Knives Reflect Culture

Halbie

Halbie

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I would like to hear some commentary on the question: Do knives reflect culture?

Look around the world. So many different knives and blades - some we (Americans) could not even conceive of as useful. Yet, they were or are useful or important to those who use(d) them.

Hunting. Utility. Survival. Ceremonial. Decoration. Artistic.

Americans: Aren't we the real pioneers? The adventurous ones? The resourceful ones? The clever ones? How do our knives show this?
 
chuckschilling said:
I think the reclining chair best represents America's culture!
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LOL. Yes, but a reclining chair is nice from time to time, eh? See, here's the typical American day:

  • Land on the Moon
  • Come back to Earth
  • Have a Steak Dinner
  • Perform household chores with only a with sharp knife
  • Relax in Reclining Chair
  • Watch Jeopardy
  • Make love to beautiful blonde wife
  • Go back to watching The Tonight Show
  • Blast out three-note fart and drive the dog out of the bed
  • Giggle yourself to sleep
 
all things reflect culture

until filthy multiculturality principles destroy all cultures and turn them into one big gray sludge
 
It's sad, really, what the last century has done to American culture. I'm only 30 years-old, so I'm by no means seasoned, and I don't know everything, not even close. However, look at the greater majority of the citizens that surround you (if you live in the US). Though we think we're self-sufficient, cut us off from "civilization" and watch us crumble.

We have "convenience" devices for everything. We can't really do anything. The average waistline steadily climbs while the life expectancy is falling. We spend more than we make. We push our "morals" on those around us (including the international level) but bail on them ourselves as soon as it suits us.

Of course there are exceptions to this. Obviously folks who frequent sites like this or edcforums or CPF are usually prepared and also tend to be informed on international events and how to survive when the SHTF. However, that doesn't mean the rest of the sheeple will get any better, probably only worse.

So, yes, when people are uncomfortable when I take out a small folding knife that's by no means tactical or threatening, it is an indication of our society's present condition.
 
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Valpo Hawkeye said:
It's sad, really, what the last century has done to American culture. I'm only 30 years-old, so I'm by no means seasoned, and I don't know everything, not even close. However, look at the greater majority of the citizens that surround you (if you live in the US). Though we think we're self-sufficient, cut us off from "civilization" and watch us crumble.

We have "convenience" devices for everything. We can't really do anything. The average waistline steadily climbs while the life expectancy is falling. We spend more than we make. We push our "morals" on those around us (including the international level) but bail on them ourselves as soon as it suits us.

Of course there are exceptions to this. Obviously folks who frequent sites like this or edcforums or CPF are usually prepared and also tend to be informed on international events and how to survive when the SHTF. However, that doesn't mean the rest of the sheeple will get any better, probably only worse.

So, yes, when people are uncomfortable when I take out a small folding knife that's by no means tactical or threatening, it is an indication of our society's present condition.
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That's exactly what I thought when I was 30. Don't despair. There are no issues now that did not exist then. Things seem to change quickly, or not at all.

You mentioned the word I was looking for: "self-sufficient". That is what seems to be disappearing in incremental amounts every year. That's why things like knives are so threatening. Why would you need one? And, if you don't need one, why do you have one? "Because I might need to cut something" is no longer an acceptable answer.
 
nephildevil said:
all things reflect culture

until filthy multiculturality principles destroy all cultures and turn them into one big gray sludge
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Oops! I just wrote the BIG BASTID about politics and culture. Multiculturalism is a touchy area that spans politics and culture. The word "filthy" doesn't help a lot!

Remember the idea of the "melting pot"? My mother's family came here with expectations to fit in and blend. Even then, they retained much of their ethnic identity. As much as I'd like to comment about some other immigrant groups, I will not. Save it for another forum...
 
I agree that knives and guns are part of the "frontier" attitude that allowed settlers to make it on this continent. I just wonder what caused us to get away from that. It's complex, to be sure, but if I could over-simplify it would come down to over-reliance on technology and urban sprawl.

As I stated before, my generation is used to having a device to "do" nearly everything. What's more, with more and more people choosing urban life, many are ignorant of even the most basic gear, other than the ubiquitous cell phone...

We've all been looked at funny when we take a flashlight out of our pocket, even during a power outage. The lights went out at work during a recent storm and a co-worker actually asked "Why the heck do you have a flashlight with you?" Are you kidding? :eek:
 
Valpo Hawkeye said:
I agree that knives and guns are part of the "frontier" attitude that allowed settlers to make it on this continent. I just wonder what caused us to get away from that. It's complex, to be sure, but if I could over-simplify it would come down to over-reliance on technology and urban sprawl.

As I stated before, my generation is used to having a device to "do" nearly everything. What's more, with more and more people choosing urban life, many are ignorant of even the most basic gear, other than the ubiquitous cell phone...

We've all been looked at funny when we take a flashlight out of our pocket, even during a power outage. The lights went out at work during a recent storm and a co-worker actually asked "Why the heck do you have a flashlight with you?" Are you kidding? :eek:
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But, knives, guns, and flashlights ARE technology. I would argue that knives are the most fundamental of all human technologies.

LOL. I know what you mean. :)
 
Halbie said:
Yes, so did I.

But, did the American pioneers do something special in regard to knives and guns?

I think so, but I'd like to hear from others.
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Of course they did. They relied on them for protection and food gathering. Food products didn't come nicely packaged back when, it had to be removed from its protective covering (hide, peel, husk). Furniture, eating utensils, clothing, tools, had to be fashioned by hand.

Andy
 
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