Public perception of people carrying knives

[umt]

I live in a very small town in southern Germany.
Almost every man here carries a knife.
In fact until about 5 years ago - until the store closed -, every boy in the age of 14 received a Victorinox Spartan with his name engraved on the blade from a local store every year to their confirmation (protestant initiation). So it was clear, every man owned at least one pocket knife.

Normally I carry three knives: A Victorinox Nomad and a Ka-Bar Eskabar in my right front pocket and a noname mid sized fixed blade of about 11 cm blade length (which will soon be replaced by a BK17) in the right pocket of my jacket.
When I go hiking in the woods I have a Ka-Bar USMC in my Backpack (additionally). And I use all 3 every day. Of course I could get along with only one but it would be much less fun .

I never had any problems although I don't hesitate to use a knife in public.
I think there are two important things to consider:

1. I always use the apropriate knife depending on the location and the task (for example when I sit on a bank at the marketplace just having bought some apples and like to peel one, for sure I will not pull out the Tweener or the USMC but the Victorinox or the Eskabar.

2. Don't make much sensation trying to conceal yourself using a knife, but just do it as if it was the most normal thing in the world (what it actually is ..) and it will feel much more normal to other people.

 

[stabman]

2. Don't make much sensation trying to conceal yourself using a knife, but just doing as if it was the most normal thing in the world (what it actually is ..) and it will feel much more normal to other people.

Amen!

I remember one guy trying to hide his knife use "Because people will think it's weird."
Everyone DID look at him like he was weird...because he was hunching over in an odd way trying to hide all view of it, and looking around to see if anyone was looking.

Whereas I just pull out the knife and use it, and in the vast, vast, vast majority of cases, no one thinks it's weird...because I'm not acting like I'm doing something weird.

If people would just worry less about using their knives, other would people would worry less about the knives.

 

[davek14]

There is no doubt that the way knives are looked at by society at large, has changed, and not for the better.

I'm an old fart, no getting around that. I'm 73 years of age, so I grew up in an era earlier than most of you. I was in the boy scouts during the early years of the Korean war, and the world was a very different place then. For one thing, knives were NOT demonized at all, let alone like they are now. Every single man I knew growing up had a knife on him if he had pants on. There was no way around it. A pocket knife was something a man carried. Didn't matter if he was a delivery truck driver, auto mechanic, store clerk, office worker, mailman, whatever. A pocket knife was just something a man had on him. And then, it was always a similar type, a smallish two blade jack of some kind. Serpentine jack, sleeve board jack, barlow, peanut, dogleg…

There were no tactical knives, and very few lock blades around. The most common locking blade knife was the Italian style switchblade the guys with the ducktail haircuts carried. Knives of that type were simple thought of as a punks weapon. It was presumed that the only reason a knife had a pointy blade and a lock was suit was usable as a stabbing weapon. The men looking down on these "punks" knives were not shrinking violets or sheltered members of a clergy. Our neighbors include men who had seen the darkest of WW2, and were verterns of the war in both Europe and the Pacific. Our scoutmaster was a retired Marine that saw service on Guadalcanal and some other garden spots of the Pacific.

Even in the late 1960's and 70's, when the Buck 110 changed the knife world, knives were still looked at as a tool. The black pouch on the belt holding the Buckknife was seen on soldiers, police officers, construction workers, truck drivers, and sportsmen. Nothing bad there, even after if became known that it was the favorite of Charles Manson and his bunch.

But in the 1980's was when I saw it all change. The birth of the tactical knife. First came Cold Steel and their marketing, and also Pacific Cutlery, with the balisongs. Overnight, TV shows, movies, all had baling flipping villains up to no good with a flair. Tanto pointed knives got good billing in the hands of movie bad guys, and the young men couldn't wait to spend their money on what the latest knife used by Stallone or Ah-nold was wielding in the latest action movie. The tactical knife has replaced the tired James Dean switchblade as the bad boy punks weapon and craze. So in effect, it was the cutlery industry itself, aided by Hollywood and the consumer who made it all happen. Things got crazier and crazier, and more and more outlandish designed knives sold like hotcakes to impressionable young men with lots of disposable income.

Fast forward to 2014, and the knife has become the manly badge of something for fans of certain TV shows and video games. So if there is a resin to point at why knives are demonized today, all we have to do is look in a mirror. To quote the old Pogo comic, "We have met the enemy, and he is us."

And there's the elephant in the room, rather well described as usual for Carl. I'm 59 and I miss the days when knives were pocketknives and they were ubiquitous.

Of course one hand openers are useful as someone will soon chime in with. People have the right to carry anything legal.

Complicated I guess. Now what? We have "knife rights" organizations. Maybe we need "knife reputation" organizations, working on perceptions and quite possibly on us.

 

[stabman]

Of course one hand openers are useful as someone will soon chime in with.

My grandfather survived the Dieppe raid back in WW2...thus he was certainly of the generation old enough to be from the time of ubiquitous knives.
When he saw my Benchmade Resistor---pretty much the epitome of a tactical knife---he though it would make a great work knife.
He liked the handle ergonomics, the pocket-clip for ease of carry, and the strong yet easy to disengage lock.
And yes, he liked that it could be opened with one hand.

I don't think it's a matter of the knives themselves being an issue.

 

[Primal Primate]

So, I don't understand this idea that people who are uncomfortable with others having knives makes them sheeple. Maybe they're just people who are momentarily uncomfortable when a stranger deploys an edged weapon in their immediate area.

