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knives are evil? why?

my coworekrs always jump back and look scared when I pull out my folder to open a box. its not even anything like a switchblade.

why do people do this? do you guys know of a knife i can get that probably wont scare tham. one that is easier to open than a swiis army knife?
 
What kind of knife are you carrying? I bought a Buck 112FG but haven't tried it on the masses yet, I was banking on it being an old standard and it looks "pretty" with the brass bolsters. The real test is when I carry to
Church, this is the ultimate. If it passes that muster than it is good to go.

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>)-RadarMan-(<


 
There's probably nothing you can really do, unfortunately. I have the same problems with people. I whip out a folding knife for small cutting job and i get berrated for having a knife on me, and 'that's why there's crime!' 'people think they can just walk around with knives freely!' screamed into my ear. Get a GRIP PEOPLE!
 
Try using "gentleperson" knives like the Mel Pardue Benchmade 330 and 850. The 330 has G-10 scales covering about half of the handle, and the rest made of titanium. Has a 2.3" blade that doesn't look very threatening at all, especially combined with the non-tactical looking handle. The 850 looks even less threatening, because it looks almost like an art folder in a way. Ivory micarta handle and 2.7" blade. Both blades are made in ATS-34. Most people who have experience with this knife say it's extremely lightweight and very easy to use.

In addition to getting a non-threatening looking knife, you should try looking non-threatening yourself. When you present a one-hand opening knife, make sure you don't push the blade out too fast because sudden motions attract attention. Open it casually, but still slowly, drawing as little attention as possible, and calmy cut away at whatever you need to cut. Vicious cutting motions tend to also attract attention, so bring the blade slowly across whatever you are cutting, otherwise people start to look at you funny. I've found that you can open some lockbacks silently if you squeeze locking mechanism part with your palm tightly once you have the blade most of the way out. Then you can proceed to finish up opening the blade with your thumb and make minimal noise as the fleshy part of your palm is pressing lightly against the locking mechanism. With liner locks, you can still experiment on methods to open it silently. If you open it silently, knife-non-proficient people won't even think it locks, and so their perception of the knife as a weapon becomes less. Am I making any sense?

Oh well, hope my babbling helps.
Comrade Chang
 
Hi Makwakee, Not too sure what your actual blade size needs are at work but would a smaller blade work OK? Yesterday I got my Buck Master Series Squire in the mail and everyone I showed the knife to today was impressed. It's very non intimidating looking piece. The dyamond paka scales, the polished nickel bushings make this a striking looking knife. For blade performance it has a BG-42 blade and I didn't have a problem cutting a thing today. Check it out.

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Greg Mete
Kodiak Alaska

[This message has been edited by Kodiak PA (edited 07 December 1998).]
 
I would take the opportunity to educate them on the many uses of such a versetile tool. Most people find that once they start carrying a knife and using it, they wonder how they ever got along with out one.

if that doesn't work...screw 'em. as long as you are using a legal knife in an appropriate manner, let the masses think what they will. I am sure that the knife issue is not the only one that you would find you disagree on.
smile.gif


Take care
Derek
 
I think its a lost cause.
Everything these days has "hidden" meanings or is indicative of some kind of social pathology. PC runs rampant and damn reality.

Women thinking telephone poles and the Washington monument are sexist statements as NOW wants us to believe. Carrying and having for use a knife indicates a degree of sociopathy, regardless whether nature, manufactured boxes and envelopes know it or not.

Wanting to decrease taxes indicates you are a selfish unfeeling person who'd rather kill off the less fortunate. Guns kill more people than cancer, heart disease, cars and accidents combined. Just look at the popular media...that is why.

As Derek says...screw them, but watch out, they will like it and never leave you alone
smile.gif

 
Makwak,

Next time you have to open a box, pull out a 1911 and smash it open with the base of the grip. They'll love the knife after that.

Seriously, they need to get a grip.
 
The "wearing to church" test isn't valid any more around my congregation. Old timers are used to me, and newcomers I guess notice that the old timers aren't afraid of me. Folks did look startled last Hanukah, however, when the rabbi opened his present from the congregation (the president and I conspiring) on the pulpit, and it was a Dalton California Special.

Some lines I've used with varying degrees of success and failure:

"What? Don't you carry a knife?"

"It's painful to watch somebody tear at a box with his car keys."

"I'm not your enemy - why are you cringing?"

Make this they year you give Spyderco Ladybugs, at least, to the non-knife people in your circle.



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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com

 
Mak...

What part of the world are you residing in? Up here, most everyone carries a knife, and when you are blue collar, it is almost a requirement. I guess if you need something that is totally non threatening, one of those Case "pocketworn" knives would fit the bill for opening packages and cleaning under fingernail with out disturbing the sheeple...

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Off in search of Knirvana....yek



 
I carry two knives at all times. A Kershaw 1410 ST, and a Camillus C.U.D.A. Since the C.U.D.A. has a four inch blade and washer assisted opening that I can spring open with the quickness and efficency of an automatic, I usually use the Kershaw. Its 3.1" blade and titanium handle don't have even a slightly threatening look to them to most people who see it and it can tackle almost every job I throw at it. Unfortunetly, the blade was recently chipped (see "Chipped Blade!" 12-07-98) and I only have my C.U.D.A. to carry while my Kershaw is repaired. I must say, I am much more reluctant to pull this knife, especially when people are around. I recommend a knife with a blade between 2.5" and 3" with little or no serrations. Hope you find what you're looking for.

