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

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master_nylo

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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!
 
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DMG said:
So literally anything is a weapon if people have been killed with it?
Click to expand...

From a strictly legal point of view, anything is considered a weapon if the manner it is used or intended to be used, did cause or could cause bodily injury or death during its use.

In other words, it is the action of the user that determines what constitutes a weapon, and not the item itself.

In other, other words, ANYTHING could be a weapon depending upon the circumstances.
 
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The observation about location and culture is critical. Here in Alabama, particularly working in the trades, knives are commonplace. I used to carry some larger fixed blades when I was a service tech and did have some conversations with office folk about tool versus weapon, but this was a sympathetic audience. I would say basic use (no constant fidgeting) and a general friendly demeanor go a long way towards pre-smoothing the waters. Unfortunately, I believe there will always be some people with a strong negative reaction. Like any debate on a sensitive topic, read the room, pick your battles, remain calm, and have an exit strategy.
 
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Out of the tens of thousands of times I’ve used knives, all of them have been as tools, and none as a weapon. Pretty simple.

Also, the only weapon I need is the two pythons in my shirt sleeves. That gets a laugh.
 
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Not stabbing them is a start.

In all honesty I try not to carry anything too stabby/tactical/weapony if I know I'll be in mixed company. Also, on the rare occasion it comes up I just explain that I do not carry it for self defense or as a weapon, and tell them what I use it for. Cutting loose threads, opening boxes, etc. Sometimes, with the right person, especially when they calm down, I explain that it is also a fidget tool for me, and I figure If I'm going to carry something in my pocket to fidget with when my adhd and anxiety get out of control, I might as well have it be useful for something else as well.

I find that taking the time to talk to someone, explain things, if they will let you, goes a long way in changing perceptions. On two occasions I was talking to women, one a woman, mid 20's, the other in her 30's, and the topic of guns came up. One was at lenscrafters, and I was getting fitted for glasses, and in just chit-chatting the topic of the Indianapolis mall shooting came up. She was saying she sometimes was just so nervous even going to work, and that guns scared her. Then she said that in truth she knew absolutely nothing about guns, and that was part of what freaked her out. I slowly explained its just a simple machine, not something that just goes off, or is anything like the news. Once I had finished explaining the basics in the mechanism, she visibly calmed down. I told her I thought that everyone should take a basic safety/introduction to guns course even if they have no intention of ever buying or shooting a gun. That way, if they see one, or around one, they can better understand and be more comfortable.

When I came back 2 weeks later to pick up my glasses, she had signed up for a course.

Guns, knives, people with disease/disabilities, anything that people don't understand they tend to be afraid of.
 
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As others have said, knives are tools to me. I cut a lot of boxes everyday at work so have a (yucky) folding utility knife. I also carry several others everyday. I don't argue with people who have already made up their minds.
 
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I will make a small addendum to this, I have almost never actually had people insist my knife is a weapon or even look askance at me carrying one. Heck, I've started carrying my EDC blade on my belt and I've not had a single person say a thing.
 
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It depends on the person but in some cases, it can be worth discussing the reality of actual defensive encounters and what real violence looks like. Help them to understand that folding knives are pretty terrible as far as self-defense.
 
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explain to them what rambo said in first blood part 2, your mind is the most dangerous weapon

rambo-first-blood-part-ii-sylvester-stallone-mud-covered-scene-kill.jpg
 
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Really interesting question. Had honestly never thought about this before.

Being from the US I think it's pretty common to consider a gun as a weapon and a knife as a tool primarily and maybe weapon as a last resort/backup to the gun. So it's not something I've ever had to consider I guess given that perspective. Then again city vs rural vs "the sticks" can also be a telling perspective. Hmmm...

That said and thinking it through I guess I don't see what the problem is with considering a knife both. I mean it is both. There's nothing wrong with considering a knife as a weapon but there is something wrong with considering that as a negative thing. Being able to defend oneself should never be seen as a bad thing. That in itself is a bad thing and extremely ignorant to the point of intentional and intellectually bankrupt.

Personally I walk around flipping my knives around in my hand like some do pens. I also wear my MAGA gear. I get looks and people giving me wide birth in grocery store aisles for sure but it's worth it to me.

So how do you change that mindset? I don't think you can. You would have to change their world view I'm guessing. Maybe use a knife as a tool in their presence often.
 
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I just say, "A knife is not a weapon. It's a tool." I told my son, every self-respecting man carries a gentleman's knife, because it is an extension of the hand, and it is quite useful in times of distress." I recased 30 Motorola Handy-Talkies using nothing but my SAK. I'VE cut off a radiator hose, loosened the clamp, and attached the good part with the same clamp, in the snow, on a busy street. I had a gallon of antifreeze in my trunk, and that was enough to get me to a service station without siezing the engine! Saved me a tow. I'll try anything with my SAK. I don't want to break it, and I usually don't.
 
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Carry a small, innocuous, knife for everyday tool use and use it a lot in public.

Some people will still freak out. Don't call them sheeple. That's the verbal equivalent of using a knife in public that looks like it was designed by Klingons. Call them Karens.
 
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Also depends who you are trying to convince.

If you are at an airport. Probably don't bother.

I used to work pub's and we had a no knives policy. Because drunk people and sharp things don't mix.

I wouldn’t have let someone in with a power drill or a hammer either.
 
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I have a few knives that ARE weapons. Spyderco Swick, Endura Wave, Spyderco Street Beat. When I carry one of those (or have the Swick strapped to my backpack), they're not to be used as tools, and hopefully they never have to be used for the reason I carry them.

All my other knives are tools. OK, some are toys, but mostly they're tools. Unless I'm forced to use them otherwise, that's all they'll be.

The point is "intent" defines it better than outside perception. Otherwise it's just an inanimate object.
 
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