How public are you with your knives?

[iamjethro]

I spent a lot of time out west when I was younger. IF a guy walked into the gas station to get a drink and chips in Wyoming wearing the axe, it would probably draw less stares than if he walked in with the axe in say, Cleveland .

Where you are and what people are used to seeing makes a huge difference.

 

[22-rimfire]

I saw some bozo walking into a Sherwin Williams with a tape measure clipped to his pocket just to pick up some paint. I don't care that he had a tape measure, but I have no idea what the hell he was going to measure in a paint store Heck, 90% of the time a painter doesn't even own a tape measure

It's the same with someone carrying an axe at a grocery store. I'm not frightened by them, they're just a clown for my own amusement

That was me.. Not really, but you would be surprised how often I slip a small tape measure into my pocket when I go to Lowe's, Home Depot, or Ace Hardware. It' usually for a specific reason..... something that I might just be looking for and want it to be no larger than "X" or smaller than "Y".

With the axe, hatchet, or tomahawk thing; it is entirely situational.

 

[smith357]

I'm misunderstanding nothing you repeatedly call people sheeple which isn't the case at all if you open carry anything people will notice simple as that. I carry concealed I like to be another face in the crowed you walk into where I'm at with my kids carrying a tommahak you better belive you are now on my radar they aren't sheeple they are concerned and rightfully so .with the nuts that walk around with knives stuffed in tube socks down their pants and practice tactical knife fighting drilling themselves for what might go down you Better belive there is room for concern. And those examples I just gave you came from threads in this forum so yeah.

If my carrying a hawk put me on your radar and scares the sheeple I don't give a rats patootie. Deal with it.

 

[22-rimfire]

Why do you choose a hawk design over a hatchet, small axe or just a large chopper knife?

 

[gonebad395]

Lmao sheeple to much cnn man

 

[James Y]

Last month or so, I was walking and saw a homeless man up ahead of me who accidentally dropped his knife on the sidewalk (it looked like maybe a knockoff of a CRKT M16 or something). He picked it up and tried to stab it into a palm tree. When it didn't stick the first time, he began mumbling and violently stabbing the tree repeatedly until it stuck into the tree. He also appeared to be mentally ill. Further up the block walking in my direction was a guy and his GF/wife. He noticed and was eyeing the guy warily. So did I. Several other people never even noticed, staring at their own phones.

I'm a lifelong knife carrier and user, but if someone starts behaving in an unusual manner, including with a knife, I take notice. If someone walked into a store with a machete and started using it to separate some bananas, I would take notice. They may or may not be a danger, but it would be stupid to just saunter right by someone like that because "It's only a knife and I'm not going to be a 'sheeple'."

Calling every other person who does not carry or understand carrying a knife a sheeple is silly, when you don't even know every single person. You never know; that "sheeple" could possibly be one of the people who would help pull you or your loved ones out of a burning car. You also don't know people's personal histories. Some persons may have been horribly wounded and traumatized by a criminal using a knife, resulting in them having become ultra-vigilant around people with knives. A little basic consideration can go a long way.

As far as myself, I only use my knife for what's needed and put it away. I don't show it off, and I don't make a big deal out of it. I'm discreet about it. That's not because I'm ashamed or walking on eggshells. It's my personality. I don't need everybody to know my business, and I give them no reason to. I've also never posed for a photo with a knife.

Jim

 

[killgar]

It's just odd and unnecessary.

I saw some bozo walking into a Sherwin Williams with a tape measure clipped to his pocket just to pick up some paint. I don't care that he had a tape measure, but I have no idea what the hell he was going to measure in a paint store Heck, 90% of the time a painter doesn't even own a tape measure

It's the same with someone carrying an axe at a grocery store. I'm not frightened by them, they're just a clown for my own amusement

Why is someone a "bozo" for wearing a tape measure? Hell, I'd be impressed by the fact that they can read a tape measure. A lot of people in this country cannot.

I think the attitude you display is evidence of the problem, and that attitude is- If someone does something I don't agree with they are stupid.

Personally, I think there are too many people in this country who look for reasons to judge others and look down on people. I'm sure there are a lot of people in this country who have a negative impression of people carrying knives, even if it's just a folder in their pocket. I'm sure they would consider us "bozos", or worse, simply for carrying a folder clipped to our pocket, .

If I saw someone carrying a tomahawk on their belt in the grocery store, I'd look upon them the same way I'd look upon someone carrying a large fixed-blade or a handgun on their belt- I'd take notice, I'd make an assessment to determine for myself if they are acting in a suspicious or threatening manner, but if I came to the conclusion that they are not a threat I would take no further interest in them. I wouldn't look upon them as a clown for my own amusement.

