Good point. Darn, looks like I'd better go for that Kopa before the Mini Persian, then
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dealing with friends who are not knife persons....
- Thread starter Bushman5
- Start date
Good point. Darn, looks like I'd better go for that Kopa before the Mini Persian, then
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To me it's all about trust and people knowing you. If people know you and trust you, the fact that you collect knives is nothing worse than an oddity.
Allow people to know you first and don't make the fact that you collect knives the first and most outstanding feature that people learn about you.
Most of my friends at church know me as the church librarian. The also know me as some one who helps on projects around the church. By the time they find out I have a thing for pocket knives it is no big deal to them because they know all these other things about me.
Allow people to know you first and don't make the fact that you collect knives the first and most outstanding feature that people learn about you.
Most of my friends at church know me as the church librarian. The also know me as some one who helps on projects around the church. By the time they find out I have a thing for pocket knives it is no big deal to them because they know all these other things about me.
If you're talking about friends, and not acquaintances, just laugh at them.
For the guys, it should be fairly obvious. A gentleman uses the appropriate tool for the job, so if they have an irrational fear of something every man should carry they obviously belong in a skirt.
For the girls, just condescend and talk to them like the child they're acting like. Putting aside disgruntled, uptight types (since they're your friends I'm assuming they're intelligent and have healthy personalities), they'll quickly show you that they aren't the silly, typical girl you're treating them like. Or at least, that's been the experience in my case.
For the guys, it should be fairly obvious. A gentleman uses the appropriate tool for the job, so if they have an irrational fear of something every man should carry they obviously belong in a skirt.
For the girls, just condescend and talk to them like the child they're acting like. Putting aside disgruntled, uptight types (since they're your friends I'm assuming they're intelligent and have healthy personalities), they'll quickly show you that they aren't the silly, typical girl you're treating them like. Or at least, that's been the experience in my case.
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- May 7, 2005
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- 20,928
All of my friends are basically non knife people. Although I DO have one friend that has a slight interest in knives, and she asks me for advide when she buys one. NOT that she buys one very often. Everyone knows that I collect/use knives, and no one is freaked out by it.
I agree with other folks who have said that if someone is willing to give up a friendship over the fact that you collect knives, is NO friend at all.
I agree with other folks who have said that if someone is willing to give up a friendship over the fact that you collect knives, is NO friend at all.
I tell them that I collect knives, followed by "What do you collect?"
For those who ask why I make knives, I tell them that its a hobby that I enjoy and when I'm done I have some thing that i can use. Two of my kids have discovered that they like certain kitchen knives that i made. Those will most likely be given to them when they have a place of their own.
Guns? Well if cars cause people to die, shouldn't we be banning cars?
For those who ask why I make knives, I tell them that its a hobby that I enjoy and when I'm done I have some thing that i can use. Two of my kids have discovered that they like certain kitchen knives that i made. Those will most likely be given to them when they have a place of their own.
Guns? Well if cars cause people to die, shouldn't we be banning cars?
My friends whether they are knife friendly or have a knife phobia take me at face value, with the exception of one friend's wife. This lady is a very left wing liberal sheeple from Quebec who can speak fluent french and works as a teacher.
Anyways, when I first met her, I had my Katz Cheetah- a large folder on my belt. I noticed that she always looked down at the knife sheath with the look of fear. I had to use the knife at some point while doing some wiring for them and she gasped when I reached for it.
She stared at the blade, while I bared the wires, and she said why do you carry such a weapon? I had a very hard time explaining it to her, as she argued that there are no need for weapons in Canada and that I could have used sissors to strip the wire if I had asked.
My friend later in private told me that she has a fear of knives or anything that could be labled as a weapon. Since she is a teacher, she is required by law to not allow any kid in her class to even use the word knife in school conversations. The crafty liberal leftwing adgenda of instilling the anti knife mindset has been running through the schools of this country like the plague.
