Does your knife scare people?

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BMCGear

BMCGear

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Recently got a Benchmade 710. As far as an EDC knife it's just about perfect. It's a little heavy for khakis but I've done it. I pulled the knife out to use the other day and was asked: "OMG is that knife legal?" This is the first time this has ever happened to me. I've never carried a knife as long as the 710 though. So it's got me thinking should I downsize? Should I carry a smaller knife to pull out around others? I know some of you guys carry the Adamas and Contego and they're pretty huge as well.

The 710 doesn't seem threatening to me; but I guess it does to others.

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I carry a small traditional to pull out when or where my larger modern folder may b.e viewed as inappropriate by others
 
A 710 is more knife that I'd be comfortable toting around the office. A Mini Grip or Sequel is more my style. :)
 
bld522 said:
A 710 is more knife that I'd be comfortable toting around the office. A Mini Grip or Sequel is more my style. :)
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Let me clarify; I don't carry the 710 to the office daily. I did once the day after I got it because it was new. This didn't happen at work.
 
Unless I'm trying out a new knife just to see how it carries, my EDC rotation consists mostly of knives that have more of a tool-like appearance. Since I typically carry a Leatherman Wingman with a stainless steel pocket clip, I also tend to carry a knife with a steel clip. While some people might say that draws more attention to the knife than a black clip (if wearing dark pants) I think it simply creates the impression of being a tool rather than a "concealed weapon" that I'm trying to hide. I also generally favor EDC knives with more utility-style looks, such as a Kershaw Vapor III or One Ton, or of a brand more known for tools than knives, such as Leatherman or Coast. It's very rare that I carry a tactical-styled and/or assisted-opening knife at work.
 
Missouri allows us to carry knives legally up to 4 inches long. If a Benchmade model that I like has a full-size and mini available I'll by both versions. Most of my favorite full size folders are in the 3.5 through 3.98 inch length, but are mostly carried around home and the yard/outdoors. I feel much more comfortable carrying the mini-version knives in public in the 2.5 through 3 inch length. As an example, even though I own the 581 barrage, the 586 is generally carried in public.

Addendum: Excluding the "I can carry anything I want as long as it is legal" debate, ask yourself this question... in public/work setting is there anything you have not been able to do with a 2.98-inch blade that required the 710's 3.90-inch blade?
 
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I guess in the typical "office setting" people seem to be more uptight about knives, but if there is no specific rule barring you from carrying it then I wouldn't worry about it. It's not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable. Just my opinion though.
 
I'll pull out my full sized skirmish to open a chip bag if that's what I felt like carrying that day.
Then again my answer to the "is that knife legal?" Question would always be Yes.
 
Wolverine666 said:
For me the 710 is the ideal size for EDC.
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It's a wonderful piece of cutlery.

harris2 said:
Missouri allows us to carry knives legally up to 4 inches long. If a Benchmade model that I like has a full-size and mini available I'll by both versions. Most of my favorite full size folders are in the 3.5 through 3.98 inch length, but are mostly carried around home and the yard/outdoors. I feel much more comfortable carrying the mini-version knives in public in the 2.5 through 3 inch length. As an example, even though I own the 581 barrage, the 586 is generally carried in public.

Addendum: Excluding the "I can carry anything I want as long as it is legal" debate, ask yourself this question... in public/work setting is there anything you have not been able to do with a 2.98-inch blade that required the 710's 3.90-inch blade?
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I don't own the 710 for the blade length. I own it because of the handle/ergonomics. The knife carries small and fits my hands well. It's not bulky at all. I had a 950 Rift and a Griptilian and I hated to EDC them. The 710 is so unobtrusive it's crazy.
 
Capt. Spaulding said:
I guess in the typical "office setting" people seem to be more uptight about knives, but if there is no specific rule barring you from carrying it then I wouldn't worry about it. It's not my responsibility to make other people feel comfortable. Just my opinion though.
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Although its not my responsability; I am cautious of this.

Neuron604 said:
I'll pull out my full sized skirmish to open a chip bag if that's what I felt like carrying that day.
Then again my answer to the "is that knife legal?" Question would always be Yes.
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That was my answer as well. :)
 
I doubt I would pull out a Contego at a wedding to open a party favor. That would prob make the rest of the table inch their chairs away from mine. That's why it's nice to have various knives in various sizes. The 707 is a great small knife for more discreet situations. The 484 looks like it might fill that role nicely too.
 
This is one of those questions that is a popular topic for discussion, and often pops up in one for or another. What makes a knife "scary" is its inability to blend in with the environment that it is when seen by people. The weight of appropriate vs inappropriate really depends on the person looking. It's sort of an unspoken thing in many situations, you just know what will get you noticed and what won't. The behavior of the person carrying the knife is also a large factor.
 
That's why I pretty much exclusively carry my 707 nowadays. If I want to carry something bigger in pocket, my 707 goes in my waistband for those sensitive moments.

That said, I live in Commiefornia. When I used to Edc my tenacious with tan shorts, the black would stand out like crazy and EVERYONE would stare at me. The way they looked at me, you would have thought I was open carrying a 44 magnum. People around here are so weird :rolleyes:
 
I bought a new blower at a Stihl dealer this week. The salesman was struggling to open the box to check thhe serial number to register my warranty. After watching him struggle for nearly 30 seconds I pulled out my Contego, flicked it open, and he literally jumped back. I cut the tape and put my knife away. He commented on how big the knife was, but I ignored the comment. I'm simply amazed when people are scared at the sight of a folding knife.
 
^^^ Nothing to be amazed about really. Not everyone is into the same thing. The guy probably hasn't ever been around knives or guns or anything else. On the other hand the Contego isn't exactly a small knife compared to the average Victorinox variants that people have seen for decades.
 
Sixate, YES. This is EXACTLY the reactions I get. But it's worse because my knives are way smaller than the Contego so they have absolutely no reason to freak. But hell, even I would probably be a little concerned if someone whipped out something as big as a Contego.
Haha, I can just imagine the salesman's face. Probably thought you were getting annoyed with the slow service ;)
 
You know when the people stair at your hand that is holding any knife with anything but smile, it IS your responsibility to your fellow blade enthusiast brothers / sisters to make certain that carrying knife is "OK". Remember, our land makes laws based on majority of people wishes it. I believe it is important to let sheeple know it is nothing to be alarmed about.

As Rev has mentioned, you know what you can carry and people are comfortable about it. I carry Rift for non-work, and I have specifically chosen black coated version. It attracts 10% of "look" compare to 581 in satin.

IMO, 710 satin has 2 points against it. (well 3 in the city I work) Bright silver blade and narrow and sharp pointed. I have noticed that Osborne reverse tanto is not as intimidating as 710 clip point.

We should always be discreet in out use of blade as a gentlemen / ladies.

MFL
 
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