Welcome Home...THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR COMMUNITY

I started seeing some folks complaining that they had received letters from Cold Steel stating that they now owned the trade mark to the wording "San Mai"

My first thought was that it was a misunderstanding. But apparently it is not, Cold Steel has indeed purchased the words.

As early as 3 B.C. the Samurai Sword was used as an offering to the Gods (emperors).  There were a lot of problems that faced the smiths in ancient times.  Razor sharp would break off against armor and a softer steel would bend.  Solution? A softer skin cover or skin over the top of a harder blade steel...hmmmm, let's see what shall I name that, something like 3 piece forging?  Translated that becomes san mai. 

So, OK...I guess you could trade mark the words, everything without an owner is for sale right?  But is it the right thing to do?

If you do trademark it, do you then impose upon the knife world to call something as ancient as SanMai by another name?

So here we are, what do you think of the turn of events AND any suggestions on what we will now call San Mai??

Tags: Mai, San, controversy

Views: 487

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Andy,

I am kind of looking forward to that actually LOL.  I have watched and listened the custom makers reactions with tongue in cheek.  They can be a funny crew when something like this comes along.  The Pit at Blade will sure be fun listening :)

I will be off to the left side where the breakfast buffet seating is on Thursday and Friday evening - please do come over and say hello! 

best 

mqqn

considering all the design theft that cold steel has been a part of for years they should be ashamed of themselves imho. 

a boycott response would also teach them a valuable lesson, that they could not just ignore imho. 

Reply to Discussion

RSS

whiteriverknives.com

Latest Activity

Kevin D commented on dead_left_knife_guy's photo
14 hours ago

KnifeMaker
Doug Ritter posted a discussion
14 hours ago

Featured
dead_left_knife_guy posted a photo
yesterday
Randy, HHH Knives posted a status
"Merry Christmas from all of us at HHH Custom Knives. May God Bless you and yours this holiday season and throughout the New Year!!!"
yesterday
Mike Bryant posted photos
yesterday
Mike Bryant posted a status
"I pray everyone has a Merry Christmas.   With a Blessed 2026 collecting all the knives you ever wanted!  ."
yesterday

KnifeMaker
Bill posted a status
"merry christmas !"
yesterday

Featured
dead_left_knife_guy posted a discussion
yesterday
Carl Bradshaw commented on Jan Carter's group Daniels Family Knife Brands
Thursday

Featured
dead_left_knife_guy posted a discussion
Wednesday
elbin bunnell sr replied to Jan Carter's discussion 2025 Christmas Contest!
Tuesday

KnifeMaker
Al left a comment for Al
Tuesday
Michael Young posted a discussion
Monday
Kevin D left a comment for Michael Young
Monday
Kevin D left a comment for Jeff Mitchell
Monday
J.J. Smith III left a comment for Al
Monday

© 2025   Created by Jan Carter.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service