Positive firsthand experience with Lynn Thompson

[Glenn056]

I was asking if that is the only reason you support cold steal......... What I mean to say is that Lynn is a bullying a$$ hole he said the following claiming he owned a patent to a 1000 year old process

Here is the message (with some variation) that several custom knife makers are receiving:

"Dear (does not matter): I am writing to advise you that your use of the term SAN MAI in (Does not matter) infringes on the trademark rights of Cold Steel, Inc. (Cold Steel). I understand that you may not have been aware of this trademark or of Cold Steel’s long-standing use of the name SAN MAI. Therefore, I ask that you refrain from using the term SAN MAI to refer to any knife, layered steel or related products, except in regard to the products sold by Cold Steel, Inc.
Cold Steel owns the U.S. trademark registrations referenced above and has used the trademarks SAN MAI® and SAN MAI III® in connection with knives and layered steel since at least 1986. Cold Steel owns the exclusive right to use these terms in connection with those products.

I ask that you discontinue the use of the words SAN MAI and any confusingly similar trademark, and remove any references to SAN MAI from any websites and Social Media pages within 10 days from receipt of this letter. Please also remove any references to SAN MAI in printed materials before the next print edition or version of those materials is released.
I also kindly ask that you post a retraction online regarding this error, ensuring that there is no further misunderstanding within your client or fan community. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter, and advise my team of the steps you will take to help remedy this situation.

Thank you.
Best Regards,
Lynn C. Thompson
President
Cold Steel, Inc.
1-800-255-4716"

The words "process" and "term" are preeetty different in meaning if you ask me...

Sent from the BatComputer

 

[Pomsbz]

Never mind his law suit against CRKT which stopped me from ever giving him my money. A bully.

 

[ScaryLarry]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent the Tri-Ad Lock, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

If Lynn had a magic wand, he'd probably wave it to address these customer service issues, same as anybody. But the way I see it is this: ALL knife companies deal with disgruntled customers. Cold Steel sells a LOT of merchandise and therefore deals with proportionately more of those issues. It's simple math. He certainly not a swindler or trying to leave his customers in the lurch.

 

[kniferbro]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent his products, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

If Lynn had a magic wand, he'd probably wave it to address these customer service issues, same as anybody. But the way I see it is this: ALL knife companies deal with disgruntled customers. Cold Steel sells a LOT of merchandise and therefore deals with proportionately more of those issues. It's simple math. He certainly not a swindler or trying to leave his customers in the lurch.

Not Sal

 

[marcinek]

Exactly why I posted this. A LOT of people think Lynn is some goofy guy who screams at his audience and obsesses over unlikely self-defense scenarios involving impractical weapons. But Lynn C. Thompson is a professional. It's a huge bummer that people mistake his showmanship for blood lust - and an even bigger bummer that some conclude that his product line is beneath them. Nothing could be further from the reality.

He does do that. Doesn't mean he is a bad guy or unprofessional. He just bases his business on screaming and unlikely self-defense scenarios. It works for some people, others think its nonsense.

And some people don't like their products. So what? Some people dont like any product.

 

[marcinek]

Never mind his law suit against CRKT which stopped me from ever giving him my money. A bully.

And there was the justification of ripping off the GI Tanto design from Strider. "Its Strider...so its OK!" No it isn't.

 

[Danke42]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent the Tri-Ad Lock, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

If Lynn had a magic wand, he'd probably wave it to address these customer service issues, same as anybody. But the way I see it is this: ALL knife companies deal with disgruntled customers. Cold Steel sells a LOT of merchandise and therefore deals with proportionately more of those issues. It's simple math. He certainly not a swindler or trying to leave his customers in the lurch.

Not Ernie either. What's that; about strike 5 for Lynn now?

He's clownshoes. Cold Steel can have their niche; I don't care. But they can't stay in their lane and that's where they get slapped down every time one of the threads start (and these threads are strangely regular).

