EDC'ing a knife?

[Charr]

OFC I am a responsible person and don't fool around with the knife in Public. I know the majority of laws about knives in Canada (such as it is legal to carry them for non-self defence reasons etc). Does anybody know if University would have special laws for it? Or more likely just socially less acceptable?

Usually Universities are a little more touchy than most other establishments about anything that can even be relatively thought of as a weapon. I know that here in the states, in Kansas, there is a law now in place where it is legal to carry literally any knife that you want, and local governments lower than the state no longer have the ability to individually limit what you can carry at all, except for schools and government buildings, which have to set their own regulations.
Here, I can only take a folder with up to a 3.5" blade onto the local campus, but I have forgotten that once or twice and accidentally had a larger knife on me. I don't do it on purpose, but sometimes I end up there without planning to or thinking about it.

I pretty much always have at least one knife on me, but I usually carry two on me most days, one that is my primary carry, and one that is a smaller knife (usually a traditional), so that if I'm in a more public place, I can use a knife without worrying about people getting uneasy, or at least anyone who has any rational thought at all. If someone wants to get worried about my SAK Pioneer, or one of my customs slipjpoints, then they can politely shove it somewhere the sun don't shine, because they're being ridiculous.

Of course, where I am or where I am going to be in a day will change what I carry. I sometimes EDC a Bark River Knives Bravo EDC, which is a smaller fixed blade, but since it is going to be on my hip, I usually don't do that unless I know I'm probably going to need it more than one of my larger folders, and I'm going to be at work for the day, not working directly with clients or something (I have it today because this is one of those days), but even then, I have a slipjoint with me, and I pretty much always have my Pioneer in my back pocket, more for the tools on it than the blade, but it's very useful all the time for me here.

If there is a law stopping me from carrying a knife, I will, but that isn't usually an issue. I don't carry on a plane, but have it in my checked bags, and I always make sure I know what I can and can't have wherever I'm going.

Never really had that much of an issue, except once on the campus of the local community college, where I was taking classes. Someone saw me opening something with one of my slipjoints and freaked out (the person also happened to be an idiot, for those who can't already tell), but it actually turned out pretty funny since there was a cop in the lounge at that time that I knew pretty well, and he and I had a pretty good laugh explaining to the idiot that it was perfectly fine for me to have a knife on the campus as long as it wasn't above a certain size, and that they had absolutely no reason to be freaked out by it, because literally 90% of the people in the lounge openly admitted they had a knife on them when the cop asked.

 

[robgmn]

Usually Universities are a little more touchy than most other establishments about anything that can even be relatively thought of as a weapon.
Here, I can only take a folder with up to a 3.5" blade onto the local campus, but I have forgotten that once or twice and accidentally had a larger knife on me. I don't do it on purpose, but sometimes I end up there without planning to or thinking about it.

Yep, many universities and schools (if not all) in the states are afraid to let anyone carry anything that they might be able to defend themselves with.
Unfortunately, the nutbars who come on campus to cause mayhem with guns don't seem to care too much about the rules and the signs.
Nor do I, when it comes to someone telling me I'm not allowed to have something on my person that is entirely legal, that I am licensed to carry, and that I have gone through many background checks to be able to carry.

I've EDC'd a knife since I was in my single digits, and I'm not concerned what others think about it (though I really don't give them much of a chance to "think" as I don't put it on display for them to see).
I also EDC other things similarly, and especially in places that put up quaint little signs telling me not too.

 

[HST]

Mostly all knives are considered tools in my state, and what isn't is legal can be carried openly. However, with a CWP there are no laws prohibiting any knife statewide. The reason I got into pocket knives is so that when I do need a knife, I'm not using or pulling out a tactical. I do not leave the house without a knife - a tactical and a pocket knife, but always a pocket knife. The only reason I don't always have a tactical knife on me is; because I forget to get it when I'm remembering all my other stuff. I attribute some of that 'forgetting' to my newest addiction of pocket knives. As far as the public is concerned, I really could care less what they think, but that isn't always kosher/polite/gentlemanly, so now I carry a pocket knife.

No one has ever looked twice at my pocket knives in public, unless they admired it openly.

 

[ursamajor]

Many people don't own many tools. They can't change their own oil. Can't drive a nail or throw a baseball.

This.

 

[ursamajor]

The last time I drove to work and got halfway there before realizing I had forgotten a knife I started freaking out.

Then I remembered I keep a couple backups in the glove compartment and I was okay.

I know that feeling. Feel naked. No different than if I forgot my wallet or phone. Like you, I keep a folder in each glove box, along with a multi tool.

