Main reason you carry a knife [POLL]

[Arathol]

Because I can is good enough for me.....

 

[Ernie1980]

I feel like a am missing something on the rare occasion I get out of the house without a knife! Mine only get used occasionally but when it’s needed it is great tool to have with you.

 

[dantzk8]

The main reason is that life would be boring if my hands weren't busy at whittling wood and braiding or splicing rope. Not to mention all the ordinary tasks of rural and forest life. Wooden house, heatwood, sheep in the meadow and the like.
I also like to freehand sharpen.
That's why i carry knives.



Dan.

 

[E40]

Everyday useful tool.

I carry two 90% of the time. Some jobs, especially at the farm, demand a bigger knife than a pocket knife. And for when it isn't practical to carry a trigger activated, cartridge containing self-defense mechanism, I carry an auto knife. If a bad guy is within arms length and his intent is clear, I intend to inflict some sort of harm. My first defense is to stay away (or get away) from trouble.

 

[5K Qs]

I guess the honest answer for me is that carrying a traditional knife fills me with a wonderful sense of nostalgia. I have hiked, camped, fished and used knives all my life, but only came to start "collecting" knives in the last few years. It’s a way to connect with times gone by, and summons some wonderful memories — of places, people, and adventures over the years. Any knife I own is a candidate for the pocket — and, if it’s in the pocket, then it will be used if the occasion arises, period. Under this system some get used, and some get a pass. The other day, a friend was having trouble opening a box, and out of my pocket came a dogleg jack to the rescue. Afterwards, it struck me that the days of folks generally carrying a knife in the pocket have long since faded from view. But, it‘s nice to be part of a community that embraces the tradition.

Jim sums up my main reason for carrying a pocket knife more articulately than I could! It's nostalgia for me.

I grew up on a dairy farm and used my first knife multiple times almost every day from age 10 until I left for college at age 17.

Then, for the next 45 years, I hardly ever carried my pocket knife, so I obviously don't NEED one. But my wife found an old pocket knife that used to belong to her dad and gave it to me in January of 2014,

and I enjoyed cleaning it up and thinking how much use (and joy) I got from a knife when I was a kid, and decided to try carrying one every day again. I soon discovered Blade Forums and was enthralled with learning about all the various knife patterns, blade shapes, history of pocket knives, and ways that Porch people used their knives.

- GT

 

[bayouace]

Hardly a day goes by that I do not use everything on my Classic SD at least once. My EDC's rotate, but my Classic SD does not.

 

[Kiro]

Yes it's a tool first. However. I have one in my pocket every day, but the days I don't use it far outnumber the days I do. I like having it. I like being the guy who has a pocket knife on him. And, certainly, I enjoy the quality and craftsmanship of the GECs I carry.

 

[JM2]

To me, it's a combination of classic elegance, useful tool, and comfort blanket. I feel naked without my knife. I also feel like it's carrying on a tradition that is becoming lost. Boys should carry a knife from the time they can safely use one until the day they die. How are you going to open a package if you dont have a knife? I've seen people try to use their keys... and their teeth: gnawing at a package like a savage. No, for me, I'll use my Case XX.

 

[Jiki]

User.

 

[GaiusJulius]

I voted jewelry. I use my knives and they’re there to cut things…. And the ones I carry end up with patina and battle scars. But I have opinions about what is and is not suitable for my pocket, which is why I hang out here and spend money rather than just dropping an SAK or Chinese made Old Timer in my pocket and calling it a day.

 

[euroken]

All of the above...

Jewelry, tool, character/personality definition, fidget factor, etc, etc.

 

[Snodgrass]

Even though I look for any excuse to use one, I don't necessarily need to use a knife everyday. But it's sure nice to have one in the pocket when I do. I carry a modern for most tasks and a traditional for eating my apple, showing off and because I feel silly not carrying one with so many awesome knives at home.

 

[mnblade]

Why do I carry a knife? Two reasons, really.

First, while I wasn't a Boy Scout for long, that "be prepared" ethos really resonated with me. I don't carry a pocketknife because I cut things with it everyday ...... I carry one because I believe strongly in being prepared.

Secondly, I'm afraid my Grandad might swing down from heaven one day and find me. If he does, and I'm not toting a knife, I reckon he'd shake his head and wonder how any kin of his grew up to be such a no account!

-- Mark

 

[315]

Pretty much a tool that gets used. Even if it’s only to open a package or some for container.

 

[JM2]

It's obvious to see the aftermath of something that's been done where the doer didn't have a knife and clearly needed one. A bag of potting soil that's been stabbed open with a trowel, an envelope that's been ripped apart at the seams, and countless other tasks that are "doable" without a knife, but so much faster, cleaner, and ultimately easier when accomplished with a knife.

 

[Blades of Glory]

The men (and some women) in my family have carried knives for generations. It's been something handed down. Growing up I just thought it was something you did once dad thought you were old enough. My dad never clipped his nails but you could find him regularly using his Buck to shave them back. He'd grab a twig while we were outside and just whittle it down to nothing and throw it out. Guess he had a lot of nervous energy. So it was not only something I saw him carry but also use. Spent a good part of my formative years in Alaska in the 80s. There, everyone seemed to have a pocket knife and a large knife. Keys, wallet, hank, knife...this has always been the way growing up even before I knew what EDC stood for. Most of the jobs I've held in my life always required some kind of cutting. Currently, I work in freight so it's either the standard box cutter or the stockman I'm carrying.

Now, if you ask me why I collect knives. That's more of a mental condition. But one I've rather enjoyed

 

[rishma]

I’m not surprised most of the answers resonate with me. I use mine as a tool, but it’s really not essential to my daily life. The reason I carry a knife every day is the comfort of routine and habit. I feel awkward without it. Same reason I wear a belt every day, even though it’s not always necessary.

 

[draggat]

I voted 'other' although 1, 2 and 4 are the reasons. Reaching for a pocket knife as a weapon is the last thing I would think of..... the homeless crazies/zombies around these parts are almost certain to have hepatitis or some other blood borne pathogen. No thanks! Bear spray and situational awareness for me!

I typically carry at least two knives with me. One is a replaceable utility razor - my go to dirty knife also used for mild scraping and prying which gets daily use.

The other one is usually pocket jewelry, which often times isn't actually in my pocket, but safe in a backpack nearby. I do use those knives from time to time, but generally as light duty food cutters.

Many of the knives I own will never see use while I own them, but are lovingly admired for their artisinal qualities.

Handmade pocket jewelry for today:

 

[oldrifleman]

Knives are tools that support my life. I have been carrying a knife in my pocket now for about 57 years and can't see myself changing that. they get used nearly daily.

 

[Will Power]

Why should I not ? It's been going on since I was about 8 and I'm more than 9 now ...

Numerous good reasons have been stated covering both utility and aesthetics- both are important.

I need a knife Food's getting awful expensive, supermarkets are profiteering cartels with much more money than I, so why should I throw more at them? I need a knife to trim down Leeks or Broccoli etc in the shop, why pay for withered bits that aren't very good? Sometimes people have asked me to trim their stuff too!

But the main reason is because I like it, like it yes I do as the Stones said (not the sharpening stones that is)