 

[trevitrace]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent the Tri-Ad Lock, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

If Lynn had a magic wand, he'd probably wave it to address these customer service issues, same as anybody. But the way I see it is this: ALL knife companies deal with disgruntled customers. Cold Steel sells a LOT of merchandise and therefore deals with proportionately more of those issues. It's simple math. He certainly not a swindler or trying to leave his customers in the lurch.

How do you know he isn't great with computers? You work with the old boy? That canned "hunt" video was pretty amazing by the way.

 

[Gideons]

In my opinion... the show/demonstration you're talking about seems very... gimmicky, immature and unprofessional. This creates a company image problem for CS which makes me not want to buy one. This is also among the other issues/features I don't like with their knives.

 

[marcinek]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent the Tri-Ad Lock, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

Cold Steel has a subforum here with a moderator who is supplied by and is a rep for Cold Steel. So CS can get feedback. Its where these customer service things should be addressed.

And if you dont want to deal with all these "haters" and "tough guy clowns" that is the place for you to go. Here in General, you will get opinions on both sides.

You like CS? Great. Many do. Many don't because they have a owner/video maker and products that people find silly and/or makes knife fans look like nutjobs.

They make some decent, reasonably priced stuff that works. I find them great "starter" knives.

 

[ScaryLarry]

Look, I don't want to get into a debate about how good or how inept the owners of the various knife companies are with computers. Based on my encounters with Lynn, he struggles with it. Fair enough? Also, you're entitled to your opinion, but I don't see what's so canned (as you put it) about the video. Lynn's creative department didn't CGI that buffalo into the footage.

 

[jbmonkey]

He could've dined at the nicest place in all of Vegas that night, but he joined me and my nitwit buddies at a ramshackle prime rib buffet on D Street. :thumbup:

i'm a cold steel fan and buy and own many many of their offerings, even participate on their board........ but this quote ^ is still killing me. i can't stop laughing and for all the wrong reasons. that all you could eat rib buffet...come on your heckling Lynn, right? you aren't being serious that this is what happened?

that aside i love the simplicity and sheer brilliance in the drop forged one piece line in the 2017 new offerings. i will be buying a couple of those and testing them out.

 

[marcinek]

Look, I don't want to get into a debate about how good or how inept the owners of the various knife companies are with computers. Based on my encounters with Lynn, he struggles with it. Fair enough? Also, you're entitled to your opinion, but I don't see what's so canned (as you put it) about the video. Lynn's creative department didn't CGI that buffalo into the footage.

But you brought it up as kind of an excuse for not dealing with customer service issues.

Again, none of it means he's a bad guy, but people don't judge the quality of his product based on how nice a guy he is. They might decide whether or not to buy his products based on him personally...but you seem to be saying people believe his product is not quality becuase they don't like him personally.

That is not true of the folks here. Hang around and read awhile before making judgments.

 

[PNWhovian]

And there was the justification of ripping off the GI Tanto design from Strider. "Its Strider...so its OK!" No it isn't.

That's right, I forgot about that.



I like some of their knives as starter or 'throw away' knives and have given some to friends who are deploying.

 

[ScaryLarry]

Cold Steel has a subforum here with a moderator who is supplied by and is a rep for Cold Steel. So CS can get feedback. Its where these customer service things should be addressed.

And if you dont want to deal with all these "haters" and "tough guy clowns" that is the place for you to go. Here in General, you will get opinions on both sides.

Thanks for your response. For the record, I do not have any concerns about Cold Steel's customer service whatsoever. But I am getting the sense that a few people have minor complaints, so I was just speaking to their points. Which they're entitled to.

Also, I want to make it clear that I don't mind haters or people with opposing viewpoints at all. I'm just saying that, hypothetically, if Lynn was thrust into a forum, he'd get absolutely skewered since he struggles with the technology. But enough about that. I appreciate that anyone participated in this thread at all. I like hearing both sides. Lynn's a pal, and I'm just sticking up for him, is all.

