Ever show a non-knife person your knife?

It is amazing to me how quickly tools have become viewed as weapons. My first flight on an airline I boarded with a rifle and a snake. No one blinked an eye at the rifle. The stews were not so happy about the snake.

The plane was a DC 3, I was about 8 and, though I don't remember specifically, I'm sure I had a Billy Barlow in my pocket.
 
When I was a teen of about 13 or 14, I bought my first "Nice" EDC folder with a pocket clip; a Gerber EZ-Out. Up to that point, I had a few okay knives. A Buck 110, couple Schrades, etc. But I was pretty proud of that little EZ-Out. Being young and of limited funds, the $35 was more than a full days work on the horse farm.

I had it about a month. Carried it religiously, making sure of course to slip it deep in my pocket when I was in school. Didn't want that tell-tale pocket-clip to give away my disregard for school rules (and likely suspension). And no, I didn't think I was some sort of bada$$, I used that knife every day around the farm, in the woods, etc. Without a knife, I have, and always will feel naked. Anyway, about a month after I bought that sucker, I was helping an uncle out on a construction site. He said he needed to borrow my knife. I eagerly obliged. He proceeded to use it to cut something against the face of a brick building we were working on. He chipped the cutting edge quite badly, and rounded the half serrations beyond repair. I was aghast. But being fearful of being disrespectful I never corrected him as I watched in horror.

Many years later, having ridden my right front pocket every day, there was another "mishap" with old faithful. I was in Manhattan, attending funerals for fellow first responders after 911. One evening after 3 funerals and a late dinner out with a friend in the FDNY, I was walking back to my hotel. I passed a group of foot patrol NYPD officers, exchanged glances and a brief "hello". I didn't expect the brisk extrication of that EZ-Out from my pocket with nary a warning. The officer asked why I had a knife. I explained that I was born and raised needing one daily, and my career as a Firefighter-Paramedic only served to reinforce that continued need. He asked why I was in NY. I explained. His demeanor became more cordial, though he informed me that I could be charged with a crime, especially because it was a "gravity knife". A term I was not familiar with at the time, and politely asked him to explain. He tried to flick the blade open a few times (which wasn't difficult with the proper technique, especially considering the knife was broken in from years of use). He had some difficulty at first. On his third or fourth try, he managed to sling the blade open, just as it slipped from his grasp and skittered across the sidewalk. I thought I saw the faintest spark as the tip broke on initial impact. He timidly picked my knife up. Disengaged the lock. And told me to "Make it disappear, at least while you're here in the city". I obliged.

At some point the clip screw stripped the threads, and she rode INSIDE my pocket. The rubber-ish leading edge of the frame cracked where it met the zytel. I would come to carefully regrind a point after the NY mishap. I reshaped the handle when it began to fail. I tried to keep her cobbled together, but eventually retired her. The stories she could tell. Certainly more than I can remember.

Currently, I do not really "Show" my knives off to casual observers or co-workers. Other than pictures of those that I make, I almost never draw attention to what I have on my person unless it's needed for actual work. When a friend or co-worker asks to borrow a knife (and has not been previously educated by me on it's correct use and operation) I go over the basics, then hand them whatever cheap "Sacrificial" knife I have for the day. I've done this with everyone since that fateful day with my uncle. Not once has even my "cheapie" come back with any discernible damage. In the process, I've educated folks which probably de-mystifies any misconception at the outset and prevents the crazy talk or dangerous/ juvenile actions.
 
Last edited:
I try not too... there is no reason too... I have in the past, and learned my lesson...

Im done with the responses I get from people... everything from them asking me "why in the world would I need that".."thing??" to things like... "YOU SPENT HOW MUCH ON IT! YOUR KRAZY!"

I don't seek other peoples approval of what I do with MY money and MY time... to me its simple.. if I get enjoyment out of something then I am wasting nothing but my breathe when I try to explain it to them...
 
To me, this applies to more than just knives. I don't let anyone borrow anything of mine, plain and simple. Have had too many items damaged or lost or never returned.

