Knife Names

[bladefixation2]

Knife names:

Why are so many of them so 'agressive'?

Military
Skirmish
Ambush
William Harsey Tactical
Lightfoot Compact Combat
Predator

etc.

Seems to me if one were to ever end up in court having a knife with a name like this would be a really bad idea, even if the knife is only for use as a cutting tool...

 

[TorzJohnson]

Seems to me if one were to ever end up in court having a knife with a name like this would be a really bad idea, even if the knife is only for use as a cutting tool...

Sadly, you're not the first (nor the hundredth) person to bring up this subject. I think most people here agree with your position.

 

[Planterz]

Certain names sell, simple as that.

It's a sad thing when carrying a "Covert Deanimator Weapon" could land you in more trouble than a "Fluffy Bunny Material Seperation Instrument", but unfortunately that's the state of things today.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

This has been discussed before. Some consider it not politically correct and others say to hell with all the PC crap. My personal opinion is that if you're ever charged with a crime involving knife and brought to court, you're screwed anyway regardless of what type of knife it is and the name it carries. I understand why British knife enthusiasts would be more sensitive to aggressive monikers given the way UK knife laws are, but it's all really marketing rubbish. Personally, I frown on knife names like "Devastator" or "the Evicerator" and think that knife manufacturers who market their knives as killing machines are irresponsible and just plain stupid (think Dark Ops for example). They want their knives to sell so they give them stupid names and use stupid marketing tactics, but all they really do is promote negative stereotypes and provide anti-knife legislators with more fuel to get knives banned.

 

[sendec]

Let's not forget that some people actually use their knives as fighting tools, so an agressive name "fits."

I personally think that the theory that the name of a knife or firearm will have an impact on the way a self-defense case is handled is way overblown. It may have happened, but I havent seen any evidence that it is the norm. A prosecutor who wants to hammer someone is going to find a way regardless of the name of a knife. It isnt going to stop me from carrying the best tool for the job.

 

[Wasz]

Why is it called a Dodge Ram? Its not a tool for ramming people off the road. Cool names sell it really has little to do with what the product is used for.

 

[madcap_magician]

I think for SD you have to balance that sort of thing against the utility of the knife. In criminal court, it won't damage you as much, but you could get potentially murdered in a civil case with a sheeple jury if you had a knife named something like "Gigantic Deadly Razor of Annihilating Death with Skull-Crushing Attachments." Whereas, if you were carrying something like a Spyderco Police, they'd be hard pressed to attach a negative image to it.

Plus the fact that there simply aren't that many situations where a knife is the most practical weapon for self-defense. It can be a lethal weapon, and it's hard to employ it in a non-lethal method. And for the most part, the only time you can justify killing someone with a knife is if they're armed with at least a knife, and then the only time you'll be in a position to actually kill them would most likely be in a situation where they've already lost.

 

[nelsonmc]

Certain names sell, simple as that.

It's a sad thing when carrying a "Covert Deanimator Weapon" could land you in more trouble than a "Fluffy Bunny Material Seperation Instrument", but unfortunately that's the state of things today.

I so want a knife called a "Fluffy Bunny Material Seperation Instrument", that would totally kick ass.

Maybe made by Spyderco, like the Dodo or something but with big ears.

 

[fewpop]

I so want a knife called a "Fluffy Bunny Material Seperation Instrument", that would totally kick ass.

Maybe made by Spyderco, like the Dodo or something but with big ears.

LMAO

...and a lucky bunny foot attached to the lanyard hole

 

[MikeH]

A big proponent of the idea that agressive model names can cause you problems in court is Massad Ayuoob. In his case, firearms are the issue. Since he has many years of experience as an expert witness, and has sat in more courtrooms and observed more cases than I ever possibly could, I see no reason not to give his opinion a lot of weight.

In any case, my .357 S&W revolver by the bedside is identical to a 3 inch Smith Model 65, except that it has a full ejector rod shroud and the extra weight up front makes it a little more "shootable". One thing is for sure, the fact that it says "Ladysmith" on the side makes it no less deadly but is certainly not going to ever hurt me in court.

 

[yuzuha]

I so want a knife called a "Fluffy Bunny Material Seperation Instrument", that would totally kick ass.

Maybe made by Spyderco, like the Dodo or something but with big ears.

Oh yes! And maybe a Microtech "Hello Kitty apple peeler."

I don't know. I could care less about PC. but I mostly find it annoying, and amusing in the sense of an antrhopologist... testosterone laden teenage mall ninjas wanting impressively evil sounding weapons / young male chimps playing dominance games and getting distracted by bright shiny objects. Yeah, there must be a correllation. :yawn:

 

[rebeltf]

Next time you buy a knife , have "Muffy" inscribed on the blade , this way when you gut someone with it , you wont look so bad in court
I hear you folks though , some of the names are just a tad outlandish but a tactical type knife isnt going to sell if its called "Peace Flower" or something.