To Big1 and others,
Must be nice. As for myself, I'm five foot seven and 170 pounds. Not large, so I appreciate any advantage I have, including the subtle, usually unspoken psychological effect a decent sized knife has on an observer. As long as the effect is subtle and unspoken, though very present, I think the fear of sharp steel is a safety factor that small guys can appreciate. It should be known but unspoken. It should never be fully relied upon, nor overtly paraded, but only part of the arsenal, if you will.
I once pulled out a Kershaw Blackhorse (a really kewl knife, BTW) for some cardboard slicing or something, and got a guy to raise his eyebrows and tell me how BIG that knife is. I don't think in those terms about this knife because I own a TOPS Anaconda, and THAT is a BIG knife.
For now I carry the new Swiss Army Hunter with the locking button. It is my primary survival blade as well. Has a great saw. I wish it had a small blade as well as the larger one. I always carry it as a pocket knife rather than on a belt, but my co-workers know who to come to.
A persons public character plays a more important role in knife acceptance than almost anything else. People who know you as a steady guy will likely adjust well to the blade use. However, there are those who will never get beyond their own small view of reality, whatever the issue, and wether or not they know you. I always try to remember this: "Be careful what you say, to whom, and how you say it". Or, translated: Be careful what knife you use; be aware of the people in the vicinity and their possible response; and just do the job needed, but don't get flashy.
"Do not cast your pearls before swine." Mt.7:6
Fellow Traveler
ne to show 'goodie knife' and one conceived 'bad momma' knife for "situations". Thank you all for the support, at least i know i'm not alone...almost to tears now. 