 

[MaximIsayev]

I know that feeling. Feel naked. No different than if I forgot my wallet or phone. Like you, I keep a folder in each glove box, along with a multi tool.

Yeah, I know how it goes. I check my pockets, realize I don't have anything, then go "dang, guess I have to use the Opinel all day" and reach for my work bag which has an Inox Opinel no. 6 and a Mora Classic no 1.

 

[22-rimfire]

I accept the fact that knives are weapons. They've been considered as weapons since the very beginning.

Yes, there are many non-weapon uses of a knife. In this sense, they are dual use as both tool and weapon but I don't think it's reasonable for us to imagine away the history and reality of knife as weapon.

Three considerations that I think tip things one way or the other...

1) Blade length. Blades under 3" generally get accepted in most places as non-weapons. But, small flippers that open with a clack will still scare people.

2) Location and context. I was in the office yesterday and in the hallway, there was a table with pies, cake and other holiday treats. Laying in the open was an 8" chef's knife. Weapon? Nobody batted an eye but if I had pulled out my Buck 110 to cut the cake, people would be startled. Expecting logic to apply fails to account for emotional reality.

3) Demeanor. I'm a swell guy. Just ask me. I can pull out and use a large folder and women will walk up to me and ask me to hold their baby. Other people carry a tiny Kershaw Chive, deploy it with a sneer and buffed body builders cringe and whine about them pulling out a weapon. I'm reminded of that scene in Justified. A prisoner complains to Raylan about all the <jerks> he's dealt with during the day. Raylan, "If you meet a <jerk> in the morning, you met a <jerk>. If you meet <jerks> all day long, maybe you're the <jerk>." Some knife people are jerks (not you!!) and people are right to be fearful of them - more so when they pull out a knife.

Great post and generally the way I view things. If you like to carry a knife, the only reason you might not carry one or a certain one is due to laws or how you think people will react to you using it in public. Some don't care. I do. If every time I pull out a SAK to cut something, I get negative comments or vibes, I look to myself first (demeanor-what's wrong with me?) and then I look to the knife (design and size usually). Most of us really don't want to scare people, but if upon self inspection I determine that my knife choice is reasonable, at some point I say..... the heck with you or what's wrong with you? This is a common topic here and gets to the crux of things about carrying a knife at say school (college) or the workplace, especially for people that want to EDC a knife.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

When I was in college back in the late 90s/early 2000s, my university had a "no weapons" policy. That said, it was a more rural school and I frequently wore a plain Jane Leatherman on my belt with a tucked in shirt almost every day. In addition to the 1000s of things I could use it for around my apartment, I worked at Target and the little tool came in handy opening boxes, scraping, and cutting tags off things that customers (I'm sorry, "Guests") purchased.

I was never given a weird look other than someone complimenting how sharp I kept the blade.

These days, I still carry. I generally keep a couple or three knives on me daily. My sheeple friendly Case does the brunt of my work. I also keep a tactical folder on me simply because it's easier to pop out for a quick job if it's not going to make anyone nervous. Finally, I carry a fixed blade from time to time depending on if i am going out stomping in the woods or not.

 

[bflying]

For which Spyderco makes a 24/7 EDC especially for those activities ... the ARK.

Ha, that's a good one. I actually have one of those and kind of like it. The thing that makes it NOT just another neck knife is the weight....close to or under an ounce I think. Slips in pocket and forgotten.

I'm one of those that carry some sort of blade everyday....sometimes multiple. But I feel fortunate to be in one of the free-er states. And I also carry a firearm every day of the world, and have done so for nearly two decades. The only places I don't have both with me is when flying commercially.

I would not feel guilty in the least about having a blade on campus, as long as legal. In my state, a CCW holder may carry both gun and/or any type of knife anywhere that is not considered "secure". That includes state sponsored university/college, k-12 schools, non-federal government buildings, etc.

Even without a CCW, the knife restrictions are minimal. And personally, I don't give a crap what others may think about any of my honest and legal activities. I used to get a little ticked if I saw someone's surprised or concerned facial expressions when I would use a knife in public. But recently I don't think I've even noticed reactions of others around me, because I simply quit caring as long as I know I'm not doing anything wrong.

Do what you're comfortable with. But why let the bias of others obstruct your honest and legal needs/activity. As you learn in scouting....better to be prepared.

 

[leghog]

Many people look down on knives. It is overall I think looked down upon when you carry a knife for various reasons. I am wondering what are you thoughts on carrying a knife. When do you carry a knife, when do you not? When do you think it would be inappropriate to carry a knife?

