How young is too young?

L

Livin' On The Edge

Joined
Dec 1, 2014
Messages
48
I am 16 years old and have a question about edc'ing fixed blades. I carry a spyderco Pm2 right now. What I was wondering is, I know that many people edc a small fixed blade over a folder. I have always fancied this idea because you don't have to worry about getting gunk in the pivot of your folder. How old do you think I should be before I could edc a small fixed blade (nothing at all tactical, that's not my style) without getting odd looks, or even lectures from strangers (this happened to me a year ago)? I know some of you may object to a 16 yr old with a fixed blade, but consider this, how is a small fixed any different from a locking folder? Thanks for any comments and/or suggestions.

-Lane
 
Hey listen, youre never too young to responsibly handle a knife. Im 19 and i edc a fixed blade and otherwise never go anywhere without a knife. As long as you know the laws, and know what is acceptable when and where, i dont see any problem with carrying a fixed blade. Like i said, responsibly, but since you are on bladeforums, i assume you probably care for blades enough to be smart with it.
 
I'm 16 as well, and really it comes down to where you live. as long as your abiding your local laws and not making a scene, I wouldn't worry about it usually. For example, in the CA valley area, not only is it a grey area in some places, but I had issues with just my pocket clips sticking out, little more northeast in hill country, there where still a few stares, but it was generally OK. Now that I live in a free state such as AR, you can get away with carrying almost anything at any age, without a second glance. I'm don't know where you live, but unless your in a rural area its usually better to just stick with folders as not to draw attention, and from my little experience a fixed blade tends to be a bit impracticable for edc anyways..
 
I haven't been a teenager in a while, but here's my take.

I carried a fixed blade when I was in my early teens. It wasn't a problem, but that was in rural Alaska. Whether or not you get odd looks is really going to be more about where you live than anything else. Also, I assume you are still in school. Your school might have issues with you carrying a knife, fixed or otherwise.

Most of the places I go as an adult I would feel uncomfortable carrying a fixed blade, just because it is not the norm where I live. I am of the opinion that it is best to not scare people. If you have a little fixed blade that can carry in your pocket, it's not really any different than a folder, unless you get hassled by the cops. It all depends on your circumstances.
 
I agree with the others, that there's no magic age. But at 16, the people to discuss this with are your parents, not us.
 
When I was 16? Wouldn't have been a problem. Already had a folder or 2, a SAK, and a hunting fixed blade (because I hunted).

Today? IF I was a parent, I'd be worried about the bliss-ninnies giving me hell over giving my kid a toothpick that wasn't sufficiently blunted.
 
mnblade said:
I agree with the others, that there's no magic age. But at 16, the people to discuss this with are your parents, not us.
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Based on the fact that you're here and asking for more opinions means that you probably have good parents who taught you to make solid, informed decisions in life, armed with education, and that you're really smart as well, or both.
I carried a pocket knife my whole life in a major metropolitan city since I was 8 years old. I'm an old warrior now and those were different times. I believe I was at the tail end of the time when almost every male carried a pocket knife and old timers (back then) frowned upon you if you didn't have a pocket knife IN your pocket. My oldest son carries a knife everywhere he goes just like I do.
Today is much different. Back then, a "tactical knife" did not exist other than a Kabar military style knife. There certainly were no folders. If you choose to carry a fixed blade, I would suggest one that is less "tactical" even though that is really a misnomer.
I'd echo what a few have said already. It depends on the area you live in. Around my deer lease or out near the lake, it's no big deal to have a small fixed blade on the hip. Here in Houston, it may get some looks or scare some people.
Use sound judgement and carry a knife appropriate for the area you're in and the people you will likely encounter.
At 16, my main concern might be what the law says about carrying a fixed blade.
My last suggestion would be a necker. It gives you the fixed blade you want and is very concealable under your shirt. With the right kydex sheath, it can be used one handed which is a bonus when using it for cutting chores. Check out Brian Evans here on the forum. He makes a nice little necker called the Dart. I wear mine every day.
Good luck young man.
 
Livin' On The Edge said:
How old do you think I should be before I could edc a small fixed blade (nothing at all tactical, that's not my style) without getting odd looks, or even lectures from strangers (this happened to me a year ago)?
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I don't know. Why? Because I don't know "strangers". You could still be "getting odd looks from strangers" when you're 50, I don't know. The only thing that matters is how much do you care about them?

I live in The Netherlands (aka Holland) where it is perfectly legal to collect/buy any knife, but forbidden to carry one. When I started getting into knives, my first real locking folder I bought was a Spyderco Military. Eight years later I bought and sold a dozen of knives more (3 other Militaries among them) and I am still EDC'ing a Military every day. In the beginning I got "odd looks" and questions from anybody that saw me pulling out my knife for the first time--friends, family, colleagues, everybody. Please mind, despite The Netherlands is the biggest Spyderco knives-buying-country of Europe (hence the Amsterdam Meet every year) I don't know anybody in my surroundings who carries even a slip-joint, so carrying a knife at all, is something "odd" anyway here. Now, on top of that, since a year or two, every municipality issued local laws that prohibits carrying "any sharp object" on your person, even a SAK or a Leatherman. So on this moment, despite being legal to carry according to national laws, I'm breaking the local municipal laws, by still EDC'ing and carrying one of my Millies on my person every day. I just don't care. As long as I stay out of trouble and don't get into a knife fight, there is no reason to frisk me and I am fine. But that is not the point. The point is "getting odd looks from strangers" and caring about them or not. I still get odd looks from strangers sometimes when I'm cutting up a paprika in the train back from work, but most of the time they're too polite to really show it. Either way I just don't care about them. Never got into trouble for it whatsoever (even in a country where it is illegal to carry a knife according to local laws!) And concerning friends, family and colleagues...well...they all got used to it! Actually, nowadays at my work, every single cardboard box is left for me and my knife, for when I arrive at work, to be cut up, before fitting and going into the waste-paper bin, since I am the only one with a or actually several knives in my pocket. The only one still grunting when I pull out my 4" Millie, is my mom, so sometimes I pull out my SAK instead of my Millie when I'm in front of her and I need a cutting tool. But most of the time I just don't care--sorry mom x :D
 
