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
