Anyone ever been embarrassed about fellow knife enthusiasts?

[kozak6]

What particularly bothers me is the "a knife is a tool " sort of folk.

You know, the sort of person who will whip out a Spyderco Civilian to cut a loose thread, or a Cold Steel Vaquero Grande to open an envelope, or a Laci Szabo Battle Sickle to slice an apple, and then give the "a knife is a tool" lecture as everyone passes out around them.

I exaggerate somewhat, but you see what I'm getting at.

Although knives are tools, and wonderful tools at that, it certainly doesn't help our image.

 

[donny bee]

there is alot of truth to this thread, but as many have said before knife enthusiasts come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. the original post works just as well if you replace knife enthusiasts with baseball card dealers, imo

Gun shows, car shows, boat shows, sporting events" the ones you watch of course", etc, etc.

 

[Confederate]

There's always a "fringe" part of any group, but in this case simply being overweight signifies what? If knives are carried for self defense and mostly as weapons, you have a point. If, however, a knife is used for opening bags of potato chips and packets of onion dip, or if it's used to open UPS packages containing more knives, then it really doesn't make sense to criticize.

Most popular knives here, I would venture to say, have blades of three inches or so. Many own Spyderco or other brands that primarily cater to the pocket knife crowd. Since I tend to carry larger knives, I expect it to pull duty in every way conceivable.

There are always embarrassments, but they don't have to involve weight, but just careless judgment. Remember this clown? Bad judgment, especially in public, can reflect on all knife, and in this case, gun owners.

Then there are just the weird cases, like this one...yeeeeeesh!

 

[Blindeyes]

Ifind my bigger friends are the more fun to hang around with and most of the time have better personality and sense of humour. I wouldn't change them for the world.

 

[Str8ShooterEsq]

This is a very interesting thread. Here is my two cents.

I heard someone talking once, it might have been Jackie Mason, about a very common thought process among American Jews (of which I am one). Whenever something bad happens, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Oh my G-d, I hope the [perpetrator/criminal/whatever] isn't Jewish!" The thought process is, if the guy that just committed a bad act is Jewish, it will reflect badly on Jews in general. This stems from the fear that all too often people judge others by stereotyping. Of course, this thought process is self-defeating. Sure there are people out there who are prejudiced, but most people (at least here in the good ole USA) are not and to be so paranoid is to unfairly judge everyone else.

Someone mentioned being embarrassed by the people that go to gun shows. Why? Sure, there may be people there who don't look like you, don't act like you, don't talk like you, and have different interests than you. But, I have gone to many gun shows and there is no way I could lump everyone into one category, except maybe that of gun enthusiast. I've seen young and old, fat and thin, male and female, guys in camo, guys in uniform, guys with yamulkas, guys wearing crosses, guys with tatoos, etc. You get the picture. I know there are people at these shows I have a lot in common with and people at these shows that I may have nothing whatsoever in common with. I am sure with so many people in one place, there even people I would not like if I got to meet them, just as there are people I could might be goods friends with if we just were doing more than just trying to get a look at the latest gun from Springfield or Ruger.

To the person who started this thread and others who think like he does, you should ask yourself why you think how some other knife enthusiasts look or act reflects on you. And do you really think all knife lovers are the same? Really now. I went to a knife show last month and saw all sorts of different folks. You can tell from participating in BladeForums that all of us are unique. That is what makes this just a great place to spend time.

Again, this is a very interesting topic and I hope others will add to it.

 

[knarfeng]

What particularly bothers me is the "a knife is a tool " sort of folk.

You know, the sort of person who will whip out a Spyderco Civilian to cut a loose thread, or a Cold Steel Vaquero Grande to open an envelope, or a Laci Szabo Battle Sickle to slice an apple, and then give the "a knife is a tool" lecture as everyone passes out around them.

I exaggerate somewhat, but you see what I'm getting at.

Although knives are tools, and wonderful tools at that, it certainly doesn't help our image.

You maybe want to rephrase that post. It doesn't make much sense as stated.

I'm guessing you are annoyed with those who carry a knife that is clearly designed as a weapon and proclaim it to be a tool. But there is nothing wrong in carrying a knife that is designed to be a tool and using it as such. Nor is there anything wrong with the statement, "A knife is a tool."

 

[he who say]

You maybe want to rephrase that post. It doesn't make much sense as stated.