I always find it interesting, and ironic, when I see people on this knife forum judging and ridiculing other members for what legal items they choose to carry. Especially considering how much prejudice there is in this country towards people who carry knives.

And if the argument is- "You shouldn't be carrying that around because you really don't need it", well, I'll wager that also applies to most of the people on this forum and the knives clipped to their pockets. I doubt they really need to carry them.

I say, as long as it's legal, people can carry whatever they want. I'm certainly not going to criticize or judge people, or call them clowns or bozos simply because they choose to carry something I don't. Just like I wouldn't appreciate anyone calling me such names for carrying a knife. But that's me.

 

[ostanley99]

In the field I work in, knives are a necessity. Many a working man has pulled out his HK auto knife in front of me. I use the opportunity to show them my Benchmade auto

 

[Charlie Mike]

About the tape measure... Depending on which pocket it is clipped to, it means different things. Much like the San Francisco hankerchief "code"... A tape measure clipped to a front pocket means "I'm of considerable size" ... Clipped to a back pocket means "I'm looking for a man with considerable size" ... Hope that clears things up.

My uncle (who is gay) calls home improvement big box stores "the homo depot" because they are common "pickup" haunts.

 

[liamstrain]

I usually carry at least one traditional pocketknife (teardrop jack or a half congress or something) in addition to a modern folder. 95% of the time, I use the traditional - both because I like it and the task involved is well within its capabilities, but also because nobody even bats an eye. Cutting an apple with a big ass automatic battle blade of some kind is just overkill. I use what I like, and adjust to the purpose - and sometimes to the situation and room. Priority order as presented.

 

[Knave]

The gun writer Tamara Keel often makes the point (in the context of open carry of guns) that "There's a difference between just carrying a gun and carrying a gun AT PEOPLE." It seems to me that the guys who make a point of telling us how little they care for the opinions of "sheeple" are probably trying to provoke, and enjoying, the reactions they get.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Hickory n steel]

The gun writer Tamara Keel often makes the point (in the context of open carry of guns) that "There's a difference between just carrying a gun and carrying a gun AT PEOPLE." It seems to me that the guys who make a point of telling us how little they care for the opinions of "sheeple" are probably trying to provoke, and enjoying, the reactions they get.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

It sort of appears that way to me to, but I also think it's their way of expressing disdain for the fact that the good ol' days where every man carried a cutting tool are lost.
( it certainly sucks, but it's not just perception as in general knives have become more tactical and menacing looking compared to traditionals )

 

[damascus9]

I'm somewhat self-conscious about carrying/using/talking about knives so now my EDC's are pretty small, like a ZT 0450 or a Pro-Tech Brend 2. I don't talk about them unless someone asks me or if I notice he or she is carrying one also. I live in a left-leaning area but I work in a more blue-collar place so I see a lot more people carrying when I go to work. I wish I knew more people locally that were into knives. I like buying, trading, and selling them.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Why is someone a "bozo" for wearing a tape measure? Hell, I'd be impressed by the fact that they can read a tape measure. A lot of people in this country cannot.

I think the attitude you display is evidence of the problem, and that attitude is- If someone does something I don't agree with they are stupid.

Personally, I think there are too many people in this country who look for reasons to judge others and look down on people. I'm sure there are a lot of people in this country who have a negative impression of people carrying knives, even if it's just a folder in their pocket. I'm sure they would consider us "bozos", or worse, simply for carrying a folder clipped to our pocket, .

If I saw someone carrying a tomahawk on their belt in the grocery store, I'd look upon them the same way I'd look upon someone carrying a large fixed-blade or a handgun on their belt- I'd take notice, I'd make an assessment to determine for myself if they are acting in a suspicious or threatening manner, but if I came to the conclusion that they are not a threat I would take no further interest in them. I wouldn't look upon them as a clown for my own amusement.

I always find it interesting, and ironic, when I see people on this knife forum judging and ridiculing other members for what legal items they choose to carry. Especially considering how much prejudice there is in this country towards people who carry knives.

And if the argument is- "You shouldn't be carrying that around because you really don't need it", well, I'll wager that also applies to most of the people on this forum and the knives clipped to their pockets. I doubt they really need to carry them.

I say, as long as it's legal, people can carry whatever they want. I'm certainly not going to criticize or judge people, or call them clowns or bozos simply because they choose to carry something I don't. Just like I wouldn't appreciate anyone calling me such names for carrying a knife. But that's me.

Don't be such a clown...

