Are there ANY Black Knife Knuts?

I am an African American or black and I am a knifenut. Frankly there are not too many black knifenuts, but I always see at least a few black people that are into knives at various gun shows or stores. Frankly, I think that there are social factors that tend retard African American interest in knives. First, many African Americans discourage young men from carrying knives because they fear that these youths will be arrested for weapons violations. Since many people tend to assume that any young black kid dressed like a kid is wearing "gang colors," I can see why these kids' parents fear them getting busted.

Another factor in the relative lack of African American knifenuts is that black people are largely urban people nowadays. Many city people have never hiked or hunted, although fishing remains popular for many people. I grew up with a Dad that was a country boy and I lived and live in a semi-rural environment till this day.

Men from my father's generation wouldn't get caught dead without some kind of knife, usually a good slipjoint like a stockman. In fact, whenever I carry a knife, I feel a connection to my late father and number of my favorite uncles who all appreciated good knives ( although they would probably think I am crazy paying the prices I do for my customs.):eek:

Finally, as a professor of African history, I can say that Africa does have a long tradition of knife use, but most Africans see knives as purely utilitarian objects. The great advantage of this is that I can carry customs to Africa without almost no fear of them getting ripped off! A thief is much more likely to take my $30 dollar radio than my $400 dollar custom.;)
 
Wow, what a terrific explanation:eek: It is ironic that there is such a rich history behind knives and African Americans and yet it is being lost to urbanization and fear of stereotyping. For that matter, I suppose it cuts across all people since knives have gotten a bad rap in the media. Perhaps the more that all parents responsibly educate their children/grandchildren in the history and proper use of knives we can get away from the bad image of sharp things. ;)
 
I didn't know knives had knuts and I definitely didn't know that those knuts were black. :footinmou
 
So far there's 62 replies.
Usually I try and and respond to everyone, but that's beyond the abilities for my feeble brain.

Anthony, however, you brought up a real good point (No pun intended) about possible weapons violations charges.
Personally, I think that sucks.... the situation, that is.

I'm supervisor of what amounts to armed bodyguards working mostly North Las Vegas. During the first night of training, just to make things clear, I tell everyone I train that ya watch people based upon "Dress and demeanor". (I got that from Jerry Van Cook, but it's perfect)
I make it a point to say that it don't matter where their family tree's been planted since the majority of people whom I've had the most trouble with look like my own relatives!

But the fact is, those in "power" will go by certain aspects, sometimes it's racial profiling, but the best way to describe what I do (and tell others to do) is go by that D&D I mentioned.

For example, my 17 year old kid's got peircings in places I wouldn't, has a haircut that looks idiotic, wears a wool cap in the middle of summer (IN THIS BLISTERING AND FERSHELINGING 115 DEGREE HEAT!!!!) and carries a folder in his jeans. I outright told him that while *I* know he's a good kid and not a threat to anyone (at least for no reason) Cops might not see things that way, and if and when the cops see his pocket clip, he'll get more attention from them than needed.

The fact that in some places it ain't the D&D but the color of skin that "gets attention... well, like I said.... it sucks.
(Sorry for the grandiose language, Professor..heh heh..)

But you brought up a point that I hadn't thought of and I thank you for it... no matter how much I disagree with it.... the point, I mean, not YOU.

As for everything else written here, or at least most of it, I really got an education. I hope others did as well.

Thanks for taking this thread in the way I'd intended and for the enlightening that followed!

Dave
 
Lets see..."Some of my best friends are Black knife nutts"... No, that won't do.

How about..."There is no such thing as race in any form of the animal kingdom"...No, some don't even know they're animals.

Maybe this..."Of course". I must be other.
 
Originally posted by anthony cheeseboro
I can say that Africa does have a long tradition of knife use, but most Africans see knives as purely utilitarian objects. The great advantage of this is that I can carry customs to Africa without almost no fear of them getting ripped off! A thief is much more likely to take my $30 dollar radio than my $400 dollar custom.;)
Click to expand...

Anthony,
how nice to hear that an American knife nut is coming to Nigera.
Please tell me more about the $400 custom.
Who is the maker?
How would you sell it for $400?

I look forward to talking to a real knife nut from America. There are not enough people like us here in Nigeria.
Please let me know next time you come to Nigeria and we will be happy to pick you up at the airport!
 