I'm guessing you are annoyed with those who carry a knife that is clearly designed as a weapon and proclaim it to be a tool. But there is nothing wrong in carrying a knife that is designed to be a tool and using it as such. Nor is there anything wrong with the statement, "A knife is a tool."

I think what hes trying to say is when somebody uses a knife which most people would concider to be out of place,i.e. peeling an orange with a dagger in the work place is the problem. Most people would not think a dagger is something to be carried around let alone being whipped out to perform a task a socially exceptable smaller folder would do. Its like the full auto crowd claiming they need these rifles for hunting, it might still be their right to own them, but even the dumbest of the dumb knows these are not meant for hunting, and are going to think of these people as wack jobs.

 

[Jos]

Although knives are tools, and wonderful tools at that, it certainly doesn't help our image.

And stating "a knife is weapon" does??

 

[Confederate]

There's nothing wrong with using a knife for self defense, but I think the OP's point is that if you're carrying it for that reason, you shouldn't be large and slow-moving and carrying it in a fast draw manner. This is true only if one is expecting to get in a knife fight, but I began carrying a knife because I was waylaid by two dogs. I also was victimized by two guys in Hawaii, in which case a knife would have complicated things. But years ago, I was bit by a Doberman and now I carry a knife everywhere and I use it as a tool. But, as someone said above, defensive weapons are tools.

I recall being in Virginia Beach one time and waiting in line at a restaurant (an all you could eat place). The people in front of us were around 300 pounds each and two of the guys had beards and looked like they were trying to be bikers. I saw the knives sticking conspicuously out of their pants and they didn't look like repair people.

When I carry a knife, I'm discreet and I don't show it. These guys were advertising it, and they weren't bad people, but they weren't doing the knife cause any good. Enough people get alarmed over knife carriers and some idiot will try to ban the things. Many sheeple don't think anyone needs to carry a knife—that is, until someone is caught in an automobile and can't get out of his seatbelt. Or worse....

Let's face it, some knife enthusiasts don't do the rest of us any favors, and I think that's what's being discussed.

 

[b.c.molin]

You can lose your health in a matter of seconds. I collect knives and talk to you guys on this forum because I have no freinds now. When I got sick my freinds over time just went on with there life. Thank God I have you great people.

+1

:thumbup:

 

[4W4K3]

I conceal carry a large(r) fixed blade, and "open" carry a small folder. I just keep the folder in my pocket and can "whip it out" for small tasks in public rather than taking out the other more "scary" blade. So far this method has worked great, and will probably stay with me for a long while.

I got bored, and this short video shows how I conceal my large(r) fixed blade knife. It's difficult to spot, I'd say "impossible" to spot under a jacket. Has a 4" blade and 3 3/4" handle, legal limit in Texas and doesn't get in the way of my everyday life (driving, sitting, walking, etc.)

http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/4W4K3/?action=view&current=Random014.flv

 

[DRod]

Pretty sure the legal limit in Texas is 5.5".

You're fine either way. I've seen that video somewhere? Hissatsu?

 

[4W4K3]

Just shot that video about 10 minutes ago lol. But I'm sure there are many others much like it. I also have a Buck fixed blade that could be worn the same way, but it's a thicker handle and much thicker sheath so it feels more awkward and prints more on my small frame. I'm ~140lbs and 5'10" tall.

EDIT - Oh, the knife is a Cold Steel Brave Heart. Thinner blade and slim handle with no guard, so functionality might be questionable to some. I find it's adequate for my needs though, and fits so well I almost forget it's on me.

 

[J_Curd]

What particularly bothers me is the "a knife is a tool " sort of folk.

And stating "a knife is weapon" does??

I'll err on the tool side of the tool vs. weapon debate.

My knives have never been used as a weapon...the reality is I use them 99% of the time as a tool, and 1% of the time as a weapon against myself. My hammer is much the same...99% of the time its used on nails, and 1% of the time on my thumb.

A knife could definitely be employed as a weapon, so could a hammer. I wouldn't rule out that application, I've even trained to use a knife as a weapon...but that's not the primary reason I buy/collect/carry them.

I think it comes down to the definition of a weapon...a weapon is anything used to damage a biological target.

