiterate though, I never intended for any of my actions to be construed as unscrupulous.

With Mantis and the Mantis Militia, I'm mainly concerned with creating a homogenous environment where loyal Mantis customers can share ideas and lend a helping hand in creating some great products for all of us to enjoy. I've learned a lot from our customers in our brief history, the Militia is an extremely vital part of the Mantis organization.

I'm pretty sure that I've said all that needs to be said with this second attempt, thanks for taking the time to hear (read) me out. I do appreciate it.

Well that clears it up.

Thanks for the apology.

I wish you well...

God Bless 8)

 

[Ramm9]

Mediocre try, still don’t buy it. Pretty successful at getting another thread started. Good or bad it’s all publicity. Nope, not interested in the web site or a catalog. It's too easy to claim "mistake by copywriter." Nice plug once again. Why am I reminded of fast moving marketing speak from the days of the Internet boom.

"no message. I've already spent enough time with this loser."Jared West,owner,Mantis
Typical comment, in my opinion, by someone who has to be sure to get in the last word...push a button. This time it wasn’t the usual teen, and managements true feeling about the customer has been exposed. Customers of the company that don’t fall in line are “losers.”


"no message. I've already spent enough time with this loser."Jared West,owner,Mantis

The thread title is the note he posted on my paypal refund of $50.
Curiously, aside from his insulting note at the end, I never got any kind of answer to my questions on the true product material, ... or inaccuracies,... or lies.... take your pic.

Still no answers, maybe answers keep changing too fast to commit to them personally. Why do I have the feeling the thinking is "let the losers order a catalog?"


"no message. I've already spent enough time with this loser."Jared West,owner,Mantis

Not to stand on ceremony, but, no, I haven't heard anything...... Anyway, when sales start to drop, with anyone or any company, creative things happen..

Yes, despite the insult to a customer...no apology. It’s important for management to establish a company culture not to take any static from customers. (note: roll eyes = sarcastic) This time, maybe the “alligator mouth overloaded the hummingbird a$$.”

I know that the Mantis knives are...... I think it is really cool of Jared for appologizing....... I personally thank you....

.... On the auction in question, it was a mistake....Hope this clears it up for you.

NOT and employee? Okay, then sounds like a manufacturer’s rep. If so, this is one Principle that is taking up too much time and might even tarnish credibility.


Date: June 19, 2008
“This is Jared West, founder of your Mantis Knife Company”.........
“From time to time, I read what is said about MANTIS KNIVES on these forums. Sometimes I like what is said, other times…I DON’T.”.........

“Go to one of the following forums: www.bladeforums.com, www.usualsuspects.net or www.jerzeedevil.com/forums and start a buzz.....
..... “In this mission, three rewards will be given”........
.....”Three prize knives will be given to the three most opinionated Militia Members on that date”........

Amazing! What a plan...Let’s steal some advertising by stealing someone else’s bandwidth and get even for the “other times…I DON’T.” like what is said on “these forums.”
Oh, and let’s use the “losers” that don’t know any better to do the stealing.

I think some management missed that “Ethics in Business” class. If the company can get down to distributing knives and find some mature marketing advice, I wish them luck despite being a insulted consumer just like Diamdave.


Here’s a non-cutlery link that mentions the company. I'm not familiar with the website, they may be fact or fiction.
http://www.fansofrealitytv.com/foru...nge-county/70098-quinn-fry-season-3-a-29.html