I am already teaching my 4 year old about knives and safety depending on his maturity he'll probably be allowed to carry one at seven or eight which is how old I was. If you carry an uzula for example you'll probably have no issues from the public. Good luck.
 
These days (depending on where you are) age is only part of the equation.

I find that MANY people will notice a fixed blade here in central Missouri and often develop a prejudice of some sort. They may not say anything, but after a while, and getting to know them, they level with me an let me in on the secret apprehension they had when we first met.

There is legality and my rights and all that stuff....but really for those of us that understand how the world around us works, it is really about first impressions, and carrying a fixed blade openly will often make an impression.

Concealed carry is something that may not be an option at your age/locality, but you might want to look into it.

You may be well within your right to carry openly, but rights aside, it may not be the best choice for someone coming up in the world...or may be not....just something to consider.

Please understand, I am a huge fan of fixed blades and carried one daily for years. I have resorted to a folder again unless I am in the woods where people EXPECT to see a fixed blade. At some point I felt that it was just easier to fit in because changing the world around me was not working on this one;)
 
I am 69 years old and one thing I have learned is that I do not live my life at the direction of strangers who give me "odd looks and lectures." Sounds to me like you have to worry only about what parents, your school rules, employer rules and the law say.

I was turned loose with a small fixed blade on my fourth birthday, and have constantly carried a knife since, but that was a different time.
 
Ask your parent(s) or guardian.

For me as a grown up, if it is legal I could give a flying dog fart what people think about what I carry :thumbup:
 
Are ther many people in you area carrying fixed blades?
Do you know an answer to the question: "What do you need that for?"
Hope this helps.
Imho low profile is the way to go.
red mag
 
It's one thing for an independent adult to buck societal expectations, but my advice for a 16 year old is different:

It's nice in theory to say "who cares what other's think" but the phrase perception is reality was coined for a reason... right or wrong, people prejudge others and when you're reliant on those people for a job, help, etc. you're better off catering to their expectations until you are self sufficient.

I'll add that if you're a boy scout and have your knife in the woods, no one will look twice at your age... but if you're living in the inner city and are carrying a fixed blade, most people WILL feel that a 16 year old having a knife is inappropriate due to maturity (or lack of) expectations in a "teenager". Again, whether it's right or wrong- and whether it applies to you personally or not- people will generalize teenagers and lump you in even if you're more mature than the people judging.

If you do end up getting a fixed blade- keep it small (like EESE Izula small) and carry it in your pocket (if legal) not around your neck.
 
MikeH said:
I am 69 years old and one thing I have learned is that I do not live my life at the direction of strangers who give me "odd looks and lectures." Sounds to me like you have to worry only about what parents, your school rules, employer rules and the law say.

I was turned loose with a small fixed blade on my fourth birthday, and have constantly carried a knife since, but that was a different time.
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Good post and thank you!

My husband who was born and raised in Montana was given his first knife when he was 5 years old. I am pretty sure that he told me that he was 5 years old when his late Dad gave him his first knife. We are in our 60's.

My late husband who would be 70 years old in 2015 if he had lived longer was given a knife when he was fairly young too.

I carry a knife when I am working outside around my house, I live 'in town' for now, and when I leave my house. I am leaning more and more to small fixed blades now too.

Best wishes to the OP.

Cate
 
Cool to see other young people on the forums.

I'm 15, live on a farm, and carry a fixed blade (BK14 or ESEE Izula) daily. Izula usually goes on the neck and the BK14 usually goes in the pocket. When I go into the city, nothing changes about my EDC. Still have a Griptilian, BK14 and/or Izula, a SAK, and a small Case that my Grandpa gave me. If someone doesn't like that a 15 year old kid is carrying a knife, I don't really care considering I probably wouldn't get along with them anyway. Might be different depending on where you are, just the way I feel.

It may be useful information or it may not, but in VA we can't conceal a fixed blade (it's a grey area, best to not take chances unless on private property), so the handle of the BK14 is always exposed from the pocket, and the Izula has to sit on the front of the shirt instead of inside it.
 
Noswad0208 said:
Cool to see other young people on the forums.

I'm 15, live on a farm, and carry a fixed blade (BK14 or ESEE Izula) daily. Izula usually goes on the neck and the BK14 usually goes in the pocket. When I go into the city, nothing changes about my EDC. Still have a Griptilian, BK14 and/or Izula, a SAK, and a small Case that my Grandpa gave me. If someone doesn't like that a 15 year old kid is carrying a knife, I don't really care considering I probably wouldn't get along with them anyway. Might be different depending on where you are, just the way I feel.

It may be useful information or it may not, but in VA we can't conceal a fixed blade (it's a grey area, best to not take chances unless on private property), so the handle of the BK14 is always exposed from the pocket, and the Izula has to sit on the front of the shirt instead of inside it.
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Well said... Where you live in OR, what you plan on using the knife for, and what the carry laws are should influence what/if to carry.
 
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