As far as letting people use your knives and they hurt themselves or shriek in horror at the sight of it, there are a lot of people on this earth that simply should not be exposed to dangerous things, period, generally due to lack of maturity. Guns, knives, pointy things, you get my drift. Most of us were raised from a young age handling these things, and it's second nature to us.

As much as we would like to introduce certain people to the things we enjoy, some people just really have no business ever on a shooting range around other people or handling knives with blades that move and lock/unlock. These are generally the "runs with scissors" types. You can lecture these people as long as you want, but they're still going to look straight down the barrel and flag everyone else incessantly or jab a blade into their hand, and then to think that these people also are allowed to operate 3 ton rolling metal boxes at 90 mph...Darwinism tends to run its course with these types, one way or another.

Everyone, including the most experienced persons, has accidents and they learn from them; however, as crude as it sounds, the earth is full of its fair share of clumsy, 2 left footed, all thumbs, television raised, fearful, glassy eyed, morons...and they'll never learn or just don't want to...and that's fine. Just keep the "dangerous" things away from them. :)

I ran out of adjectives.
 
I don't waste my time. People not "into" knives just don't and won't ever get it and aren't worth the bother anyway. I do find it interesting what some of these people choose to spend their money on...a $15k snow sled or ATV that they seldom use, smoking cigarettes at $10 per pack with no benefits, bragging about all the beer they consume...I guess that may not count as they also brag about spending $10 on a 30 pack...mmmmm mmmmm that's some good beer. I could go on but who cares...if you're not a knife enthusiast you don't and won't ever get it so why bother...
 
I'm kind of surprised about all the lack of basic knife safety displayed by the NKP in this thread. I'm just old enough to rent a car, and I was taught basic edged-tool safety in California in the 5th grade with a box cutter...really simple things like don't touch the edge because it's sharp and cuts (durrrrr), cut away from you and other people, don't play around with a knife, blah blah blah etc etc. I find it fascinating that people are still unable to handle edged tools as grown-ups.

Fear of pocket knives is another issue though. When I think about where pocket knives are sold around here, I do think they tend to be associated with weapons. Pocket knives can only be bought at select sporting goods stores right next to the rifles, or at wally worlds right next to cases of ammunition and guns (airsoft or otherwise), or at military surplus stores, or at gun stores and shooting ranges. My favorite knife store carries all sorts of fantasy swords and pepper spray in addition to their nice collection of knives. The only place I can think of that isn't associated with weapons or military in any way are hardware stores, and their selection consists of a couple of Buck hunting knives and folding box cutters. When pocket knives are sold as weapons or right next to weapons, I do think that perpetrates the fear NKP have of pocket knives as well as the association of pocket knives with or OH MY GOSH DEADLY (self defense/murder) WEAPON AAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!

I am somewhat amused when I'm using my knife and someone I know asks if they could try cutting with it. I let them know it's sharp and to be careful, then I watch them like a hawk to make sure they don't do anything stupid. Usually they make a slice into cardboard or some food and then react with a "WOW! That's sharp. Why do you need such a sharp knife/why is it so sharp?" Then I just laugh and point out that it is a sharp tool after all...what good would it be to me if it was dull? After that they typically gain a level of respect for my knives, though I do get the occasional joke about who I'm planning on killing that day :rolleyes:. It's one of those things I've just come to accept as being part of knife ownership. People will make a big deal of something if they aren't exposed to it regularly or used to it, and in urban areas most people probably don't really need pocket knives so they're not that common.

Luckily I've never encountered someone who tried to do something stupid with my knife like stab it at me or other people around them or pry or baton or throw or drop the knife...the crowd I hang with knows how to respect property that belongs to other people ;)
 
ChrisCorliss said:
One of my best friends is a strong believer in the "any knife is good enough" policy. He's had the same shitty spring assisted stiletto from China Town for 4 years. I started there but have moved onto Spyderco and Benchmade. My collection isn't large since I'm only 15. But he does admire some of my better knives.
Click to expand...