Every time I visit, his wife still takes a look at what is on my belt. Most of the time I wear my shirts over my pants, which is a good thing, since I would not want to see her reaction if she were to see that big fixed blade I often carry.
Anyways, when I first met her, I had my Katz Cheetah- a large folder on my belt. I noticed that she always looked down at the knife sheath with the look of fear. I had to use the knife at some point while doing some wiring for them and she gasped when I reached for it.
She stared at the blade, while I bared the wires, and she said why do you carry such a weapon? I had a very hard time explaining it to her, as she argued that there are no need for weapons in Canada and that I could have used sissors to strip the wire if I had asked.
My friend later in private told me that she has a fear of knives or anything that could be labled as a weapon. Since she is a teacher, she is required by law to not allow any kid in her class to even use the word knife in school conversations. The crafty liberal leftwing adgenda of instilling the anti knife mindset has been running through the schools of this country like the plague.
Every time I visit, his wife still takes a look at what is on my belt. Most of the time I wear my shirts over my pants, which is a good thing, since I would not want to see her reaction if she were to see that big fixed blade I often carry.
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- Joined
- May 23, 2008
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- 87
Weird...
All my ladyfriends seem to love my illegal knives and always ask if i have one on me. Possibly for reassurance of protection.
All my ladyfriends seem to love my illegal knives and always ask if i have one on me. Possibly for reassurance of protection.
I'm pretty quiet about my knife collection. I don't have them on display in the house. If something comes up in a converstion about knives I may show one of my knives to a visitor and judge their reaction. Based on that I may show them part of my collection.
You might point out to someone uncomfortable with knives that most people have quite a few kinves in their kitchens and they usually aren't locked up.
You might point out to someone uncomfortable with knives that most people have quite a few kinves in their kitchens and they usually aren't locked up.
). You may still get some odd comments at first but those pass in time as they just get used to it.I basically keep it to myself. If a friend or a neighbor shows interest then I would show them 'some' but not all. If they saw 'all' then they would think I was preparing for a conflict.
There are two families up the street both are avid gun enthusiasts. They totally understand me and what I like to collect. Block parties are interesting because you will have some guy that has had way too much to drink start yapping about 'those guys' and their knives and guns etc. This same guy came to the party with package of meat and he didn't have a knife to open the package; I simply opened up my edc and handed it to him. He and his wife have treated me like I have the plague ever since and I am sure it was because I carry a knife on me.
The thing I have realized is non collectors do not understand and you can not convince them to understand because of their preconceived notions about knives being weapons. They also have no clue about the cost of collecting knives and you could never convince them that you got a deal on a grail that cost as much as a cheap car.
So I visit places like this and discuss it with people who have a similar interest.
There are two families up the street both are avid gun enthusiasts. They totally understand me and what I like to collect. Block parties are interesting because you will have some guy that has had way too much to drink start yapping about 'those guys' and their knives and guns etc. This same guy came to the party with package of meat and he didn't have a knife to open the package; I simply opened up my edc and handed it to him. He and his wife have treated me like I have the plague ever since and I am sure it was because I carry a knife on me.
The thing I have realized is non collectors do not understand and you can not convince them to understand because of their preconceived notions about knives being weapons. They also have no clue about the cost of collecting knives and you could never convince them that you got a deal on a grail that cost as much as a cheap car.
So I visit places like this and discuss it with people who have a similar interest.
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- Sep 19, 2001
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Of three men who were not related to me and knew I carried a knife, one seemed uncomfortable or amused, not sure which and the other two seemed indifferent. My female friends through high school & college knew I wore a Wenger (Esquire, I think--about the size of a Vic Classic) on a cord around my neck and didn't seem to think anything of it. I've never really had the problem described in the original post.
