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San Mai, the words are now OWNED??
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
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on
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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 :)
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Permalink Reply by Andy Moon on
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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
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Permalink Reply by anthony a. reid on
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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.
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