Yeah I have a friend like that. I eventually got him to at least respect nicer knives. Yet I refuse to let anybody use our even look at my knives. Epically my para 2. It's not really an expensive knife but it's nice and being only sixteen, I don't think I could afford to replace it if some numbnut did something stupid with it.
 
I find that even if you tell people " its really sharp " they often want to check the edge somehow . Usually by running their thumb up it !! Followed by WOW it really is sharp ! Allways a worrying moment . Also a worrying moment when they attempt to close it usually with some force and fumbling involved . Then when they figure out its locked beyoned their capacity they pass the knife back saber grip tip forward .
Good time to teach someone how to pass a knife safely .. Ie .. Handle pinched between thumb and fore finger pointed toward the person your passing it to with the spine resting on web between said fingers ...edge up !
Safest way to pass a knife imo ...other than folded shut .
 
TheChunk91 said:
I show one of my friends every new knife I get, he likes knives pretty well and im teaching him as much as I can but he's still not a knife guy quite like everybody here on bf and I dont think he will ever be. When I got a cold steel xl voyager clip point he was messing with it and dropped it while it was open almost hitting my foot, I dont like to let him hold my nice knives cause he has a tendency to drop them when he flicks them open. I show my dad most of the new knives I get and he always says "that looks like all the rest of them" or "thats ridiculous" referring to the price so its pretty funny considering he doesnt know anything about the knife world but its always fun to bug him by flicking my knives:D
Click to expand...

My dad says the EXACT same thing
 
I let my buddies see my knives, the mature ones at least. The ones that slam open flippers like a baseball bat are told "No"". :)
 
First of all I carry quite a lot of knives fixed and folders (mostly Gerber stuff), so I don't want anyone to see them because some paranoid person would probably say "Oh no he's dangerous call the cops." I only show my knives to trusted friends that I know won't do anything dangerous. I think that is the best thing to do.
Also, I don't want anybody being injured from one of my knives then blaming me when it is their fault. So I never show anyone my knives. I don't want to be sued like 10 million dollars or something like that. :rolleyes:
 
I don't loan my nicer knives. I offer to cut what needs cutting . 85% of thecurrent population of our wonderful country are happily ignorant of anything beyond their mini circle of life. Scary. Did u know the NYS drivers license test is given in like 40 languages. No wonder there are so many accidents. Reading all the post in this thread is enlightening. Opinions definitely give a good perspective on the giver of said opinion. Amazing the balls on people judging others. Can't even enunciate the things going thru my mind. I can't even..... done..done and done Fu--- Me!;
 
Last edited:
bradlox said:
Good time to teach someone how to pass a knife safely .. Ie .. Handle pinched between thumb and fore finger pointed toward the person your passing it to with the spine resting on web between said fingers ...edge up !
Safest way to pass a knife imo ...other than folded shut .
Click to expand...

I usually just say think fast or catch and throw it at them.
 
All the time. I'm the showoffy type when it comes to knives.

I have so little opportunity to talk knives with people in person, so I typically will jump at the chance to whip out my blade. Obviously not strangers, but pretty much anyone I know that shows an interest in what I'm carrying. I've never had anyone do something stupid with mine in front of me......

Everyone I associate with is respectful towards my property and usually willing to listen when I try to explain the hobby.
 
RSKT said:
When I was a teen of about 13 or 14, I bought my first "Nice" EDC folder with a pocket clip; a Gerber EZ-Out. Up to that point, I had a few okay knives. A Buck 110, couple Schrades, etc. But I was pretty proud of that little EZ-Out. Being young and of limited funds, the $35 was more than a full days work on the horse farm.

I had it about a month. Carried it religiously, making sure of course to slip it deep in my pocket when I was in school. Didn't want that tell-tale pocket-clip to give away my disregard for school rules (and likely suspension). And no, I didn't think I was some sort of bada$$, I used that knife every day around the farm, in the woods, etc. Without a knife, I have, and always will feel naked. Anyway, about a month after I bought that sucker, I was helping an uncle out on a construction site. He said he needed to borrow my knife. I eagerly obliged. He proceeded to use it to cut something against the face of a brick building we were working on. He chipped the cutting edge quite badly, and rounded the half serrations beyond repair. I was aghast. But being fearful of being disrespectful I never corrected him as I watched in horror.

