How would you explain to someone that knives are tools and not weapons?

[master_nylo]

Most non-knife people have this idea in their heads that knives are weapons and not tools. I think this is because of the fear mindset that most people have, and Hollywood. Whenever you see a knife in a movie, it's used as a weapon. I know a knife can be used as a weapon, and some knives are meant to be used as weapons, but almost anything can be used as a "weapon." Now, I know that not all people are like this. I also know that not all of you carry a knife as a tool and some of you carry a knife as a weapon (or both). But I think it's safe to say that most of you knife-people will use a knife as a tool. Now to the question, how do you explain to someone that knives are tools and not weapons? I say anything can be used as a weapon, and I also say it's good not to generalize people who carry knives just because a few use knives as weapons. Not all people carry knives as weapons, and more people carry knives as utilitarian tools. Looking forward to your replies!

 

[coolbreezy37]

My knives are tools first and foremost, with the ability to be used as a defensive weapon. Design favors the aspect greatly, however.

 

[AR-Trvlr]

I tell them that a chair can be used as a weapon, but it doesn't mean that every chair is a weapon.

 

[Slice O Life]

There’s nothing really to discuss. Knives are tools. Some tools if not all tools can be used as a weapon of opportunity. A hammer would probably be worse than a knife. Knives are the oldest tools known to man, maybe we just have it in our brains that they can be used as weapons moreso than other tools because theyve been around so long.

 

[JoeBusic]

You can't! 90% of knife killings are with a chef knife and the majority of them were in the kitchen. So we use weapons to butter on our toast. Dialog should go into another direction. Why are weapons banned? It's up to the user, anyway.

 

[ferider]

In the context of you using a knife around people, I’m convinced people react more to you than to the knife. If you don’t behave like it’s a weapon, “tactical toy”, etc., they likely won’t worry.

In a “knife-less” discussion, compare to kitchen knives. Most of us have kitchen knives that are more dangerous in the wrong hands than - say - our average folder, but kitchen knives worry nobody.

Or like this: Most knife attacks happen with box cutters, if I remember right. Nobody considers a box cutter a weapon in normal life.

 

[ac3boyz]

I agree with Slice O Life , there's really nothing to explain IMHO. Knives are tools whether it be for cutting or self defense. If someone is opposed to weapons in general, you're probably gonna have trouble convincing them otherwise.

 

[sadmin]

there is a horribly disturbing and unsettling video of a man walking around a village in china hitting people on the head with a ball peen hammer. I think 11 people lost their lives before he was restrained...most people dont consider a machinist hammer as a weapon. Vehicles are another option. Intent changes things; as others pointed out..chairs, hot coffee, air, what have you... not to mention a knife is one of the oldest primitive tools in existence. Gosh, I would hate to ponder how these people reconcile having hands...

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I usually confuse them by pointing out that it's not a dichotomy, but a superset/subset issue.

 

[jlauffer]

The proposed argument "knives are tools and not weapons" isn't really valid to start with. Weapons are also tools, so it's almost like saying "an apple is fruit and not food".

Actions speak louder than words. If they see you using your knife as a tool and not a weapon...

 

[Danke42]

 

[ricklikesknives]

Any time I've ever been "called out" by someone asking "why do you have a knife?(omg!!)," it's been because I've removed my knife from my pocket to use as a tool.. opening packages/envelopes, cutting zip-ties, food, etc. My standard response, "well, it came in handy just then, yes?" has tempered the outrage of even the most fearful opponents of common sense because they are simply unable to come up with an argument to the contrary..

 

[Hashishiin]

You could point out how cavemen, even, needed a knife, do you want to be more prepared than a caveman? You could always carry a SAK, which is really worth it, because people like things with a point of familiarity.

Also, be patient, kind and non-assuming, as there is really just a lot of misinfo and uncertainty, especially around pocket knives, but most people are not truly super against knives, they just don't quite get it. Good of you to help create understanding.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

The proposed argument "knives are tools and not weapons" isn't really valid to start with. Weapons are also tools, so it's almost like saying "an apple is fruit and not food".

Actions speak louder than words. If they see you using your knife as a tool and not a weapon...

Like I said, superset/subset.

 

[killgar]

I have often found that the best form of enlightenment for people who think knives are bad, that they're all weapons, and that only criminals carry knives, is to wait for them to need something cut, and cut it for them. Sometimes an actual demonstration of the value of carrying a knife is the only thing that can penetrate their prejudice against knives.

I was out with a female acquaintance, and she pulled a new bottle of aspirin out of her purse. She took the bottle out of the box, but the cap was shrink wrapped tight. She tried using her finger nails, but no good. Then she started gnawing on the bottle with her teeth, trying, struggling, to break the seal.

I asked her for the bottle, she handed it to me, I pulled out a folder and simply cut the wrap off. She responds with a bit of shock and asks "Why do you carry a KNIFE?". To which I responded "Hey, you're the one who was just trying to chew their way through an aspirin bottle". She was a smart girl, and I could see the recognition of what I said in her expression. Two weeks later we met again, and beaming with pride she showed me the SAK that she bought to carry in her purse. Over lunch she gleefully told me about all the uses she found for the various tools.

Of course, powers of reasoning have there limits. And some people, no matter how much you try, or how intelligent your argument is, will never be able to see past their fear and prejudice of knives. In those instances I just move on. You can't win them all.

 

[Dav1]

Many inoccuos things can be used to hurt someone, it's purely down to intent!

 

[J. Doyle]

Have someone open a securely and excessively taped package with their car keys.

 

[jmh33]

Just look at them and ask.. Ya Wanna be next???
John

 

[badmatt]

I tell them that a chair can be used as a weapon, but it doesn't mean that every chair is a weapon.

The all black ones with black fabric cushions are considered tactical assault chairs here in canadur.

But in all reality people who are mechanically inclined seem to understand without any explanation.. Its the normies you gotta watch out for..

 

[Dav1]

The all black ones with black fabric cushions are considered tactical assault chairs here in canadur.

But in all reality people who are mechanically inclined seem to understand without any explanation.. Its the normies you gotta watch out for..

Very true I've used tools most of my adult life (job) and see them first and foremost as a tool for various applications. I've also trained in weapons for many years and of the 50 or 60 blades I use only 2-3 are well balanced enough to be a truly effective weapon. OK all of them will cut and slash to varying degrees of effectiveness but even so I'd pick my Cold Steel shovel over any knife if it ever came to effective defence, but I digress.