I've had a knife in my pocket for over 40 years. Can't ever recall being been looked down upon for that regardless of where I found myself. Even at university 30+ years ago. Was the same even in middle school and high school. As long as I'm dressed it's appropriate for me to have a knife in my pocket.

 

[kingston73]

I carry a knife every day, everywhere I go. In fact, I've had the same EDC (a Swiss Army Knife) in my pocket every day for the last 15 years. I always find a use for it.

I teach in a high school. Sometimes when students see my knife they are surprised and say, "Are you allowed to have that?"

Thats funny, I'm a teacher at a high school as well and I've heard the same comments. Nobody would think twice if I pulled out a box cutter or if I use a dissecting scapel to slice meat, somehow a "knife" is worse than either of those to some people.

 

[M1GarandGuy]

Always have a Spydie Pingo or Squeak on me but usually I'll carry something like my Rat, GB, or Manix...

The only time I don't carry a knife is a Spurs game

If people look down on you for carrying a knife then they should move to Britain!

Im not gonna name names but recently on the forums I have seen some people ridicule others for carrying knives in a gym, which I think is totally inappropriate. :thumbdn::grumpy:

 

[Vinifera]

It's rare someone sees me using my knife as I only use it when I need it for something. If I need to use my knife then I use it and don't even think about whether someone is "looking down" on me or looking up to me or whatever else they are thinking because I'm just using my knife and not concerned about the "social" aspects or peer approval or rejection.

 

[stabman]

Does anybody know if University would have special laws for it? Or more likely just socially less acceptable?

I'm in university.
Here, the only thing is a "no knives policy" for living in the dorms.
Nothing in regards to having one on campus though.
I always have at least two knives with me, and have used them around others...no issues.
Just use them when there's an actual need/use; fiddling with them like a worry stone would not be a great idea.

 

[Guitarist7.62]

Probably already stated, but the knife is also important, someone who doesn't like knives sees a little 2 bladed Barlow knife VS. a tacticool knife with assisted opening with a 3.5 inch blade, can be the difference with the way you are viewed. All you have to do is think about where your going and how people will react, and bring the right knife. Don't bring a tacticool knife to church, but maybe a Swiss Army knife or a case with pretty scales. Your knife should match your clothing. Formal or work.

 

[Phair12]

Interesting points lads. For me, I use to EDC a knife all the time. I live in more of a rural location and my "job" used it often. I am in a larger city now, and attending University. I no longer EDC because I feel it would be inappropriate to bring a knife onto Campus. Or when a lot of people are around. As I am not use to that really lol. I am a large guy who many people find intimidating even without what some people may consider a "weapon" instead of a tool. So, I feel guilty about them as I don't want it to cause any issues whether that be logical or not.

You must be from England or something. We are a knife forum. So 98% of us view a knife as part of our pants because it is always there. A crowd doesn't concern me. I have had a knife in my pocket since middle school. Unless there is a metal detector I have a knife on me. It isn't a weapon it is a tool to cut stuff.

 

[B.F.U]

I carry a knife all the time, unless illegal. I just took my last final yesterday, but I almost always carried a knife on campus because I don't carry my knives as weapons or any knives that are considered weapons/illegal by my state or city. Never had any trouble at all. Actually, at one meeting of the club I ran we all realized we all carried a knife and showed them around. Libertarian club though, so that could be partly why.

Now that I think about it, the only comment I think I've gotten was in a hookah place opening a box with my 0560 when the employee jokingly asked if I needed a bigger knife.

 

[Danke42]

You must be from England or something. We are a knife forum. So 98% of us view a knife as part of our pants because it is always there. A crowd doesn't concern me. I have had a knife in my pocket since middle school. Unless there is a metal detector I have a knife on me. It isn't a weapon it is a tool to cut stuff.

He's from rural Ontario. Which pockets of could be pretty well as close to England as you'll find short of getting on a plane.

 

[Gloryinthecross]

The last time I drove to work and got halfway there before realizing I had forgotten a knife I started freaking out.

Then I remembered I keep a couple backups in the glove compartment and I was okay.

I know exactly what you mean. No matter where I'm going I feel naked if I don't have some kind of knife on me. I live right on the corner of 4 states so depending on where I'm going, I may have to limit my blade length to be legal, but other than that, even if I'm not necessarily going to be doing anything that I need a knife for, I feel unprepared without one.

 

[r redden]

I have a VIC Classic on my keychain so that goes with me everywhere 99.9% of the time I have a traditional pocket knife of some kind in my pocket. I also often have a small 21 clipped to my back pocket. I had CharlieMike make a neck knife for me and have gotten totally addicted to it and it has been around my neck everyday since I received it.