Ever stopped someone and asked what they're carrying?

I've never asked someone what they have in there pocket but came close a couple of times but thought it would be just weird.
Every time I go to the barber he always asks me got any thing cool? and I usually do.
 
kwick72 said:
I've never asked someone what they have in there pocket but came close a couple of times but thought it would be just weird.
Every time I go to the barber he always asks me got any thing cool? and I usually do.
Click to expand...

All good, kwick. I actually notice clips and handles a lot, but this was one of the only times I've actually asked. I know when people walk up to me and start talking, I usually assume the worst.
 
Went to pick up my order of contacts from the eye place in Costco and the guy had a very interesting looking clip sticking out of his right pocket. Hawaii is a casual place, and lots of people carry knives so I asked him what was he carrying. What he pulled out was a one-off Ken Onion! Ken lives here in Hawaii and this guy knows him and bought directly from Ken himself. He said he actually uses it to open cartons, and brake down boxes. Awesomeness! He also voluntarily showed me the strider he carries for "questionable" jobs where he wouldn't want to use the Onion. I don't blame him either. When asked, I showed him my edc- a regular Sebbie that was met with an approving nod. Fun days in Costco.
 
I kinda think it's a sad commentary on our modern society that people think they would be tagged as a weirdo for striking up a conversation with a stranger or think someone is a weirdo for striking up one with them. People are so disconnected these days and yet no one has a problem talking with complete strangers on a forum.
 
stog75 said:
Went to pick up my order of contacts from the eye place in Costco and the guy had a very interesting looking clip sticking out of his right pocket. Hawaii is a casual place, and lots of people carry knives so I asked him what was he carrying. What he pulled out was a one-off Ken Onion! Ken lives here in Hawaii and this guy knows him and bought directly from Ken himself. He said he actually uses it to open cartons, and brake down boxes. Awesomeness! He also voluntarily showed me the strider he carries for "questionable" jobs where he wouldn't want to use the Onion. I don't blame him either. When asked, I showed him my edc- a regular Sebbie that was met with an approving nod. Fun days in Costco.
Click to expand...

What the hell? That's awesome man. And in Costco, of all places! :thumbup:

kevnkar said:
I kinda think it's a sad commentary on our modern society that people think they would be tagged as a weirdo for striking up a conversation with a stranger or think someone is a weirdo for striking up one with them. People are so disconnected these days and yet no one has a problem talking with complete strangers on a forum.
Click to expand...

Trust me, I wholeheartedly agree with your statement. We live in a very weird day and age, where people feel more comfortable putting their life all over social media yet don't like to connect in person. Or a better example, when people make plans to hang out yet are on their phones the whole time, not speaking to each other even though they're literally 2 feet apart!
 
kevnkar said:
I kinda think it's a sad commentary on our modern society that people think they would be tagged as a weirdo for striking up a conversation with a stranger or think someone is a weirdo for striking up one with them. People are so disconnected these days and yet no one has a problem talking with complete strangers on a forum.
Click to expand...

+1

i would ask - if i ever saw someone carrying a model/brand where you could tell that person is into knives
 
I have had a few conversations like this. But mostly I'm disappointed because the people I usually meet aren't nearly as fanatical as I am about knives and their enthusiasm, even for their own knife is severely lacking in my opinion. The best conversation I've had was with a homeless couple living out of their car. I was walking my Boxer in a local wooded park and came across the couple playing with their own Boxer. Our children (yeah, I love my dog) seemed to be compatible and had a pretty good play session. Meanwhile, the guy saw the cord around my neck (knife under my shirt) and asked if I had some sort of medallion. I always try to stay very aware, but relaxed, when meeting new folks in somewhat secluded areas like this section of the park and decided, given his behavior and our conversation so far, to show him my "medallion"/neck knife. He was a bit surprised to see the knife (unsheathed so far) but seemed interested. I asked him what he carried and he casually pulled out his big box store American tanto style folder and we had a pretty good conversation. He asked all about the design, steel, and who made my knife. We talked for about 10 minutes (I could go on for a long time). It was starting to get dark and our dogs seemed to have their fill so we went on our way. It was kind of satisfying to be able to talk knives in such an unexpected setting. Mike
 
Mike157 said:
I have had a few conversations like this. But mostly I'm disappointed because the people I usually meet aren't nearly as fanatical as I am about knives and their enthusiasm, even for their own knife is severely lacking in my opinion. The best conversation I've had was with a homeless couple living out of their car. I was walking my Boxer in a local wooded park and came across the couple playing with their own Boxer. Our children (yeah, I love my dog) seemed to be compatible and had a pretty good play session. Meanwhile, the guy saw the cord around my neck (knife under my shirt) and asked if I had some sort of medallion. I always try to stay very aware, but relaxed, when meeting new folks in somewhat secluded areas like this section of the park and decided, given his behavior and our conversation so far, to show him my "medallion"/neck knife. He was a bit surprised to see the knife (unsheathed so far) but seemed interested. I asked him what he carried and he casually pulled out his big box store American tanto style folder and we had a pretty good conversation. He asked all about the design, steel, and who made my knife. We talked for about 10 minutes (I could go on for a long time). It was starting to get dark and our dogs seemed to have their fill so we went on our way. It was kind of satisfying to be able to talk knives in such an unexpected setting. Mike
Click to expand...