Many years later, having ridden my right front pocket every day, there was another "mishap" with old faithful. I was in Manhattan, attending funerals for fellow first responders after 911. One evening after 3 funerals and a late dinner out with a friend in the FDNY, I was walking back to my hotel. I passed a group of foot patrol NYPD officers, exchanged glances and a brief "hello". I didn't expect the brisk extrication of that EZ-Out from my pocket with nary a warning. The officer asked why I had a knife. I explained that I was born and raised needing one daily, and my career as a Firefighter-Paramedic only served to reinforce that continued need. He asked why I was in NY. I explained. His demeanor became more cordial, though he informed me that I could be charged with a crime, especially because it was a "gravity knife". A term I was not familiar with at the time, and politely asked him to explain. He tried to flick the blade open a few times (which wasn't difficult with the proper technique, especially considering the knife was broken in from years of use). He had some difficulty at first. On his third or fourth try, he managed to sling the blade open, just as it slipped from his grasp and skittered across the sidewalk. I thought I saw the faintest spark as the tip broke on initial impact. He timidly picked my knife up. Disengaged the lock. And told me to "Make it disappear, at least while you're here in the city". I obliged.

At some point the clip screw stripped the threads, and she rode INSIDE my pocket. The rubber-ish leading edge of the frame cracked where it met the zytel. I would come to carefully regrind a point after the NY mishap. I reshaped the handle when it began to fail. I tried to keep her cobbled together, but eventually retired her. The stories she could tell. Certainly more than I can remember.

Currently, I do not really "Show" my knives off to casual observers or co-workers. Other than pictures of those that I make, I almost never draw attention to what I have on my person unless it's needed for actual work. When a friend or co-worker asks to borrow a knife (and has not been previously educated by me on it's correct use and operation) I go over the basics, then hand them whatever cheap "Sacrificial" knife I have for the day. I've done this with everyone since that fateful day with my uncle. Not once has even my "cheapie" come back with any discernible damage. In the process, I've educated folks which probably de-mystifies any misconception at the outset and prevents the crazy talk or dangerous/ juvenile actions.
Click to expand...

Great post and consistant with my experience. I would have insisted that my uncle buy me a new knife just like it and let him keep the old one. I honestly have not reground any points/tips, but my Dad fixed a couple folders for me when I was a kid. If for some reason the point is broken off, I generally retire the knife now. That only happened when I was a kid. I learned.

If asked to borrow a my knife, first question I ask is "What for?" I have said absolutely not a few times and have let people use my knife on other occasions.
 
Krissig12 said:
All the time. I'm the showoffy type when it comes to knives.

I have so little opportunity to talk knives with people in person, so I typically will jump at the chance to whip out my blade. Obviously not strangers, but pretty much anyone I know that shows an interest in what I'm carrying. I've never had anyone do something stupid with mine in front of me......
Click to expand...

Same, my close friends see me carry and use kine all the time. Plus they're my camping buddies so they know enough to not risk harming themselves or the tool.
Honestly though, I've never had someone ruin my knives because I've only been asked maybe 3 times in my life outside of camping. Southern California just doesn't see the point of knives...... I'll leave that terrible pun in...
Anyways, where I live, I'll see someone carry maybe once every 8 months.
 
When people say it's a weapon or ask if it's a weapon, I politely inform them that my weapon is the 9mm on my hip and a knife is a horrible choice for a primary weapon.

ONEEYEDJACK said:
Maybe in this day and age its best not to let anybody know you are carrying a blade.
Click to expand...
 
When people ask me to see or use my knife, I've got no issues with it.

I just inform them that it's really expensive, and if they damage it in any minute way, they just bought themselves a new knife.

Most of the time when I say that, people are really ginger handling it if they just want to look at it. And most people wanting to cut something just have me cut it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top