I haven't reviewed any of the newer offerings from Mantis, but last I got my hands on maybe 12 or 14 of them, which at the time represented the entire product line. They're listed in the reviews section of my website and cover a fairly representative sampling of Mantis' fixed and folding knives.
There's a fillet knife that is, well, a folding fillet knife. Not being much of an angler myself I could only look at it as such. It was a
nice fillet knife.
I loved a couple of the smaller folding knives; one of them is in my dresser accessory drawer and does regular duty in my pocket to this day. Overall the line is pretty basic in terms of the construction -- no surprises, really. Some frame locks, some liner locks, one or two rocker-bar locking folders.
Jared West apparently fancies design, and thus the one thing that characterizes the line is stylization -- most commonly, the red circular accents that you see on some of the fixed blades, one or two of the folders, and the kerambits.
I didn't have any problems opening the kerambits, but everyone's hand is different. I also didn't notice any edge-holding problems with the 420HC, but I couldn't speak to variations in heat treat on individual knives.
My opinion, both as a consumer and politically, is neutral toward the company; I paid for the knife samples I received, and thus have no "dog in the fight" where the company's sales are concerned.
Does anyone have any experience with this company? I was looking at their Cinq model karambit's on e-bay as the price is right they got my attention. Looked up company website and found out they also have lifetime warranty. Big question though are they just chinese junk with a hi-tech design or worth the money?
In answer to this question, I would not characterize them as Chinese junk, no. The quality is decent at the price point, on par with Taiwanese imports and other knives of that category. Nothing mind-blowing, but decent knives at prices that are at pace with their relative value. The style, I think, is what will attract buyers, and that's a subjective matter of personal taste. Clearly they do have a distinct flavor that unifies the product line stylistically. Whether that's good is up to you, I'd guess.
One thing -- the kerambits are not intended to be drawn
into a reverse grip. They're not set up that way and can't be used that way.