 

[michdad]

Nope, never "been embarrased about fellow knife enthusiasts". However, there are some that I will not associate in any way. A good example of those types of people can be found scattered around in the "Plank Log".

I find "fellow knife enthusiasts" come in all shapes and sizes, young and old. Some are even girls!

Just my .02

 

[strykersng]

I did many years in the Marines, always a first class PFT. I ran the Boston Marathon in '89 (will NOT tell you my time, but I made it!), I was big into martial arts most of my youth, played lacrosse and ran track in college. I'm now married 16 years, pushing 40, five kids later and I am definitely not in the same shape. I'm a stay at home dad and I go weeks without shaving sometimes. I'm 6'3' and around 270 but I like to think I carry it well. My blood pressure is good to go. I don't smoke cigs but I do enjoy a pipe. I try to keep my drinking to a bare minimum. My best friend (also, former Jarhead) is a short polished Chinese man who is more like a brother to me (I'm a bit of a roughneck and we get some strange looks when we're together), but we're quite a pair. I still enjoy the outdoors but after two back surgeries I'm nowhere near the shape I was in. But guess what? The wife still loves me, the kids still (at least for now) think I'm the best, I still have the same friends and I'm still a Marine (at heart, at least!). Please be careful how you judge people. Weight in this country IS an issue but there are serious problems in every other country as well. I enjoy knives (obviously) but I don't think anyone gets disqualified from knife use do to their weight, size, shape, or gender. This is a great forum with what seems like great members. I just don't think passing general opinions on a certain type of people is such a great idea. On the other hand, it's a free country, so have at it if you'd like. Keep the peace, Smitty

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'm 5' 9", 150 lbs and not a scrap of fat on me. That being said I think that one of the most wonderful things about knife people is that they can't be typified! Large, small, male, female, weak, strong, of all races religions and professions. Everyone uses knives, the world over.

 

[mmarkh]

I'm finally checking in on this thread...to be honest, after I saw some the responses I felt bad enough about my OP that I just kind of checked out for awhile and let the discussion run its course. I am not a troll, FWIW- it should be evident from the efforts I put forth to suggest that this was a worthy discussion topic and remain as equanimous as possible.

On that note, it was wrong of me to be so judgmental. My apologies to those of you that I offended, and my thanks to those of you who contributed (except to Scraphogg- you, sir, are a complete idiot).
I will rethink my attitude towards physical appearance and adjust accordingly...change starts with the self.

So if someone calls you out they are an idiot? Pot meet kettle. When you started this thread some other names came to mind but I like to keep it respectful.

 

[Bushman5]

Simply put, knives ARE tools. A knife only becomes a weapon if the holder decides to use it as a weapon, and even then its still just a tool. Its INTENT people, what is your INTENT with the knife! And its my business i feel like cutting a thread with a little Spyderco Civilian. Is it personally affecting/harming you? how can it? its an inanimate object. It cant hurt you unless I CHOOSE to harm you with it. Am i harming you? oh, no? thats right, i'm cutting a piece of thread, a box or my apple. Maybe use the ol noggin to realize that "hey, i was wrong about that guy, he is'nt a bad man because he has a knife, he is just using a cutting tool"

rant off.

 

[strykersng]

Simply put, knives ARE tools. A knife only becomes a weapon if the holder decides to use it as a weapon, and even then its still just a tool. Its INTENT people, what is your INTENT with the knife! And its my business i feel like cutting a thread with a little Spyderco Civilian. Is it personally affecting/harming you? how can it? its an inanimate object. It cant hurt you unless I CHOOSE to harm you with it. Am i harming you? oh, no? thats right, i'm cutting a piece of thread, a box or my apple. Maybe use the ol noggin to realize that "hey, i was wrong about that guy, he is'nt a bad man because he has a knife, he is just using a cutting tool"

rant off.

Bushman5, You said it. I was going to school down at NAS Cecil Field, FL in the early 90's. The Marines were housed with the sailors in the barracks. We were told to leave our K-bars in our cars and that they were forbidden in the barracks for safety reasons. Some new sailor attackes a third class with a hammer he was using to tack in some baseboards. Apparently he did not like being told what to do (in the military, go figure!). If anyone was stationed there at that time they probably remember that story! Thank God the 3rd class lived but I don't figure he was ever "right" again. Yeah knives can be dangerous but so can a hammer! Keep the peace, Smitty