I'm glad that you can express so much verbiage about my use of the word "bozo", but I assure you that I'm not looking down on someone for doing the things I mentioned. There are many people I look up to, and if one of them were walking into a paint store with a tape measure I'd stop and ask them "what are you going to do with that, ya bozo?!". It's a joke, I like to have fun in life and laugh about other people's quirkiness, even my own.

As for the following quote:

If I saw someone carrying a tomahawk on their belt in the grocery store, I'd look upon them the same way I'd look upon someone carrying a large fixed-blade or a handgun on their belt- I'd take notice, I'd make an assessment to determine for myself if they are acting in a suspicious or threatening manner, but if I came to the conclusion that they are not a threat I would take no further interest in them.

What are you, The Terminator? Do you "detect" threats based upon algorithms and artificial intelligence? Come on now!!!

The truth is, is that there are going to be answers from all over the globe about this situation (remember, this is a public forum), and there are different cultures everywhere. It's crazy to assume that one way is the right way, but there's no reason to get bent out of shape when someone offers their opinion.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Last month or so, I was walking and saw a homeless man up ahead of me who accidentally dropped his knife on the sidewalk (it looked like maybe a knockoff of a CRKT M16 or something). He picked it up and tried to stab it into a palm tree. When it didn't stick the first time, he began mumbling and violently stabbing the tree repeatedly until it stuck into the tree. He also appeared to be mentally ill. Further up the block walking in my direction was a guy and his GF/wife. He noticed and was eyeing the guy warily. So did I. Several other people never even noticed, staring at their own phones.

I'm a lifelong knife carrier and user, but if someone starts behaving in an unusual manner, including with a knife, I take notice. If someone walked into a store with a machete and started using it to separate some bananas, I would take notice. They may or may not be a danger, but it would be stupid to just saunter right by someone like that because "It's only a knife and I'm not going to be a 'sheeple'."

Calling every other person who does not carry or understand carrying a knife a sheeple is silly, when you don't even know every single person. You never know; that "sheeple" could possibly be one of the people who would help pull you or your loved ones out of a burning car. You also don't know people's personal histories. Some persons may have been horribly wounded and traumatized by a criminal using a knife, resulting in them having become ultra-vigilant around people with knives. A little basic consideration can go a long way.

As far as myself, I only use my knife for what's needed and put it away. I don't show it off, and I don't make a big deal out of it. I'm discreet about it. That's not because I'm ashamed or walking on eggshells. It's my personality. I don't need everybody to know my business, and I give them no reason to. I've also never posed for a photo with a knife.

Jim

I would have to say, that I wouldn't want someone who's not a knife person to make things worse by failing to rescue me from a burning car because that have no knife.
And I would say that if someone were injured by a knife wielding criminal they should now carry their own knife, and they should also be smart enough to know that one mistake doesn't change the majority ( the majority of knives being cutting tools and not weapons )

I see no problem with the word steeple, people that get afraid of a person calmly and responsibly using a cutting tool ( something that if done responsibly and respectfully should garner no attention or fear by a person with common sense ) are sheeple.
No matter what may have caused them to think this way, they are still unnecessarily afraid due to preconceived notions.

 

[TheWambo]

Seeing how this is becoming an argument over semantics and what level of respect a over sensitive individual deserves. I'd suggest that we (meaning the knife community) take notice that we are basically in agreement on the bigger points here.

1. We seek to promote the "golden rule"
2. We use our tools with purpose and in a safe manner
3. How and why we use our knives is our prerogative, within the law.

As far as the "Sheeple" argument goes, I look at it this way, a lot more good can be done by trying to inform these individuals and by attempting to make a positive impression than by dismissing them outright, and being adversarial.

By taking an adversarial position you are only solidifying their prejudices and negative point of view when it comes to knife carry, and culture.

It can make a world of difference in a persuasive argument if the person you are trying to start a dialogue with can relate to you, and identify with your point on any level. They might never really see eye to eye with you, but they will likely be more respectful of you and your views in the future and by association, people like you.

And you never know, I've known more than a few people that were once very anti knife/gun/etc. that have completely reversed their stance after the subject was approached in a mutually respectful and logical way.

In my experience you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Just my 2¢

 

[killgar]

Don't be such a clown...

I'm glad that you can express so much verbiage about my use of the word "bozo", but I assure you that I'm not looking down on someone for doing the things I mentioned. There are many people I look up to, and if one of them were walking into a paint store with a tape measure I'd stop and ask them "what are you going to do with that, ya bozo?!". It's a joke, I like to have fun in life and laugh about other people's quirkiness, even my own.

You referred to someone as a "bozo" for carrying a tape measure into a paint store, your word not mine. I found it odd that you would regard someone in such a negative way for doing something that cannot possibly have any affect on you.

