As I understand it, M. Ajax is involved with or behind MercWorx knives, hence the design similarities. If its the design he thinks is best, and wanted to get it out, but wasnt ready to bring his own knives forward yet, and already knew the Strider crew, why not do it through them?
If indeed they have been making blades for spec-ops types for 18 years, but not for the general public, then I can understand why nothing would be heard about them. Now, they have decided to go public, are making marked blades, and using the mystique of WTF-ever KM is, and their previous secrecy as marketing, I see nothing wrong with it. Knife-Making is a business, its not a cult, its not a Samurai clan, its a business... marketing techniques are allowed.
I think they look like some nice blades... especially the dagger. I want one.