Now I'm REALLY proud!!!
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I betcha it is due to me and myself that a new member, Shangokoya, from Nigeria, signed up here.

Tell me that's true, would ya, Shangokoya?

:D
 
Another black knife knut that is a member here is RogerP. He seems to have a very similar taste in knives to my own. The man obviously knows knives.
applaus.gif
:D
 
Originally posted by Vampire Gerbil
Now I'm REALLY proud!!!
Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I betcha it is due to me and myself that a new member, Shangokoya, from Nigeria, signed up here.

Tell me that's true, would ya, Shangokoya?

:D
Click to expand...

It is no coincidence, Mr Gerbil. This is the first thread that I have answered.

I am very glad to make contact with knife hobbyists in America, especially when they come to Lagos airport sometimes with $400 customs.
My cousin works in customs. He makes good money. Maybe he can help you out of your...I mean in with your...$400 customer. Remember we have very very very very restrictive laws on knife carry in Nigeria and you will need special permisson from the Minister of Security for Light Arms and Keychain Gadgets who is my uncles' sister-in-law.

Are there many people in America who carry $400 customs? If an American...gives me such a thing are they easy to sell on ebay?
 
Hmmm...
African American american..
I like the sound of that, from now on yall have to call me European American
 
Originally posted by Shangokoya
It is no coincidence, Mr Gerbil. This is the first thread that I have answered.

I am very glad to make contact with knife hobbyists in America, especially when they come to Lagos airport sometimes with $400 customs.
My cousin works in customs. He makes good money. Maybe he can help you out of your...I mean in with your...$400 customer. Remember we have very very very very restrictive laws on knife carry in Nigeria and you will need special permisson from the Minister of Security for Light Arms and Keychain Gadgets who is my uncles' sister-in-law.

Are there many people in America who carry $400 customs? If an American...gives me such a thing are they easy to sell on ebay?
Click to expand...

:confused: emphasis on $400 custom? or am I reading too much? sorry if I've misread anything - I've never been to Africa, only seen lots of it on the Discovery Channel - would like to go someday tho'. I would just carry a endura and maybe get a machete there (if they're well made)
 
I think perhaps Mr. Shangokoya is pulling our legs here with a variation on the "Nigerian E-Mail" scam.

On a more serious note, Anthony's information about the relative lack of danger of knives being stolen in Africa makes me curious if perhaps there are cultural factors at work there too, that is to say that stealing something that might be considered (or would have been considered in the past) a necessity of life might be considered a much worse thing than stealing a non-essential item. Something along the lines of the feeling in most western countries someone who steals a religious article from a church or synagogue is considered more of a low-life than someone who steals a TV set from a store.
 
Hi, I am currently in Nigeria as I am writing and I actually didn't end up taking a $400 custom. There are so many good factory S30V knives out that I left my really fancy stuff at home because I came here through both the U.S. and the UK and I would rather loose a Buck/Mayo than my Obenauf or Brad Duncan etc. to one of those inspection types.

Actually, the greatest use I have for anything here is my Leatherman, I had to fix my toliet the other night and those pliers grips really came in handy.

Vampire Gerbil, your observations are right, a black kid with a questionable knife is a certain arrest if his looks fit a particular profile. This is too bad because no one should have to look like he is forty until he is! Still I would like to see the pratical or utilitarian aspects of knife use stressed to all people of all backgrounds. No one ever knows when a good tool won't come in handy.
 
V.G. commented on an observation about Jackass and the fact there are no black Jackasses. I had a similar conversation with some friends about that. We were watching Real T.V. with Ahmad Rashaad (sp?). Every single person on the 2 shows we watched was white (except the host). The look on Ahmad's face after some white knucklehead was finished testing the limits of his mortality was priceless. We were waiting for him to just look at the camera and say "What is wrong with you white folk ?". Well, I think the answer is obvious. White people are either genetically crazy or just bored with life, and in some cases, both.

A final thought. Humans originated in Africa, so we are all Africans.
This final thought brought to you by Smokey Robinson.
 
I don't think the question is at all un pc. I've often wondered the same thing my self, not just about different races but how many celebrities, musicians, doctors, lawyers, women,etc,etc. were into knives/guns.

I think collecting knives/guns/fashlights is a pretty "eccentric" hobby that alot of people look down on so I'm always happy to see a more diverse range of knifenuts. I think it's a just a curiousity about how many other people are sharing in the same obsession.
 
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