Least threatening knife attributes?

A

asdf12345

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What do you guys consider a non-threatening knife? Im sure we can all agree that things like serrations, waves, thumb/finger holes, fullers, oversize thumb studs, pushbuttons, and bowie grinds are politically incorrect except in perhaps LE/military circles. Im not certain about which blade shape and color is the least threatening. To people unfamiliar with knives I was thinking the spear point might seem more tame because they are used to that shape in swiss army knives, etc. but to some it may look like a dagger and therefore more threatening than a single edged knife. I thought the wharncliffe would be pretty nondescript but a person who saw me use my mini tuff lite said that it was one of those "exotic" blades that is "dangerous", so I don't even know. I can see why people might think it is exotic. Even blunt ended razel grinds like that of the Ka-bar BK3 look like "machetes" to people who don't know about knives. What do you guys think is the most nondescript blade shape?

I was wondering about blade color, too. I think two toned like Microtech blades are definitely out. Black is less "showy" but looks more "tactical" and once someone sees you with a black knife their first instict might be to scream. Satin/mirror finishes on the other hand, once you pull it out everyone knows you have a knife and everyone is suddenly looking in your direction, I swear once I used my mini tuff lite at a restaurant and a couple people near me reached inside their jackets... :thumbdn: Damascus is ideal in my opinion because people won't really know what to make of the patterns, plus it definitely gives that art deco vibe and not a tactical one. But it's expensive and not commonly available on production folding knives unless you shell out $800+ on a limited run :barf: What do you think?

Handle scales are another thing. I think anything with a lot of contouring is definitely out, so are large finger cut outs/grooves... bright colors are more conspicuous but less immediately seen as weapon-like. Definitely no OD green or tan because movies have made us associate those colors with "combat". Do you think a light grey or blue handle scales would be politically correct? How about wood, or does that evoke the "hunter" + "southern conservative" image too much?

It's tough, I'm looking for a good folder with a blade that's at least 2 inches (can't go over 2.5 in Lynn or Salem) but even my mini tuff lite gets me unwanted and sometimes hostile attention. The custom route seems to be the only way to go. Thoughts?
 
If their opinion of how you responsibly use your tool is such a concern, get a SAK.

And I didn't know there is anything wrong or not politically correct about being a hunter or a Southern conservative. We're not the ones with freedom hating busybodies up our asses all the time.
 
McCoy1996 said:
The only non-threatening knife that won't attract much attention... hehe http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j428/awlincoln/Pocket Knives/1000-pocketknife-P1070163.jpg :p
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If you call that a knife, then my Leatherman counts too:D

asdf12345 said:
Handle scales are another thing. I think anything with a lot of contouring is definitely out, so are large finger cut outs/grooves... bright colors are more conspicuous but less immediately seen as weapon-like. Definitely no OD green or tan because movies have made us associate those colors with "combat". Do you think a light grey or blue handle scales would be politically correct? How about wood, or does that evoke the "hunter" + "southern conservative" image too much?
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OK...now you're just over thinking this...

asdf12345 said:
even my mini tuff lite gets me unwanted and sometimes hostile attention.
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Explain...
 
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I find certain Spyderco designs to be minimally threatening. I've been told by people not previously fond of knives that the slower opening are also far less threatening, as makes sense. From my experience, something like a Caly3 or Caly 3.5, especially with the carbon fiber handles, makes for a tame knife. It's a little, strange looking little shape that looks pretty artistic and quality, and doesn't automatically register as a knife for many. Overall, I think anything that is more refined in material and finish will seem less threatening and, as you said with damascus, more deco/artsy. I find this a good excuse to get more knives with cool unique materials. :D
 
I had to look up the mini tuff lite to see how threatening it was, bizarre that anyone would consider that scary. Its a little bitty folder good grief. Seriously if your that concerned that people will freak out over your pocket knife get a small slip joint of some kind. Just makes me shake my head that you have to be actually concerned with what they think. I would carry whatever I wanted that was legal in your area and they could just get over themselves. I don't like the term sheeple but man those folks are seriously in need of getting a grip on their unrealistic fears if a mini tuff lite disturbs them.
 
Human beings possess a wide variety of personal perceptions. Every person is different, and what one person considers "threatening" another person might not. Whether or not any individual person considers a knife to be "threatening" may have less to do with the characteristics of the knife, and more to do with that persons own individual psychology.

I can't count how many times I have seen people post stories on this forum over the years about family, friends, coworkers, or total strangers freaking out at the sight of a SAK, or some other knife that we would consider "harmless" looking.

It is my belief that many people aren't afraid of knives, but instead, they are afraid of people carrying knives. I would assume that just about every adult in this country who lives indoors has knives in their kitchen, so clearly they aren't afraid of a sharpened piece of steel with a handle attached. But many of those same people would feel threatened if they saw a person carrying a knife in public. Many people are comfortable with knives being present in what they consider to be the knifes "normal" place (kitchen, dining room, etc), but seeing a knife in public, and outside of it's "normal" place is something that scares them. Quite simply, many people look upon carrying a knife as something criminals do. So they look upon anyone carrying a knife in public with fear and suspicion, even if it's a small, harmless-looking folder.

The design of the knife, the psychology of the person who sees it, the environment where the knife is present, the manner in which the knife is used/handled, and the appearance and demeanor of the person in possession of the knife, can all play a factor in whether or not a person considers a knife to appear "threatening". If you try to choose a knife based on what you think won't scare people, you might succeed in not scaring some people by choosing one knife or another, but there is no way to guarantee that your choice, whatever it may be, won't scare other people.
 
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Sounds like you can't please everybody - so stop trying. Buy a Cold Steel XL Espada and use it to cut your steak next time you go out to eat.
 
cricketdave said:
I had to look up the mini tuff lite to see how threatening it was, bizarre that anyone would consider that scary. Its a little bitty folder good grief. Seriously if your that concerned that people will freak out over your pocket knife get a small slip joint of some kind. Just makes me shake my head that you have to be actually concerned with what they think. I would carry whatever I wanted that was legal in your area and they could just get over themselves. I don't like the term sheeple but man those folks are seriously in need of getting a grip on their unrealistic fears if a mini tuff lite disturbs them.
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I have a full size Tuff Lite and even that one is one of the smallest, least threatening knives I have ever owned or seen.
 
Sal Glesser designed the original UKPK in order to be non-threatening. Bright "happy" colours seem to do the trick, especially when combined with a "non-stabby" blade shape. It also helps that the knife does not lock and more importantly does not "THWACKK!" When opened. However, most important should be the conduct of the user. Don't be a **** and people _should_ not get freaked out.
 
Drop point
Smallish to mid sized
Wood handles
2 hand opener with lock

If that isn't a "normal" knife then I don't know what is.


Small always says utility. A Böker Nano with wood scales as a slipjoint would be perfect for the office.
 
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