Ok, here's my take (not that anyone cares). I've never met most of the parties involved here. I have, however, met Mick. I talked to him at Blade this year, and he seemed like a genuinely nice guy. He took time to talk to me, as well as just about everyone else around me. I don't know much about Kevin McClung. I've read some of the things he's had to say over the years, and was thuroughly unimpressed. He seems like an egomaniac. As for Tim Tang.....I've delt with him in the past, and have had nothing but good luck. I don't know how or why he got involved in all of this, but if he did spread the afformentioned info, shame on him. I own products from all of the involved parties. I carry multiple knives every day. I'm a knifemaker, so I always carry one of my own blades. I don't make folders (yet), however, so that void has to (for the moment at least) be filled by another maker. You know what knife finds it's way into my pocket, day in, and day out? An SnG. You know why? Because it is one hell of a knife. I didn't know anything about Mick's past until this little debacle. Did it change my mind about Strider knives? Nope. Did it change my mind about Mick? Not really. He's still the same guy I met in Atlanta this year. He's still the same guy who makes the knife in my pocket. I realize that people do dumb things.........God knows I have. It's what you do afterwards that really matters. From what I can see, Mick has made something of himself. He's been a positive influence on people. You can't argue that. I only hope that people realize that this whole thing is rediculous. I'll continue to carry my SnG because it's the best all around folder I've ever owned. I'll continue to use Maxpedetion products, but I won't buy any more. At least not for the time being. As for Cold Steel and Mad Dog knives...........well..........I own one of each. Have forever. I won't get rid of those knives (they're good knives), but I won't buy any more. Not only because the owners are suspect, but, quite frankly, because the knives are outdated. If you use twenty year old technology to make a product, expect it to be surpassed by new, more innovative makers. It's that simple. I may seem like a noob here, but I've been lurking for years. I'm not much of a poster (as you can see from my post count). I do, however, know how I feel. Like I said, this whole thing is a joke. People need to relax. I think the product should speak for itself. People will vote with their wallets, and from what I've seen, Strider Knives is in no trouble whatsoever. I'm not defending anyone here, I'm just giving people my observations.
Oh yeah, not only is Mick a good guy, but so is Duane. I got to talk with him in the pit for quite a while, and he's definately one of the good guys too!
Thanks,
Evan