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- Jun 2, 2008
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- 44
Put yourself in their shoes. They don't have interests in knife collecting. So, having that many knives most likely could come across as you are an obsessive-compulsive person who chose sharp objects to obsess over. You can't compare with those hobbyists who collect tons of soft toys. The perception is soft toys are safer. You can't rationalize with sheeple by asking them how they prepare food etc. You definitely can win that argument, but never winning them over.
On the bright side, I see that your existing friends have accepted you and your knives. Even to the extent of excitedly telling new people about your unique interest. If you don't intend to be a hermit and are interested to meet new people, I suggest you play it down a little until your acquaintances become friends.
It's going to be hard work to stop your friends from telling people about your huge collection, so I suggest you keep your knives and rifle case out of sight. If new people want to see your collection, maybe show them the two knives you have in a toolbox.
Guys, about people willing to terminate a friendship because of this hobby isn't quite accurate in the threadstarter's case. They are new acquaintances, so they don't know if he is mentally stable. If you've known someone for a year or two, and he avoids you because he found out about your hobby, then that friendship isn't worth keeping.
On the bright side, I see that your existing friends have accepted you and your knives. Even to the extent of excitedly telling new people about your unique interest. If you don't intend to be a hermit and are interested to meet new people, I suggest you play it down a little until your acquaintances become friends.
It's going to be hard work to stop your friends from telling people about your huge collection, so I suggest you keep your knives and rifle case out of sight. If new people want to see your collection, maybe show them the two knives you have in a toolbox.
Guys, about people willing to terminate a friendship because of this hobby isn't quite accurate in the threadstarter's case. They are new acquaintances, so they don't know if he is mentally stable. If you've known someone for a year or two, and he avoids you because he found out about your hobby, then that friendship isn't worth keeping.
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- Mar 13, 2007
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- 133
Had these people known you at all before you showed them your collection? I have friends that arn't knife ppl but they don't get freaked out at the fact that I carry a knife all the time. In fact I think it actually makes them feel a bit safer to be around me just in case we ever got into a bad situation. However, if the ppl that didn't want to talk to you anymore had not known you beforehand then I could see them getting freaked out a bit. I usually don't show my friends my knives unless they ask to see them or they already know me and this is just one more side of me they have yet to learn.
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- Jul 16, 2005
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A friend that talks to much needs talking to.
What they know about you is private.
At least your knife collection is not to up for public discussion.
Lets face it collecting knives is not a regular hobby!
It is not something I show off to folk, defintely not my collection.
And never how much one costs!
I introduce friends by showing them a really nice small slipjoint.
Wood or bone scales, with a carbon steel. how it patinas...
I woo them into it.
Then another one in a different time.
But not the AO!
Giving Rough Rider slipjoints a gifts at $10 a hit, is also a real easy way to get people interested.
They become involved as they have one too.
What they know about you is private.
At least your knife collection is not to up for public discussion.
Lets face it collecting knives is not a regular hobby!
It is not something I show off to folk, defintely not my collection.
And never how much one costs!
I introduce friends by showing them a really nice small slipjoint.
Wood or bone scales, with a carbon steel. how it patinas...
I woo them into it.
Then another one in a different time.
But not the AO!
Giving Rough Rider slipjoints a gifts at $10 a hit, is also a real easy way to get people interested.
They become involved as they have one too.
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2007
- Messages
- 2,624
I never mention a price of a knife unless someone asks. Face it , most folks who are not knife folks , will buy the cheapest set of knives for the kitchen ( including me , can't get the wife to care properly for a good set ) so they base their views off of what they are used to. It's their only perception.
Even a $75 knife to a non-knife person is ridiculous , even though they may have no problem with dropping $400 on an MP3 player or an iPhone.
I have people who will now come to me at work and ask me for references of what to buy their wife for the kitchen , or for their friend , brother , husband etc for gifts. To those people , I will ask up front of what their budget is and recommend accordingly. If they say they want a knife for someone and the budget is $30 , rather than tell them to spend more , I show them all the options in that range and then maybe make a few suggestions of something nicer if it is for a special occasion.
