Mantis & Snap On???

[babakanoosh45]

I was at Costco today and noticed a "Snap On" tool set with a folding knife (Mantis M3 Bottle Opener) a small and large flashlight. If I remember it was marked $19.00 or so. I picked up a Leatherman set that had "Blast" and a Fenix AA flashlight with a Nylon sheath for $39.00. I just thought it was strange that Snap on picked up Mantis. Unless Snap On is using some China made knockoff?

This is my M3 I got with a trade here in the exchange.

 

[AlexSchira]

I recently read an article in TK about their new line of knives, and the paint job did get me thinking of Mantis right away, and the build looked familiar. I had no idea, however, that they were one in the same. Popped them up side by side, the Snap-On model sells for $13, the Mantis for $24. Only difference is the style of red/black paint, and the Mantis has a round bottle cap hole. Both claim to have invented the first knife with insert-handles on a frame lock. Ironically, the Snap-On has 440 steel at half the price, while the Mantis has 420. Both are made in China, it's possible they're both branding the same model from the same factory.

 

[knarfeng]

I recently read an article in TK about their new line of knives, and the paint job did get me thinking of Mantis right away, and the build looked familiar. I had no idea, however, that they were one in the same. Popped them up side by side, the Snap-On model sells for $13, the Mantis for $24. Only difference is the style of red/black paint, and the Mantis has a round bottle cap hole. Both claim to have invented the first knife with insert-handles on a frame lock. Ironically, the Snap-On has 440 steel at half the price, while the Mantis has 420. Both are made in China, it's possible they're both branding the same model from the same factory.

Been known to happen and gets my vote as most likely.