 

[marcinek]

Thanks for your response. For the record, I do not have any concerns about Cold Steel's customer service whatsoever. But I am getting the sense that a few people have minor complaints, so I was just speaking to their points. Which they're entitled to.

Also, I want to make it clear that I don't mind haters or people with opposing viewpoints at all. I'm just saying that, hypothetically, if Lynn was thrust into a forum, he'd get absolutely skewered since he struggles with the technology. But enough about that. I appreciate that anyone participated in this thread at all. I like hearing both sides. Lynn's a pal, and I'm just sticking up for him, is all.

So you are not talking about product at all, just that he's a great guy. OK.

And more than "a few people" have more than "minor complaints." I know you are fan and like the guy, but be realistic.

Glad you don't mind haters....we dont mind fanboys.

"Struggles with technology" is hardly an excuse anymore, though.

 

[James w]

The words "process" and "term" are preeetty different in meaning if you ask me...

Sent from the BatComputer

term
tərm/
noun
1.
a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept, especially in a particular kind of language or branch of study.
"the musical term “leitmotiv”"
synonyms: word, expression, phrase, turn of phrase, idiom, locution; More


San Mai is a process in which a steel is basically turned into a samich . Therefore it is a concept therefore my use of term is correct.

 

[James w]

[]


Your basically saying I can patent the word sandwich and be completely in the right???

Or knife what if a patent the word knife and wrote that same letter to cold steal benchmade kershaws etc. would you not be mad it's the same concept just differnt word being used

 

[PURPLEDC]

Bingo. Purple DC hit it on the head. Lynn Thompson wears a big pair of underwear, and that's worth of even the most grudging respect, in my opinion. Lynn's style of presentation might not be everyone's thing, but he is a man. Look, I've never visited the point of manufacture for any of the Cold Steel line, but I've also never had any quality, performance, or durability issues at all. Not a single one. And that's what TRULY matters. As I said, I like ALL the knife companies, but I would rather carry an indestructible CS folder than any custom blade I've ever handled.



Wanna bet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKI1xmtf5Ck&t=88s

The thing is when i said he can defend himself i meant he doesnt need people to go on a popular knife forum and start threads defending his honor. There is even a cold steel sub forum for this type of praise thread or even the feedback thread but this is not it. Its the whole package that turns many off. From the marketing down to the customers who occassionally white knight on their behalf. If everyone is entitled to their opinion then that should also include negative ones. If you feel differently that is fine. But if you are trying to change minds I would say its a futile ambition. And you also dont seem to know the difference between a handgun, spear and a samurai sword. Just saying there is no sword in that video. If by sword you mean two giant slugs to the face then yeah, sword.

 

[PURPLEDC]

The best guy to address concerns about Cold Steel's customer service is Lynn himself. In a perfect world, he'd be available for feedback on forums like this, but the reality is Lynn isn't great with computers and wouldn't grasp of the mechanics of something like Blade Forums. Lynn once tried to post a 'pocket dump' photo on an EDC forum, and, unfortunately, uploaded a family photo instead. Sadly, I actually could see Lynn getting eaten alive by haters who resent the Tri-Ad Lock, or tough-guy-clowns who want push him around. (When guys like Lynn, Ernie, or Sal pop up in forum, it's usually a proxy posting pre-written responses on their behalf.)

If Lynn had a magic wand, he'd probably wave it to address these customer service issues, same as anybody. But the way I see it is this: ALL knife companies deal with disgruntled customers. Cold Steel sells a LOT of merchandise and therefore deals with proportionately more of those issues. It's simple math. He certainly not a swindler or trying to leave his customers in the lurch.

Do you just make this stuff up or do you work for a knife conpany and have insider information?

And there was the justification of ripping off the GI Tanto design from Strider. "Its Strider...so its OK!" No it isn't.

Thats what happens when "knifemakers" design their knives by pointing to a picture at a taiwan factory book of available designs and say "make this"