its the thought that counts right?

Rsmith_77

Rsmith_77

Joined
Jun 4, 2010
Messages
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So, today i got talking to my neighbor. An older gentleman who I happen to know is retired from the military. So i saw him today and asked him if he happened to carry a pocket knife, especially seeing as he is older and is a retired military guy.

Turns out he doesn't. he goes on to tell me that he SHOULD carry one, and he knows how handy they are if something comes up and needs to be cut. He even tells me how his mother still carries one in her purse that she got when she was 15.

So I think about it for a few minutes and I thought about the generosity of so many here on these forums. So I decided to donate one of my knives, Lord knows folks around here have sent me a few when i was first getting started. I was gonna give him my rough rider barlow, its not my most expensive knife, but it actually might be my favorite for edc.

Ironically he said no, said he didn't trust himself with a knife which is the reason he never got himself one.

I am not offended (although the wife thinks my feelings are hurt) just thought the entire episode was a tad strange.
But all in all, I feel good, I feel that I continued the tradition of these forums (at least in spirit right?)

Anyways, it's the thought that counts right?
 
Absolutely! As an older, retired military guy myself, I can't imagine not having a pocketknife in my pocket! YOu definitely did the right thing!

Regards,
Ron
 
That's a great gesture. The fact that he didn't accept your gift is not as important as the fact you made the offer. I wouldn't feel bad.
 
thanks guys

i dont actually feel bad, just puzzled
he went on and on about how he SHOULD get one, but then when i offered him one, he said no

weird ya know
 
Well. The fact that he doesn't trust himself with a knife could mean at least a couple of different things that I can think of. I'd just let it go...Nice of you to offer, though!

Frosty
 
I can think of a couple of reasons for that attitude. One, he may have a problem with anger issues and doesn't trust himself not to use a knife on someone if he had it with him. I know people like that. The other is he may be one of those people who manages to cut himself regularly and prefers to stay away from sharp objects as a matter of self-preservation. I know even more people like that, some of them relatives.

It was a nice gesture anyway.
 
Yes, definitely the thought that counts!

As for the older gentleman not wanting to carry a knife, I've come across those types before. I usually am mystified by the outlook, but it's their life after all. I'e know a few old military vets who were not into carrying a knife. It all depends on what branch of service they were in and what they did for a job. I imagine a sonar man on a sub or an office clerk on an an Air Force base won't find much use for a knife. Much like todays society, there's the office cubicle worker, and the guy out in the field. Needs and life experience is different for them.

But you made a heart felt offer, so it's karma points to you.:thumb up:

Carl.
 
I think part of being a 'good knife ambassador' is in respecting the wishes & views of those who may not look at knives the same way we do. I think it was probably honest of him to express that he doesn't trust himself with one, especially considering he wasn't already carrying one. I don't see any reason to be hurt or offended in this case, as uncomfortable as it may've turned out to be for you. I'm sure he'll still remember the kindness & generosity of your offering it to him.

And with some people, there's sometimes the uneasyness that comes with accepting a 'gift' from someone, and not wanting to feel obligated to return the favor someday, whether it's expected or not. Both of my parents seem to fit this mold; they're even uncomfortable accepting gifts from family members. Might be a generational thing, I don't know.
 
well he was in the air force, think he worked on computers, intel stuff
and now he works for the US postal office.

not sure if that factors in or not.

But thanks guys. Hey in a way, I dont have to give up my lil barlow (which I love)
although i would have if he had accepted it.

its all good, he didnt want it, he didnt want it, no harm no foul right?

but thanks for all the support guys!
 
That Post Office job might be a factor too. I think they have some fairly tight restrictions on knives or other perceived 'weapons' in the facility (it's a federal building). He might not trust himself to pocket one, if there's a chance he might forget he has it on him, and wind up in trouble. I wouldn't want to be on that 'list', as tough as business is for the USPS these days.
 
I doubt the PO job is much of a factor. Esav works for the PO as well, and I'm pretty sure he always has a knife around. The man just doesn't think it's a good idea, who knows why.

- Christian
 
My dad is a knife guy like myself. However, he is older, and sometimes has issues with his eyes. That, and he can't really afford to get a cut with some of the health issues he has.

I had recently given him a choice of anything from my Schrade knife roll. He picked a couple old Cut Co's, that were super sharp. My mom wouldn't let him carry them, cause they were so sharp. He still enjoys them, although he can't use them.

So, yeah, the gesture was the important thing!

Glenn
 
It is the thought that counts. Some people are not comfortable with gifts, especially out of the blue. Im not sure I would have accepted if in a similar situation. However, I would have responded much differently. In any case you did a really good deed and should feel good about that :)
 
yeah it definitely was out of the blue
maybe i freaked him out somewhat

ahh well. i tried, ya know
 
Rsmith_77 said:
yeah it definitely was out of the blue
maybe i freaked him out somewhat

ahh well. i tried, ya know
Click to expand...

I doubt it.

I agree with the others.
I know folks whose tempers are such that they will not carry a knife for fear they will use it in anger.
I also know folks who have shaky hands and can't use a knife.
I also know folks who have poor vision.
I even know folks who have a hard time accepting gifts from others. They don't want to be beholden to anyone.

Lots of reasons he might not have accepted. That doesn't take away from the fact that you offered.
 
+1 ya done good brother


knarfeng said:
I doubt it.

I agree with the others.
I know folks whose tempers are such that they will not carry a knife for fear they will use it in anger.
I also know folks who have shaky hands and can't use a knife.
I also know folks who have poor vision.
I even know folks who have a hard time accepting gifts from others. They don't want to be beholden to anyone.

Lots of reasons he might not have accepted. That doesn't take away from the fact that you offered.
Click to expand...
 
I think you did real good.
I have given quite a lot of knives away now ( over here in NZ) and I pick my person carefully, and hope that I can start a Traditional thing off here in this country...as very very few people carry slippies.
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I think part of being a 'good knife ambassador' is in respecting the wishes & views of those who may not look at knives the same way we do. I think it was probably honest of him to express that he doesn't trust himself with one.
Click to expand...

David, thanks for saying that.
Ryan, you did a good thing...and good karma will come back in your direction.
I can think of several reasons for his attitude too...but what matters is that he was honest, appreciated your gift (he surely did) and kindly said no.
He had his reasons to decline. You had your reasons to give it away.
Sometimes, when two roads don't cross, it doesn't mean that either one of them is wrong.
And no, I'm sure you didn't freak him out and you better not think about that...it might keep you from giving another knife away next time :rolleyes:

Fausto
:cool:
 
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