As for the following quote:



What are you, The Terminator? Do you "detect" threats based upon algorithms and artificial intelligence? Come on now!!!

I don't determine someone to be a threat based solely on what they are carrying, otherwise I would look upon anyone with a folder clipped to their pocket as a threat, because a folder can be used as a weapon. Aside from considering what a person is carrying, I also look at their demeanor, their actions, their appearance. If a clean, well groomed guy carrying a knife/gun/tomahawk on his belt is pushing a shopping cart down the isle of a grocery store, occasional putting items in his cart, and showing no signs of erratic or threatening behavior, I'm not going to regard him as a threat the same way I would if I saw a filthy guy, talking gibberish to himself, wandering around the store poking the produce with a kitchen knife. One doesn't have to be a cyborg to accurately judge if a person is acting in a suspicious and potentially threatening manner. If merely carrying a knife/gun/tomahawk is enough to cause someone to look upon a person as an immediate/imminent threat to their safety, then I guess they start running every time they see someone with a folder clipped to their pocket. Sounds like paranoid overreaction to me.

The truth is, is that there are going to be answers from all over the globe about this situation (remember, this is a public forum), and there are different cultures everywhere. It's crazy to assume that one way is the right way, but there's no reason to get bent out of shape when someone offers their opinion.

Yes, this is a public forum, where people express their opinions. And just as people are free to express their opinions others are free to question those opinions. None here are above having their opinions questioned, neither you nor I.

And who's the one getting bent out of shape here? I'm not the one calling people names just because they disagree with me or question my opinion.

 

[James Y]

I would have to say, that I wouldn't want someone who's not a knife person to make things worse by failing to rescue me from a burning car because that have no knife.
And I would say that if someone were injured by a knife wielding criminal they should now carry their own knife, and they should also be smart enough to know that one mistake doesn't change the majority ( the majority of knives being cutting tools and not weapons )

I see no problem with the word steeple, people that get afraid of a person calmly and responsibly using a cutting tool ( something that if done responsibly and respectfully should garner no attention or fear by a person with common sense ) are sheeple.
No matter what may have caused them to think this way, they are still unnecessarily afraid due to preconceived notions.

I get it. I really do. I'm a knife person. But things are rarely as they "should be". I've known a few women who had been victims of horrific crimes that I won't go into. I would never presume that such a person should just get over it and carry their own knife. Things aren't always that simplistic. If you actually knew someone whose life was severely affected by such horror, you might have a different view of it. And the crimes perpetrated against them were not mistakes, either.

Also, who's to say that someone without a knife cannot effectively rescue you? I, too, have been angry in the past when I heard that someone wasn't rescued from a burning car because of a stuck seatbelt and nobody had a cutting tool. BUT rescues have been accomplished by ordinary citizens who did not have knives. Every type of rescue does not preclude being rescued without a knife.

I'm a martial artist with over 40 years' experience. But I would never presume that all others who don't train are sheeple because of it, because that would be untrue. There are MANY things that define a person other than if they train martial arts, or (as is the subject of this thread) whether they carry a knife or not.

Years ago, I used to think those who wouldn't carry a knife to be ''sheeple'. Then I opened my horizons through life experiences and meeting various others in my life. Then my views changed. I still do not like it when people want to dictate that others cannot carry a simple pocketknife as a tool. But to characterize every person who don't/won't carry a knife as a sheeple is not my way anymore. So I guess we can agree to disagree here.

Jim

 

[smith357]

Why do you choose a hawk design over a hatchet, small axe or just a large chopper knife?

I have liked axes since I was a wee lad, I don't know if I can put my finger on exactly why like them so much, I think I'm down to about 25 axes and hawks currently. I keep a half dozen axes at the cabin but I prefer my traditional hawks for woods carry over hatchet and boy's axe for the light weight, ease of carry, and ease of handle replacement should it break. I have no empirical evidence but I feel that the 19" handle length gives a mechanical advantage over the big chopper knife, and feel the hammer poll is a better pounding tool than a pommel, but then that's just the opinion of a grumpy old guy.

 

[Etna]

As many of you will know, here in the UK we have pretty draconian knife laws. However, I carry a UK legal folder every day and will not be concerned about discreet use.
My work and social colleagues know I carry a knife and have a selection at home. Both my children own/have access to a knife if they need one. They have been brought up seeing them as tools for a job.

K

A lot of knives are legal in the UK. Even locking knives.

The only issue is whether it is carry-legal. And to my knowledge of UK law, locking folders are carry-legal if there is a lawful reason for it (which does not include EDC or self-defense).