Danger in the city?

C

Claus

Joined
Jan 24, 2000
Messages
118
Hi fellows!

Is life in the U.S. really that dangerous? I learnt from the answers of our friends that some of you have a knive even under the shower to defend themselves. I will go by job to New York and perhaps Chicago and my teacher (born american) warned me "to be smart, never to show a map on open street, nor to carry a hotel umbrella or to dress like a tourist".

I know americans as very friendly people (my hometown Schweinfurt has a large US garrison), but maybe there are some other brand over the pond.

Is life over there really unsafe? Can you give me some more hints how to be smart? How are knife laws in New York and Chicago? Will I get in trouble by my innocent SAK or by a less innocent fixed blade?

Thanks in advance

Claus

---------------------------------

A man without knife you can´t really call a man

My Grandfather
 
You have to you common sense when you are big US cities. Avoid going to places where you don't have business to take care of. Avoid very dark places etc. The same techniques that help you avoid being a victim of crime in Germany will help you in America also. Knife laws in America are very complex. They vary from state to state and from city to city. For instance, in New York there is a 4" blade limit and in Chicago the limit is 3". A Swiss Army Knife, espescially if it is smaller and non-locking, will almost never cause you any trouble. You can generally carry locking knives in the US but I would recommend a smaller lock blade if you are going to travel alot. Also I would recommend a plain edge blade if you plan on flying.
 
Claus

Let me start out by saying that I've travelled to many countries and found that, for the most part, people are people no matter where they live. A few are really, really good, a few are really, really bad, but most are just like you and me -- somewhere in between. I too read the thread about knives in the shower and was a little surprised that some people are so concerned with self-protection that they feel the need to go to that extent. You're more likely to be struck by lightning than to have someone break into your house and kill you and your family -- is everyone walking around in non-conductive rubber suits?

I don't think you need to worry too much about travelling around these United States -- you'll meet some great people and might even run into a few fellow knife knuts. The knives you mention will cause you no problems (unless you're coming over to tour the US prison system, or something like that).

Wilkomen!
 
The kind of people who would take advantage of a tourist exist in pretty much every major city in the world.

Take the same precautions in a US major city that you would anywhere else. By this I don't mean "pack heat", or "knife limitations are...". I mean stay out of dark alleys, keep to well populated areas, look both ways before crossing the street (especially in NY - them cabs is DANGEROUS!), etc.

I won't tell you that street crime doesn't exist, but in my lifetime living in suburban Chicago, I don't know a whole lot of people who have been it's victims. Be aware of your surroundings, and you shouldn't have a problem.

------------------
AKTI Member #A000832

"Sometimes you eat the bear, and sometimes, the bear eats you."
 
Guten tag Herr Claus- Life is as safe as you make it my friend. There is no way to stop trouble from coming after you, you sometimes have to deal with it. Avoiding bad situations with common sense is a good idea although don't let it evolve into paranoia. Just go and have a good time and don't dwell on the bad things that might happen, because it is very rare that they do.
Donald.
 
Hi, Claus!

New York was never as dangerous a city as some stories had it. It's less dangerous now. In fact, it's almost as safe as Darmstadt was, when I was stationed there!

Seriously, the other guys here are right. Stick to the beaten path, don't wander around grubby parts of town after dark by yourself.

You don't need heavy weapons to have a good time here, despite some of our more light-hearted comments, but very few people will worry about you carrying a small pocketknife or SAK.

Enjoy your visit!
 
The posters here are right. Have I seen trouble? Sure, but crime in America is largely the political rhetoric of the Democratic party. I rode in a motorcycle club for five years, in saloons every night, and I saw ONE fist fight. If you are eager to get 'mugged' really good, move here and get a job--then pay taxes!--OKG
 
The safe places are very safe, and the dangerous places are very dangerous. The most important survival skill is knowing where not to go.

Some say the price of safety, or peace, is vigilance.
 
In thirty years of living in New York, I've
never had any trouble. Like any big city, alertness and common sense go a long way.
4" folders are the legal limit here.

Please feel free to contact me when you're in New York, I'll be happy to play "tour guide"
smile.gif
 
I will say this, I have been in NYC for the last 5 yrs regularly, and it has improved a lot. I still carry a knife with me everywhere I go, but with the thought that it may be used for other purposes than self defense.

If you should come to NYC for work, let me know before hand, and I'll let you know all the places to go, and importanly those NOT to frequent!!!


