Conversation with Distributor about 0777 debacle

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BePrepared

BePrepared

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Is it acceptable to post that discussion here or would that be a violation of some sort?
 
Can't help you with your question.

The process of bringing the 0777 to market has had its problems, so did the tilt and many knives do. Can't see how the word debacle could be included in the development process of the 0777.
 
Oh THAT debacle...I'm with your now.

All the other threads on the subject have been closed. Personaly I wouldn't post it out of respect to the mods.
 
If I were you I'd check with Thomas before posting. I already know his answer, though. Basically what 2shot said, "No".
 
I think i have my answer. If you're curious, email me and i'll fill you in when i have a chance.

otherwise, i think this is a closed issue
 
there it is then... here goes folks. I sent this to a website that i like. (stole my statement from another member). This conversation is on-going. I have replied in depth to his email, and am expecting a reply soonish. I will post it as it progresses.



I am writing this email to urge your store to stop selling the
Microtech Matrix folder. I'm sure your probably already aware but if
not the Microtech Matrix is a blatant
copy of the anticipated release by Kershaw/ZT 0777. There is a whole
back story I won't bore you with but the knife community has shown its
distaste in Microtechs
business practices and has urged dealers to not sell the Microtech
Matrix and many of them are doing just so. Deciding to do so would go
a long way with many in the
community and show that ***********.com cares more than just
making sales. Thanks you for your consideration.
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His reply

Hello Chris,



Thank you for the email. I like the fact that you are willing to voice your concern pertaining to the Microtech Matrix.

I am aware of the issues involving the Microtech Matrix, the back story of what led to its creation, and the ramifications it had on Microtech and the knife community.

The Microtech Matrix is obviously designed after the 0777.

Prior to posting the Matrix for sale on my website, I called Kershaw / ZT directly and spoke to my sales rep at ZT since we are an authorized dealer for them as well. I voiced my concerns about offering this knife for sale and what it would mean to our relationship with them.

According to my ZT rep, they have no problem with dealers selling the Matrix and went further to say they encourage it because they feel their product is superior (and the publicity from the Matrix has caused ZTs sales to go through the roof this year).

Microtech functions in the same way that ZT works… they send knives to dealers followed by an invoice. We received the Microtech Matrix’s and paid for them prior to the fiasco the Matrix created. Each of the Matrix knives cost us $1700; dealer cost (plus shipping) which is a lot of money invested in knives that cannot be sold.

The reason why we are offering the Matrix knives for sale is because they are custom knives and have some differences.

The differences include:

1. Different blade steel – high quality cowry-y

2. Difference carbon fiber material – lightning strike carbon fiber

3. Lockbar insert was seen on Microtech first in the mid-2000’s that is used on the ZT

4. Hand ground blade

5. Fire bronze hardware and blade

Our view on this particular knife could be compared to the 1911 style handguns. There are many out there, the designs are similar or near identical, however, the guns vary in price significantly depending on how refined they are and what custom features are added.

We started ****** *****, LLC because we are knife collectors, enjoy offering exceptional customer service to each and every one of our customers, and have a great time running the website. We didn’t get into this business for the sole purpose of making sales or profit.

I would like to know what your thoughts are on this matter in light of what I’ve written. I am always open to all points of view and perhaps I am not looking at important details that you may be able to point out.

I look forward to your response.


Thank you,

Dave
Click to expand...
 
I doubt any ZT employee encouraged them to sell the Matrix, and voiced superiority.

#3 is an eye rolling statement.

Their "view" and analogy on the Matrix is a reverse eye roll.

In the end it shows us one thing. It's all about the money and you can justify just about anything.
 
Couple things that I noticed.

1. Thomas, is that really how the knife industry works? You just send stuff to dealers and then send them an invoice without an order from the dealers?

2. Unlike the 1911, the 777 is (I assume) still under a copyright or patent. The 1911 design was originally patented and licensed out. The patent on it has expired. I find this part of his argument to be asinine.
 
Capbyrd said:
1. Thomas, is that really how the knife industry works? You just send stuff to dealers and then send them an invoice without an order from the dealers?
Click to expand...
Not normally. But there can be some auto-ship situations that can be arranged.

Let's move on.
 
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