How young is too young?

Livin' On The Edge said:
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
Click to expand...

Lane, to tell you the truth, I wish I could carry a pocket sized fixed blade over any folder I have. The small fixed blade has all the advantages with only one disadvantage. Yes, there's no hidden crannies for gunk to get in. You don't have to worry about opening it. Yo sure as heck don't have to worry about it closing on you if a lock fails. More weather/gunk proof, stronger, simpler, what's the downside?

Only one, carrying it in a state that says no. Unfortunately some states, including mine, ban the carry of any fixed blade. Any. LIke in even a tiny Buck Hartsook is technically illegal, yet a number 12 Opinel or the biggest folder Cold Steel makes is okay. Nuts.

The other is your age. Like it or not, being as young a you are, makes you still libel for the rules of school, and being a minor. As much as Ilike a pocket fixed blade, If I were yoou I'd table the issue until I was out of school and on my own, and then proceed according to the laws of your state. If it's legal, then go with what you want to do. The only thing I'd caution you on would be to keep it low level. Like out of sight. Sometimes in life you go farther by staying off the radar.
 
Last edited:
You only live once, keep it descrete and out of site. Nobody needs to know you have one. Gray hair helps, but I remember at your age I would carry fixed blades inside a coat pocket I made for the knife. Winter time it was belt carry. Today it still remains belt carry. When its socially not possible to carry a fixed blade then a Buck 110 or the 419 on the belt fits the bill. I live in a rural isolated area, but there are times when I am in a town shopping for supplies and in summer months its advisable to belt carry folders unless one is wearing a jacket. It comes down to the social environment.
 
First of all, thanks for all the responses! I saw that some people mentioned school rules. I wouldn't carry any knife at school, but other than that, I always have one in my pocket. I live in semi-rural Oregon. The knife laws in Oregon state that anything above 3.5 inches must not be concealed. I will have to look into that to see if "under 3.5 inches" includes fixed blades. I don't remember who said it first, but, I liked the point that people don't have to like what I'm carrying. It's my knife and I have a right to carry it. By the way, If it gives you any idea on how mature my parents think I am around knives, I run a small knife sharpening service at the local farmers markets in the summers (I use an edge pro professional). Thanks again to all who posted!
 
One thing to note is that a concealed fixed blade is a concealed weapon under Oregon law. So, you have to "open carry" it. The main reason I don't carry a fixed is that I don't like others to see me with a knife. I scare people enough with my ugly mug. :D
 
Shotgun said:
One thing to note is that a concealed fixed blade is a concealed weapon under Oregon law. So, you have to "open carry" it. The main reason I don't carry a fixed is that I don't like others to see me with a knife. I scare people enough with my ugly mug. :D
Click to expand...

I think a good number of states ban the concealing of a fixed blade. Open is no problem, but covering it up may imply some sort of 'intent' under the law. Maryland is lie that in that a bowie knife can be worn openly, but a Boker gnome or Buck Hartsook is a felony bust for concealed weapon. Bureaucratic insanity at it's best.

The problem is, most cops don't even know the letter of the law, and you'll have a hassle proving you are within your rights.
 
Sound like a sharp (Pun?) enterprising young man, I think the essence to the "answer" to this question has already been touched upon.
After consulting with your Parents and weighing your local knife laws and the "norms" of your area you then have to ask yourself (and answer) How do I balance my needs/wants, risk/reward.
We live in a Country of Freedoms (some Guaranteed) and to keep those Freedoms WE must regularly exercise them or risk weakening and possibly losing them.
I applaud your choice of a great hobby.
Stand strong, know your facts in any situation and Enjoy.
 
If it helps at all, I'm 16, wear all black everything, 5.11 tactical, and sometimes carry a number of knives that veers into the double digits, I once carried two machetes several pockets fulls of knives and a tomahawk on a walk simply to prove to my mom that nobody would freak out. I met three separate cops and passed around two dozen people, nobody even looked at me funny, commented on my cutlery, or made any comment aside from "nice hawk". So long as you're polite, non threatening and sociable, odds are nobody will care. Though the area I live is a bit....... odd. I've seen people wearing full gillie suits in Lowes, and everybody wears camo all year round.
 
Livin' On The Edge said:
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
Click to expand...

My take:

Don't do anything illegal.
Keep the size fairly small.
Stay away from tactical looking stuff.
Be respectful of others.
Carry what you want.
 
syco1138 said:
If it helps at all, I'm 16, wear all black everything, 5.11 tactical, and sometimes carry a number of knives that veers into the double digits, I once carried two machetes several pockets fulls of knives and a tomahawk on a walk simply to prove to my mom that nobody would freak out. I met three separate cops and passed around two dozen people, nobody even looked at me funny, commented on my cutlery, or made any comment aside from "nice hawk". So long as you're polite, non threatening and sociable, odds are nobody will care. Though the area I live is a bit....... odd. I've seen people wearing full gillie suits in Lowes, and everybody wears camo all year round.
Click to expand...

As an adult I carry what ever I want that I am legally allowed. I also use reason. I carry a Glock every day that I have a license for. I carry at least one knife that is legal to be carried where I live.

Double digit knives? Multiple machetes? Axes? All at once? Carrying a bunch of stuff to just prove a point to your Mom? This is exactly what we should not be advocating. This is exactly the irresponsibility other people fear.

Like what a lot of reasoned adults have said, consult your parents on what they think you should be allowed to carry. Follow their rules. Further, the rules of your jurisdiction should also dictate what you carry. Don't try to carry at School because that is just stupid.
 
Yet another thread title that lead me on...

I was 6 when I got my first knife, a Victorinox of some sort. Age 8 I got a largeish Wenger sak. Same year I got a large Case XX folder. Can't recall the model.

I've been dying to get a knife for my 22 month old nephew, but they want to wait until he's 6 like I was.
 
I carry a fixed Ka-Bar Becker BK-11 (3 1/4") in a custom kydex sheath in my front pocket. I can also put a Tek Lok on the sheath to put on a belt or pack. If you dislike the coating you can strip it off, then send it off and have a custom kydex sheath made for it. You can also open beer bottles with this knife but you seem like you have some brains. I bet on your 21rst birthday you won't wake up with a hangover; you'll be bright eyed and filling out the application for your concealed handgun license;):D!

I also carry a PM2 clipped, never had a problem with dust, dirt, etc. Real nice knife.

Jon
 
Last edited:
Here's how I carry my BK14.

Hotv93M.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top