Good story, Mike. Some of the coolest convos happen when you least expect. Also, do you remember what neck knife you were carrying? I'm just curious ;)
 
Total strangers, no. People at work who I may not know well but see around the place, yes.
 
grownstar said:
Good story, Mike. Some of the coolest convos happen when you least expect. Also, do you remember what neck knife you were carrying? I'm just curious ;)
Click to expand...

As a "self-chosen" birthday present from my wife a few years ago, I was able to attend one of Murray Carter's one week knife making classes. One of the knives we made, with Murray's considerable helping hand, was a neck knife in the style that he regularly makes - blue steel core between stainless (sanmai construction) with an ironwood handle. I carry it regularly. Thanks for asking. Mike
 
Although I've never asked a total stranger about the knife they were carrying (and I've been around for 44 years), if I saw someone carrying or using a knife that I found particularly interesting and didn't know what kind it was, I might ask about it. As far as people I know, naturally I wouldn't hesitate to ask, no matter what they were carrying.

However, there can be a real downside to striking up a conversation with a complete stranger- once some people start talking, they never want to stop. I've had this experience a few times regarding motorcycles. It's pretty obvious that I ride a motorcycle, and sometimes people will strike up a conversation with me- "What kind of bike do you ride? How long have you been riding? Are you a member of a club?" and on, and on, and on. These questions are usually followed by them telling me about every person they have ever known who has ever owned a bike, every person they've ever heard about who had an accident riding a bike ("My cousin's-uncle's-brother had his leg torn off in a motorcycle accident"), every bike they want to own or have ever wanted to own, why they can't get a bike, how much they love "American Choppers", and on, and on, and on. Now I consider myself a pretty friendly guy, and I like to talk bikes, but when I've got things to do and places to go, I don't want to stand in a parking lot for an hour chatting. It seems like some people can just talk FOREVER.

So I generally mind my own business and avoid casual conversation with strangers. I've got enough friends, I'm not really looking to make any more.
 
Last edited:
I breed snakes for a living and I never tell anyone what I do. The reason is, after I tell them I have to listen to their one stupid snake story..which everyone seems to have.

Heck I have been breeding snakes for over 40 years professionally and have thousands. All I do at work is talk and live and breath snakes and snake breeding. Then someone wants to tell me their snake story. LOL!

Some people are persistent in wanting to know what I do for a living. I usually tell them I sell stuff on the interent. But if they keep persisting I tell them I sell sex toys and ask if they want to see them.. Usually turns their face red and deservingly so.
 
At our rock gym the pocket knives inevitably end up tucked in to chalk bags so when we see other folks who have them we will chat about them. Only time I've ever really thought to ask other folks.
 
Everyone here in Texas carries at least a knife so it's not uncommon for folks to compare notes.

One of my favorite games is watching for people who are carrying CCW. A couple of times I've been sure enough to ask, "So what are you carrying?" You should see the surprised looks. Both on both occasions it sparked a good conversation.
 
I've wanted to ask a few times, but stopped myself because I couldn't figure out how to ask without looking like a weirdo.
 
I've asked and been shown some Gerbers, Mtechs (:barf:), and a single Spyderco Byrd. At Boy Scout summer camp, kids buy (and carry) the cheapest, junkiest, most horrible folding tactical and camp knives.

One older boy scout owns and has shown me a Kershaw Shallot.
 
Usually it's the other way around and people ask me what kind of knife I'm carrying. I figure after they ask then it's fair to ask in return.
 
grownstar said:
Trust me, I wholeheartedly agree with your statement. We live in a very weird day and age, where people feel more comfortable putting their life all over social media yet don't like to connect in person. Or a better example, when people make plans to hang out yet are on their phones the whole time, not speaking to each other even though they're literally 2 feet apart!
Click to expand...

As it was said in a TV ad I saw a few weeks ago:
"We have so many friends on Facebook that we need a new word for the real ones..."

I am 36 and do not feel THAT old, but back when I was young we had no mobiles, internet, social networks and stuff.
We went out on the street to our buddys after breakfast, went whereever we liked with no one knowing where or able to reach us, and got back when it was dark outside, and that was totally normal behaviour.

And every boy above the age of 7 or 8 years ALWAYS had his pocket knife with him (and most of the girls too), and we never got hurt badly either.

Oh well, enough rambling ... good old times *sighs*

As for the OT: If I notice anything interesting about anyone (a pocket clip, a cool bag, a nice smile, whatever) I ask them about it! Got some pretty awesome responses, but some nice ones too!
I say: Living in a city with a few million people in it does not mean you have to be ducking and uninterested about another human being!
If we all were there would be no human race in a few generations ;)
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top