Giving Knife as a Gift

[Tok]

Hi all, have these questions. Have u guys ever heard of this rule that when u give a knife to someone as a gift, the receiver need to give u back a coin? If so, then what is the reason behind this habit? And where is this originated from? Thanks!!

 

[Richard]

Yeah, supposed to be so that you are actually buying the knife (even if its just a penny). Kind of an old tradition, although some people take it seriously.

Kind of ranks up there with black cats crossing your path, or stepping on a crack and breaking your moms back.

Kind of a neat thing though, just to get in the spirit of things.

 

[Tok]

Thanks Rich!

 

[UnknownVT]

Yeah, supposed to be so that you are actually buying the knife (even if its just a penny).

Yes, but WHY?


- to give a knife is supposed mean cutting the friendship/relationship.

This interpretation/meaning exists in more than just one country........

--
Vincent

http://UnknownVincent.cjb.net/
http://UnknownVT.cjb.net/

 

[Richard]

Yes Vincent, you are correct. I had intended to include the friendship part in my post. Somehow I just completely skipped it.

 

[Tok]

Thanks guys!

 

[cockroachfarm]

The "exchange a penny with every knife transaction" superstition was passed on to me by my grandmother when I was just a little boy - and I've passed it on ever since. I think it has something to do with "...the knife won't cut the penny so it can't sever the friendship", or something like that.

Of course NOW I have several knives that could slice that defenseless penny in half without breaking a sweat!

 

[Daniel Koster]

some stick to it, others don't. I've never been offended by it, but don't participate in it myself.