Dumb Neophyte Question: What is a knife for?

[zhyla]

By karmic quirk every person who has asked why I carry knife has asked to borrow it at some point. Dishcore's list is fine but a better way to look at it is we're kind of squishy, our skin tears easy, and our nails bend. Whenever you need to go at something less squishy than you you need a pointy stick of something tough. I've pried things with the spine of a knife and I've banged on things with the butt of a closed knife.

The other aspect worth mentioning is convenience. When the tool-less ape runs into something he can't rip open with his fingers he runs off to find some scissors (cringe) or a knife. I have it right there. Like a keychain flashlight, it keeps you focused on the task at hand instead of running off to find really basic tools.

In theory you could get buy with one of these keychain multitools that are basically a small prybar. Knives are cooler.

 

[RedLynx]

I've lost numerous knives to security and safety laws across the country because it's just second nature to have one in my pocket. (FYI, they don't let you take a SAK into the Capital building in DC.)

Would they return it to you or just keep it?

I know it's not quite the same but if I need to go to my local courthouse, the guards have boxes where we can put things like knives and pick them up on the way out. I usually just leave mine in the car anyway but it's nice to know I can just drop it off and pick it up rather than being hassled and having it outright confiscated... especially if I just forgot I had it one me or something.

 

[ericzhao517]

Would they return it to you or just keep it?

I know it's not quite the same but if I need to go to my local courthouse, the guards have boxes where we can put things like knives and pick them up on the way out. I usually just leave mine in the car anyway but it's nice to know I can just drop it off and pick it up rather than being hassled and having it outright confiscated... especially if I just forgot I had it one me or something.

No they wont return it to you. They"ll say that they will "Dispose" of it... If you happen to be in D.C. and forgot you had your knife on you and security says hand it over or leave. Just leave and walk down to the nearest street vendor, buy somthing (a pack of gum whatever cheap) and ask them if they will hold your knife for them while your at the museum etc.. 9 times out of 10 they say sure. I like to tip them 5$ for their troubles. I hate being knifeless haha.

 

[RedLynx]

No they wont return it to you. They"ll say that they will "Dispose" of it... If you happen to be in D.C. and forgot you had your knife on you and security says hand it over or leave. Just leave and walk down to the nearest street vendor, buy somthing (a pack of gum whatever cheap) and ask them if they will hold your knife for them while your at the museum etc.. 9 times out of 10 they say sure. I like to tip them 5$ for their troubles. I hate being knifeless haha.

That's a good trick. Shame about it being "properly disposed of." I mean I get the security issue no question, but I don't think it would be a tremendous threat to national security to let you pick it up again on your way out.

They must be afraid you'll take it back, make like you're leaving and turn and charge them like a maniac, yelling FRRRREEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!!

 

[ericzhao517]

That's a good trick. Shame about it being "properly disposed of." I mean I get the security issue no question, but I don't think it would be a tremendous threat to national security to let you pick it up again on your way out.

They must be afraid you'll take it back, make like you're leaving and turn and charge them like a maniac, yelling FRRRREEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!!

Haha i hate to say it but most of these security guards are pretty "ghetto" and flat out lazy. So thats probably the main reason for not being able to drop off the knife and pick it up, also theres like a butt load of people in and out of these places at all times...

 

[RedLynx]

Haha i hate to say it but most of these security guards are pretty "ghetto" and flat out lazy. So thats probably the main reason for not being able to drop off the knife and pick it up, also theres like a butt load of people in and out of these places at all times...

Yeah you probably right there.

 

[kd7txg]

a few things i have garnered and learned over time
1 never argue with a guy/gal who carries a gun for a living (LEO)
2 never go anywhere without a knife. (rule #9 L.J Gibbs)
3 never pass up a restroom.
4 never trust a fart.
and
5 No, the IRS is not here to help you.
just some of the things i have gathered ver the years.
kd7
m.c.

 

[RedLynx]

a few things i have garnered and learned over time
1 never argue with a guy/gal who carries a gun for a living (LEO)
2 never go anywhere without a knife. (rule #9 L.J Gibbs)
3 never pass up a restroom.
4 never trust a fart.
and
5 No, the IRS is not here to help you.
just some of the things i have gathered ver the years.
kd7
m.c.

If you really don't have to go, do you still enter the restroom?