Steve in NYC

------------------
What we do today in life...echoes in eternity...
Every man dies...not every man lives...
 
Where can I get one of those non-conductive rubber suits?and do they have a place to safely carry a knife?
biggrin.gif
 
Of course, you'll need a non-conducting non-metalic knife. That's what I use with mine
smile.gif


Seriously, the best advice is to get hooked up with a local friend (sounds like you can find someone here at bladeforums.com) and get a little briefing on where to avoid or at least be extra cautious.

Going out with a group is always a good idea. There is safety in numbers. Some thug might try to mug you alone, but you AND a couple of friends? He'll probably wait for another, easier looking target.

There are four basic steps you can take:

1) Avoid attracting attention to yourself as a target. Don't wear a lot of expensive jewlery. Don't display a lot of money. That sort of thing.

2) Look like less of a target than the next guy. Going with a friend is a good start. Don't wear a hat or hood that obscures your vision. Carry something in your hand such as an umbrella, rolled up newspaper, your keys, but don't carry a lot of bags or packages that are easily grabbed or that throw you way out of ballance. Don't wander around, but walk with direction and purpose even if you don't know where you're going. Be visibly alert. Don't stare at the ground or become enthralled by store windows. Keep looking all around. Glance behind you every now and then. You don't have to look strange when you do this. Just look like someone who's taking in the scenery. Be both physically present AND mentally present. This means don't walk down the street day dreaming. People can tell that sort of blank stare on your face. And a person with that blank stare is an easy victim.

3) Avoid places where trouble seems likely. If a place doesn't seem comfortable, then leave. Prefer places that are well lit and where there are other people. This is especially important when parking your car. A common mistake is to select a place at three in the afternoon that seems fine. But when you are delayed and don't get back to it until ten at night, you might find yourself walking in a very dark, deserted place. I prefer attended lots. I'll pay the extra $5.

4) Be very careful with contact with strangers. This doesn't mean being unfriendly, but be careful. Keep some distance, and don't let a stranger distract you from your surroundings.

Big cities are big cities the world over. Street crime happens. American cities are some of the safest in the world. Overall, you'll find Americans are helpful, polite, friendly, and generous people.



------------------
Chuck
Balisongs -- because it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!
http://www.balisongcollector.com
 
Hey claus:

Born and raised right here in NY and the city has never been safer and better looking. Dont buy the hype. Like any city there are places it might be prudent not to go but for the most part you wont miss anything by not going. You will have a great time here. I go to many other cities and still I love and feel safest here in NYC. Most of the horror stories about NYC are propegated by people who want to sound like billy bad ass. I take the train every day into manhattan and except for teh occasional homeless the worst thing that happens is I get jostled. Well It is a crowded city. I worked in the bronx before this and traveled from queens to work every day and NIGHT and never had a problem. Enjoy the city It really is a trip and for me the Greatist city in the world.


------------------
ALex

http://home.att.net./~a.boriqua
 
Here, here ALex! I agree.
One more tip, Claus...
If you bring a camera, keep it in a pack or a bag. Nothing says "Tourist" more than a camera around your neck
wink.gif

Enjoy your stay.
 
hey claus,
i used to live in new orleans,la and had a few close calls(even kids just going to school had to deal with thugs and hoods).i.BTW-that was my thread
wink.gif
.personally i dont have one IN the shower,just outside the curtain, though.
but-a swiss army knife will not give you any problems.i wouldnt carry a fixed blade unless it was a small one,preferably a neck-knife.if you chose to carry one,you'll probably have less problems if you carry one without serrations.good luck.if your visiting us,stay safe (like you said,no tourist clothes,no maps,no fanny packs,keep your wallet in your front pocket,etc.)and have fun
~MAURICE

------------------
the pompetous of love lame bastid
 
Claus,
America is a very strange place and alittle dangerous too. A whole city will come together to save a puppy stuck in a drainage-pipe, but a guy can get dragged from a truck until he dies just for being black at the wrong place and time.
We have an excellent police force and a great 911 system, but I think we lead the world in homicides.
Don't think you're safe in small towns either. I've been to LA and NY and Miami and never had any trouble, but I was robbed in Lawton, Oklahoma.
Just be aware of what's going on around you and keep a trusted friend nearby (at least till you get used to the US).
BTW, welcome and good luck!


 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top