3" vs. 4" Sheeple Perception

R

rwp42

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Jul 7, 2006
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I have come to the empirical conclusion that there is a big difference between the perception of a 3" knife and a 4" to non-knife-knuts. Case in point: I have used a serrated delica for years around the office -- opening boxes, cutting cable and ties, etc... I've passed it around for others to use. They usually remark about the unusual blade shape and wicked looking serrations, but use it anyway.

Today I offered my 4" SOG Spec Elite I to a co-worker to help her open a box. I didn't snap it open or anything dramatic. She gets wide-eyed, backs away, and exclaims: "What am I, Lara Croft???" She wouldn't touch it. And it isn't even serrated!

Go figure.
 
I've had similar reactions from male co-workers. 4" is just plain scary to normals.

-RwP42
 
I agree. Thats why I carry a BM 710 a full 4" :cool:

BTW. I have to be really really careful who I show my 20" Khukri to.
 
I know what you mean, the size difference between my Delica and Endura might as well be a foot, kind of humorous.
 
The "width of your palm" thing is retarded when it is made into law or policy (whose palm? Yours? The CEO's? The rent-a-cop's?), but it is very useful as a rough estimate of what people consider out-of-proportion. For most people, blades under the width of their palm are not as intimidating.

Of course, this can change depending on its other looks (fully serrated/spiked/military-looking makes it more threatening, Opinel/wooden-handled-Buck/kitchen-knife-looking makes even longer knives acceptable).
 
yeah some sheeple are wierd about that...most non knife people don't see many folders at all, let alone a larger sized one...even a 4" blade...
 
In my own experience the "sheeple" arent so much freaked by size so much as shape and appearance.

No body bats an eye at my biggest swiss army knife which has a fairly large primary blade, every body owns a SAK and is familiar, a full size Buck 110 with wood scales generates not much attention ( its "big" by sheeple standards but looks tradional, every ones dad had one also, so it cant be bad). Any of my FRN spydies seem okay with the population, go stainless handle not so much.

Now my old kershaw hawksbill which is quite small with Ti handle slabs seems to freak the sheeple based on shape/appearance. BM pinnacle with black blade brings negative response, go to a CS Ak47 and wave it open and see eyeballs pop( have only tried that one with the work buddies and they are used to my "show and tell") .

Assist open another ball of wax, my little kershaw "needs work" if opened discreetly doesnt get a glance, pop it open and see the sheeple freak. I wouldnt consider waving or AOing for a general task around the general population for this reason.

In summary in my experience 3 vs 4" no difference, appearance (ie tactical sorts of shape), blade color, and "speed of opening" makes all the difference.

A
 
Interesting points, archimedes. I agree that other factors can influence how 'scary' a knife is perceived to be. But I think that in comparing the average reaction to a 3" vs. 4" knife of the same (or similar) design (like IUKE12 mentioned with the delica vs. endura), it is amazing how much difference that one inch makes.
 
I think it also has to do with how a person "presents" a knife. You will get a totally different reaction from opening a knife discreetly and using it in a like manner over "flicking" open a black serrated "Assasin" etched blade big enough to dress out an elephant. Appropriate knife for the expected tasks you will encounter and how "you" present it.
 
Very very true. The 3-4 inch barrier feels like the Berlin Wall.

That's why I wish the BM 710 was closer to 3"....
 
The problem isn't the knife that you are carrying it's the place that you do it.

We all need to get jobs like these folks have.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486447


But on a serious note, I think there is something to both points made so far in this thread, a knife can look as "traditional" as you want, but I think at a certain point it becomes a "big" knife and starts to intimidate others, and a knife with only a 2" blade can still frighten others if it's "tactical" looking and deployed in a menacing manner.
 
Just ordered a 2" Pro-Tech Stinger (en route)

I'm wondering how people will react to the Automatic nature of the knife, despite it's relative short blade length...

What do you guys think? any experience?
 
I find it kind of interesting that more sheeple get upset by my BM 710 than my SIG P226.:confused:

They see the 710, and their eyes bug out. They see the SIG, and all they do is say something stupid like "Ya got a permit for that thing?":rolleyes:

Benh
 
fleetparadox said:
Just ordered a 2" Pro-Tech Stinger (en route)

I'm wondering how people will react to the Automatic nature of the knife, despite it's relative short blade length...

What do you guys think? any experience?
Click to expand...

Put a lawyer on speed dial, and begin to EDC donuts.:D

The cops will be called on you almost daily. :D

Seriously, you should learn how to open it without it making any noise, I think you can do that by firing it with your hand on the spine and then guiding the blad out slowy.

That is your best bet.
 
Haha, I confess... it's the novelty of having an automatic that caused me to order it. Probably won't be my EDC cause of that crazy loud "THWACK"...

A thin line between love and hate... anyway I can modify the spring strength?
 
Back on topic,

there does seem to be a difference in perception, and reminding them it's still shorter than their paring knife at home doesn't seem to help.

What is also part of the problem is 4" blades are also a lot wider these days = double the width of the casual kitchen knife. That's where the "more than you need" perception may be coming from.

Just points out carrying a loaner EDC in sheeple format may be catering to the problem even more. Let the uncivilized use their teeth and claws.
 
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