The average person , who may use a knife once a day or once a week , doesn't need a custom or a $200 production , they can get by with a $30 Kershaw or Spyderco of some sort. Trying to convince them otherwise ,will not work. Have to start them small and let them move up. I still remember back to when I was carrying a $1,000 1911 and a Buck Crosslock. I didnt know any better then , but that knife did all I ever asked of it and I paid $10 for it at a pawn shop.
Before trying to " WOW ! " someone with your collection , instead educate what is it that interests you about knives , explain the online communities , the friends you meet , the shows you attend.
And be ready to face the facts , that we , the knife buying/collecting/using public will just never be accepted by many. That's just how it is , blame the media , blame the people who commit the crimes with knives , perhaps even blame the companies that do the ninja marketing , and yes sometimes we can even blame ourselves.
When you need to open that box , package or letter , do you do the super ninja draw wave and open your knife with a "thwack" drawing the shocking attention of others ? Or do you discreetly and calmly open it , complete the task and put it away ?
While eating lunch , I can reach in my pocket , get my Erickson slip , open it and go about using it for cutting food , or opening food , and never even break conversation or eye contact with those around me. Don't go for the shock factor , many do , it's the " hey look at me , I have a knife " syndrome. Coincidently it is just as easy to spot a newbie to carrying a firearm concealed , same syndrome. They want to show people , but control that urge , until you are sure they want to have you share that info ( except for CCW , I always stay low key there ).
Perception... if you are perceived as a threat to others , you will be treated that way.
Not saying to worry about how others see you , or what others think.. UNLESS you are expecting to be accepted or you worry about what others think of you.
Respect isn't given , it is earned.
just random thoughts
Even a $75 knife to a non-knife person is ridiculous , even though they may have no problem with dropping $400 on an MP3 player or an iPhone.
I have people who will now come to me at work and ask me for references of what to buy their wife for the kitchen , or for their friend , brother , husband etc for gifts. To those people , I will ask up front of what their budget is and recommend accordingly. If they say they want a knife for someone and the budget is $30 , rather than tell them to spend more , I show them all the options in that range and then maybe make a few suggestions of something nicer if it is for a special occasion.
The average person , who may use a knife once a day or once a week , doesn't need a custom or a $200 production , they can get by with a $30 Kershaw or Spyderco of some sort. Trying to convince them otherwise ,will not work. Have to start them small and let them move up. I still remember back to when I was carrying a $1,000 1911 and a Buck Crosslock. I didnt know any better then , but that knife did all I ever asked of it and I paid $10 for it at a pawn shop.
Before trying to " WOW ! " someone with your collection , instead educate what is it that interests you about knives , explain the online communities , the friends you meet , the shows you attend.
And be ready to face the facts , that we , the knife buying/collecting/using public will just never be accepted by many. That's just how it is , blame the media , blame the people who commit the crimes with knives , perhaps even blame the companies that do the ninja marketing , and yes sometimes we can even blame ourselves.
When you need to open that box , package or letter , do you do the super ninja draw wave and open your knife with a "thwack" drawing the shocking attention of others ? Or do you discreetly and calmly open it , complete the task and put it away ?
While eating lunch , I can reach in my pocket , get my Erickson slip , open it and go about using it for cutting food , or opening food , and never even break conversation or eye contact with those around me. Don't go for the shock factor , many do , it's the " hey look at me , I have a knife " syndrome. Coincidently it is just as easy to spot a newbie to carrying a firearm concealed , same syndrome. They want to show people , but control that urge , until you are sure they want to have you share that info ( except for CCW , I always stay low key there ).
Perception... if you are perceived as a threat to others , you will be treated that way.
Not saying to worry about how others see you , or what others think.. UNLESS you are expecting to be accepted or you worry about what others think of you.
Respect isn't given , it is earned.
just random thoughts