Sincerely,

J.P. Gassmann
 
The funny thing about people and knives is that those who are not raised up around them or who have not the lifestyle that demands the carry of a good knife tend to fear those who have, whether the possesion is justified or not. This is a sympton of ignorance and only education and an open mind can cure it.

Just my thoughts on the matter.

Jonathan


 
It's not a "knife thing", it's a "weapon thing". People with CCW permits, even plainclothes and off-duty cops face the same garbage.

If you carry a knife as a tool, pick something modest. If you carry for defense, pick the baddest mutha that fits in laws and reasonable carry but ALSO carry an obvious "tool/utility" knife like a SAK or multitool, these have near zero freakout value. Carry your fighter concealed or as discrete as possible laws allowing.

Jim March
 
I think part of it might have to do with presentation. I mean, do you flick it open like an auto with a demonic look, eyes rolled towards the sky drooling profusely? Or do you simply thumb it open slowly and cut like you've just picked up a dinner knife and is slicing another piece meat to consume? Sheeples can deal with the table knife etiquette thing, and not the demonic auto-open virgin sacrifice thing.
 
I'm probably going to screw this up, but here goes...

The fear/suspicion of knives and those carrying them is an old one. The latin for 'left' - as in left handed - is sinister (or sinistre). The custom of shaking hands was possibly an attempt to allow men who did not know one another to approach without having to fear being struck with a sword. In other words, if your right hand is empty, the other guy is safe.

In these situations, and in formal duels, in which the sword was weilded with the strong right hand, the left hand was the knife hand - the sinister hand. The blade could be used on the unsuspecting rival with complete surprise. Not very honorable, but very effective.

The knife has always been, in many cultures, the weapon of the assassin - the sneak attack. But that's why so many of us carry them: they're effective and almost impossible to defend against (at short range) if the BG doesn't know it's coming.

db

 
Seems like there's some common themes and suggestions here. For general tasks, use something on the more innocent or "gentlemanly" side (sorry for non-PC content). Keep the Rambo Ninjatron Deathmonger 2000 tucked away for if and when you may really need it.
Use discretion and ecomony of movement, not flinging and flicking.
It dawned on me that someone could make a mint manufacturing aftermarket grips in bright red material for our favorite folders. Everybody loves those red handles. Even airport security flunkies. The SAK is pretty universally accepted as a friendly tool. Just be careful in case somebody wants to use the corkscrew on your Mini SOCOM.
 
I have found that the people in our R&D center have come to accept my SAK and SOG PowerPlier as tools I use every day. In fact, most have acquired pocket knives and multi-tools over the years themselves. I keep my Sebenza or AFCK in my pocket unless I need it to cut something large, and then pull it out and open unobtrusively. This has resulted in a few starting to accept and use larger folders themselves. I've found most people have a surpressed fascination for sharp steel, enjoy a little look at what you are carrying (if you show them in small groups of 1 or 2 to reduce the crowd dynamics), and usually have a favorite knife in their past they want to talk about. I've also been surprised by a few individuals who you would never expect, to approach me and ask for advice on a hunting knife, large folder, a gun, or even a CCW! Another draw is to show them how to sharpen their knives. Be approachable, don't act outrageous with your knife, and people will change their minds, or accept their hidden thoughts. "If you teach them, they will come."
 
DonL,

Where'd you get you RND 2000, I haven't been able to find one for a decent price.
 
I live in Oklahoma, the last of the western frontier.
I'm the Sr. Vice President of a large trade association with over 300 direct members and 17,000 indirect members.
Also, I work in an office with five guys and twenty women.
Everybody knows I carry a knife and always have. They also know I can and will carry a gun If I feel threatened, whick isn't too often.
These people have been trained that my knives are tools, and they borrow them often for their cutting chores. My knives have been used in lady-showers and numerous birthday parties as well as Christmas celebrations.
The knives I usually have on me could be a small Sebenza or Umfaan, Spyderco Dragonfly/Pegasis/Calypso/Wegner Jr., S&W Police Special auto (always in top desk drawer at work), LUDT, mini-LUDT, Socom, BM Auto Spike, 3500 Mel Pardue auto, Leopard Cub, REKAT Pioneer, Paragon ATKO-5 auto,
or lately a James Brothers Cheyenne auto.
These are not hidden, rather they sit atop my desk while I'm at work.
I've kept a stag-handled 8" quality Italian Stiletto automatic on top of my desk for everyone to see or use for the past four years. It stays there at night, right in the open.
Before board of directors meetings, I usually have several outside visitors just to see the latest knife. All screw with the stiletto, and have for years.
The secret is the way you "train" laymen. Never portray a knife as a weapon. People can guess anyway. Don't carry knives clipped inside your pocket. Try to explain "why" and you'll know. Be cognizant of blade size as there is a limitation for the "tool" aspect when you are over 3 1/2-4".
Treat it as no big deal and show them both the logic and benefits on a one hand folder. All of a sudden you have converts
smile.gif

later, Bill

[This message has been edited by Bill McWilliams (edited 08 December 1998).]
 
I suppose it also depends on your role at the workplace. I'm the computer tech guy here, so I guess they expect me to have my "gadgets" clipped, holstered and ready to use. I never really thought about other peoples reactions when I whip out a fully serrated Endura to cut some wires. I also carry a Mariner in the glovebox which passengers often find when looking for the map/pens I also keep there. Most ask to "see" it as if it's a diamond ring, then they flip it open a few times and say "cool" and that's that.

Seriously though, if your co-workers can't handle a knife that's "not even anything like a switchblade," I would suggest you don't shoulder your Beretta 9mm when you go to a meeting.

Jim
 
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