Also, did you trust farts in the past before you learned your lesson?

 

[Rip Gut Tactical]

to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is what I tell the non knife carriers when questioned.

 

[HwangJino]

Only if you need one. I loved knives and have had kitchen knives for work for about a decade but only started carrying a folder for over a year. Usually restaurants supply box cutters but they eventually get lost broken or no replacement razors etc. So I decided to buy one and how I got here.

I don't carry a hammer/screwdriver/etc on me everyday because I don't need to.

Some people just like knives as a hobby or jewelry.

 

[HorseloverFat]

Thanks, HwangJino.

 

[Quapukulu]

It would be unhealthy and expensive to cut my sandwich with a gun...

 

[theoriginalspaceman]

I carry my knife to play with. I have nervous fingers. Occasionally I'll cut something.

 

[akula83]

Front of car smashed up to the windshield with the engine block pushed into the fire wall, smoke and auto fluids hissing, you are trying to kick open the crunched drivers side door and your seat belt is jammed, there is a kid in a car seat in the back crying hysterically, cars can go up in flames real fast...do you want a sharp knife clipped in the front pocket to cut the straps?....seen it.

 

[smokinbasser]

I got my totin chip in 1953 from the Boy Scout organization. I know when and where to carry and where not to.

 

[link2derek]

Biggest one for me is food prep - I do that every day.

 

[mcrow]

I'm the guy everyone that knows me knows I have a knife and a multi-tool. So, if something needs to be cut or they need a pliers or screwdriver...ect they know who to ask.

I use my knife and leatherman wingman almost everyday. The Leatherman is great for quick on the go adjustments and fixes. For instance, was out putting new wipers on the wife's car today. Supposedly no tools needed, found out that wasn't true and a pliers was needed. Instead of having to go into the house or garage I had my Wingman in my pocket, job done. Taking apart the lawnmower for sprint tune, forgot to grab a pliers to pull out pins, no problem. Need to open a box, have a knife to do that.

Unpacked a bunch of furniture, broke down all the cardboard boxes with my knife, used the Wingman to help put the stuff together.

It's always nice to have the right tool in your pocket when you need it.

 

[rushane]

No they wont return it to you. They"ll say that they will "Dispose" of it... If you happen to be in D.C. and forgot you had your knife on you and security says hand it over or leave. Just leave and walk down to the nearest street vendor, buy somthing (a pack of gum whatever cheap) and ask them if they will hold your knife for them while your at the museum etc.. 9 times out of 10 they say sure. I like to tip them 5$ for their troubles. I hate being knifeless haha.

Friend of a friend story here, but I thought it was funny: this guy walks into a federal building in Portland with his SAK in his pocket. Alarms go off, and they find his knife. They tell him to hand the knife over. He asks, "if it doesn't have a blade, can I keep it?" (No, this story isn't going where you think it is, you SAK modders). They say "sure". He opens the blade, slides it between a joint in the counter and gives it four or five good sideways jerks and snaps the blade. Guard takes the blade and he puts his busted SAK back in his pocket.

This story gets handed down whenever someone from my unit has to go to an airport or federal building. I love it.

 

[KennyB]

I could find a zillion uses for a knife, they are wonderfully useful in our everyday lives. Lets start the list:

1. Opening Boxes and cardboard
2. Opening Mail
3. Opening plastic strapping on pallets
4. Opening food bags
5. Cutting zip ties
6. Cutting stickers / paper / decals
7. Cutting fruits / veggies / foods
8. Cutting the cheese
9. Trimming branches, making feathersticks
10. And last, but not least - being prepared to do any of these things.

I've had people ask me why I carry a knife. Very simple answer: "Why don't you carry one?"

11. Clean your fingernails
12. Scrape gunk off your hands
13. Get a splinter out
14. Trimming loose threads
15. Pressing hard-to-reach buttons
16. Sharpening a pencil
17. Trimming down materials for proper fit
18. Prying things open ( within acceptable parameters. Ever try to get the battery case off a remote and can't get your fingernail under the latch?)

 

[TheseusTheDestroyer]

I carry a knife for self defense and one for utility (Leatherman Wingman also super useful for being the handy boyfriend I am and fixing things on the go)

It's just a man thing lol all guys should carry knives it's just a guy thing that's been around some the dawn of humanity lol