How does one non-awkwardly approach a knife-bro in the wild?

Comeuppance

Comeuppance

Fixed Blade EDC Emisssary
Joined
Jan 12, 2013
Messages
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I'm always looking for clips and sheaths when I'm out and about - I spotted a 111H20 when I was in Denver just by the clip and partially exposed handle, started a conversation with a cop when I was waiting for the lightrail when I positively identified his Yojimbo2 in his pocket, and, just an hour ago, had to pass on a conversation with yet another officer that I noticed had a Microtech Select Fire in his back pocket because I was at a restaurant with my parents for my birthday (on my dime. Trust me, it's a good idea. They appreciate it.) - and also because I had/have my new protech TR4 auto in my pocket and autos aren't legal for public carry until November here.

So, yeah, ultimately, I spend a lot of time looking at dudes buttular regions trying to spot clips. It can be awkward.

My question is the approach, though - I generally come in kinda bashfully and say something akin to "Hey, sorry to bother you, but is that a [knife model or brand] in your pocket? I'm one of those knife guys."

...Always super awkward if they aren't also knife guys. We need a secret handshake or something. Lacking that, what's a better approach?
 
Not sure there is one. Approaching a stranger cold always feels super awkward. That said, remember that you're admiring/offering praise for a possession of theirs, and I, for one, feel pretty darn pleased when a stranger singles me put for praise. So I think you have to kind of look at it from that perspective.
 
It's the same as approaching a chic, but less likely that dinner will follow.

If the location and timing allows, just go up and say how's it going. Mention that you noticed his (brand knife here) and that you had a question as to whether he liked it and would suggest that you buy one.

Leaving it as an open ended question leaves it more likely that you can have a conversation based upon his answer, which leaves you both with a way out. If he seems grossly misinformed, you can either help him out, or thank him and bow out. If he seems like he has a decent idea as to what he has, it serves him well, or he has other plans regarding knives and future purchases, you now have a spring board to see where the conversation can go.
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Tldr, just be honest, straightforward, and talk to the person like you would want to be approached.
 
Out in public I don't look for knives in people's pockets unless by accident.

At work, working at a sushi bar, once a while, a guy will ask if I sharpen my own knife etc. He will eventually show me his knife and I'll show mine. Fun stuff.
I've sharpened a few knives for customers too, they love the polish stone!
 
It's awkward. Gotta do a quick judgement of the persons demeanor. I usually go with, oh is that a knife clipped to your pocket? I carry one too.

In the last year I've gotten:

Nah, just a box cutter. My new Benchmade is at home.

Oh yeah, it's my super tactical Smith and Wesson that matches my m&p .40!

Just a Kershaw, nothing major.

It's an oldie but a goodie. A cold steel recon 1 tanto that looked like it had done 12 rounds with a brick wall. It had been sharpened repeatedly. He was an old friend who is a firefighter and used it for everything.
 
Here's one I sharpened for an officer. Couldn't believe what he paid for it and how it felt in hand...
 
I just say "Hi, nice knife" or whatever name/brand it is if I've postively identified it. If there knife guys they will want to talk about it. If they arnt they just kinda go "uh hi". Best find I had was a city inspector with a Sebenza in a belt pouch. Half hour inspection went a hour and a half! :)
 
I treat others as I want others to treat me.

Although I'm a friendly guy, I'm also rather anti-social. I don't like total strangers trying to strike up conversations with me in public about anything, I prefer that people just leave me alone. So I leave other people alone.

I carry a knife as a tool, not as some form of open invitation for people to approach me, start talking to me, and "interrupt my peace". And I don't assume that other people carry their knives as invitations for social activity.

I'm not saying it's wrong to start talking to total strangers when you see them carrying a knife, in fact, some people might like it. But the way I see it, unless they are carrying something that you might be interested in buying and can't identify, or unless you are looking to make a lifelong friend, what's the point of striking up a conversation over someones knife.

But like I said, I'm rather anti-social, and that heavily influences my feelings on this topic.
 
I think the only time I would say anything is if I could ID the model. Then I would say something like " nice xxx how do you like it.
 
It all depends on the circumstances. If I recognize the knife Id simply ask if it was what I thought it was. Or maybe Id ask what are you carrying? It seems like you are over thinking it.
 
I'm pretty good at spotting knives and CCW. My life depended on this many years ago.

I usually say something about how it's nice to see more people carrying... and I point to my pocket clip... and I usually end up handing out a business card.

:D
 
I'm more accurate with concealed handguns than with clipped knives. I seldom mention anything other than "hello."
 
If I can see what brand it is Ill say something like, "Hey I like your benchmade" or "Is that a benchmade knife?" Or if I cant see the brand Ill say "Hey I like your knife, what kind is it?"
 
killgar said:
I treat others as I want others to treat me.

Although I'm a friendly guy, I'm also rather anti-social. I don't like total strangers trying to strike up conversations with me in public about anything, I prefer that people just leave me alone. So I leave other people alone.

I carry a knife as a tool, not as some form of open invitation for people to approach me, start talking to me, and "interrupt my peace". And I don't assume that other people carry their knives as invitations for social activity.

I'm not saying it's wrong to start talking to total strangers when you see them carrying a knife, in fact, some people might like it. But the way I see it, unless they are carrying something that you might be interested in buying and can't identify, or unless you are looking to make a lifelong friend, what's the point of striking up a conversation over someones knife.

But like I said, I'm rather anti-social, and that heavily influences my feelings on this topic.
Click to expand...

I could have written this ^ but I have caught myself a few times thinking about acknowledging a good carry. Have always decided to let it be - as I would expect in return. Killgar you and me bro - now leave me alone :D
 
Eh, I've only seen hipster bros carrying identifiable pocket knives lately and that's not really my crowd. Awhile back I noticed a Microtech in the pocket of a clerk at a liquor store and asked her about it. She said nothing and looked like she was going to put it through the side of my neck. I tend to keep my mouth closed out and about H-town.
 
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