I was thinking the same thing. The word "sheeple" implies a genetic predisposition to relying on others for your defense while running and hiding at the first hint of danger. I believe people can be taught to behave otherwise. Most people won't panic at the mere sight of someone using a knife in public, but people should notice. At least they should but these days zombies don't even look up as they walk into a pole with their eyes glued to their phones. They usually don't even notice I'm standing there let alone carrying a pocketknife. I did get more raised eyebrows and a few comments when I carried a fixed blade.

2. Don't make much sensation trying to conceal yourself using a knife, but just do it as if it was the most normal thing in the world (what it actually is ..) and it will feel much more normal to other people.

Exactly. Using a knife is a natural thing. It is one of man's oldest tools. It is also one of man's oldest weapons so people do have an innate fear of sharp, lethal objects. If I have to use it in public, I do it in a relaxed manner and I don't flick it open. I don't whip it out at restaurants to cut my steak either. No matter what I do, I tend to get noticed when I have to use my knife in public because it's not as common for a woman to carry one.

 

[davek14]

My grandfather survived the Dieppe raid back in WW2...thus he was certainly of the generation old enough to be from the time of ubiquitous knives.
When he saw my Benchmade Resistor---pretty much the epitome of a tactical knife---he though it would make a great work knife.
He liked the handle ergonomics, the pocket-clip for ease of carry, and the strong yet easy to disengage lock.
And yes, he liked that it could be opened with one hand.

I don't think it's a matter of the knives themselves being an issue.

They are one of many issues maybe. I mean, sometimes these threads degenerate into a "tactical vs. traditional" thing and we don't want that. I like 'em all. I have carried OHO knives for years whenever I do warehouse work since it is simply the best tool for that use. One of the advantages I've found with slipjoints is the harmless gestalt but they all have various advantages.

It can't be stated as "it's this" or "it's that". I guess all that can be stated is that knives have a perception problem these days. Now what?

 

[stabman]

I mean, sometimes these threads degenerate into a "tactical vs. traditional" thing and we don't want that. I like 'em all.

I like em all too.
I tend to like the ones with clips more because then I don't lose them, but I've used the hell out of the traditionals I didn't lose. :thumbup:

Fun fact though; one person I clearly remember freaking out about the fact of someone carrying a knife was flipping out over the carry of a slip-joint...so just carrying small, non-threatening traditional knives won't sidestep the issue.

Much as I like them all, some people fear them all.

 

[heresthedeal]

I haven't read the entire thread, but these come up every couple of months.

My thought is, I don't care, look at me however you want. You don't like what I'm wearing or carrying, if it's not yours it's none of your business.

I think people put to much thought into what everyone else is thinking, if they open their mouth and tell you, then by all means, reciprocate.

As long as it's not illegal who cares what someone else thinks.

 

[davek14]

I like em all too.
I tend to like the ones with clips more because then I don't lose them, but I've used the hell out of the traditionals I didn't lose. :thumbup:

Fun fact though; one person I clearly remember freaking out about the fact of someone carrying a knife was flipping out over the carry of a slip-joint...so just carrying small, non-threatening traditional knives won't sidestep the issue.

Much as I like them all, some people fear them all.

Exactly true, some people are just busybodies. Some just say anything they think would be right with the herd.

Complicated.

As was just stated, threads go down this road periodically. I wonder if the next step is "what do we do about this?"

 

[PURPLEDC]

I live in one of the most anti knife states and anti knife area of that state. With that said I have only had a couple comments or looks given to me about knives but those always were in private. In public I use my knife all the time. But I use it discreetly and the lack of comments or looks is probably due to not drawing attention to myself. I think as long as your not announcing your knife with "jazz hands" most shouldnt have a problem. And I hate to say it but appearances when carrying and the knife you carry while you look a certain way does matter when keeping a low key profile.

 

[jstrange]

A few friends of mine just had a similar discussion today. Two of us grew up in the south and carry knives with us everyday, everywhere we go. The other friend is from Trinidad and he just isn't used to the idea. He was worried about the legalities and what others might think (this is from a guy who likes knives and is not scared of them).

We then discussed our state law which essentially says "common pocket knives" are fine. I think the debate nowadays is what is a "common pocketknife"? Being almost forty, the first thing I think of is a Buck 110 or case peanut type knife, but really I would argue the "tactical" style, for want of a better term, is more "common" today.

One point I made is that if I can buy it in Wal-mart, it must be common, and therefore not unusual, or unique (and shouldn't be SCARY, but who am I to judge). The reason I say that is that many of the knives you find today, regardless of store, or manufacturer have the ability to be opened one handed, serrations, pocket-clips, and so on and so forth. All these features would have been unheard of twenty or thirty years ago, to the average person. This is starting to be, if not already is, the norm.

 

[heresthedeal]

Just another thought.

Evryy time one of these threads come up theres always the "I grew up in the south so we all had knives" thing.

I grew up in the north, one of the most hillbilly filled places I have ever been. Don't assume because someones from up north that they haven't been carrying and using a knife since childhood. Just like them southern boys.

We just had to deal with the cold part of the year.

Just a thought, please continue.
Merry Christmas

 

[jstrange]

I didn't mean to imply that the south is the only place in the world that it is common to carry, or use a knife, nor do I think I said so. I was only trying to illustrate that where I am from it was "normal" vs. where he is from. It probably has more to do with rural vs. city than with any particular geographic location. In any event, no offense was meant. Merry Christmas to you as well.

 

[davek14]

I live in Cincinnati and work right over the river in Kentucky. I cross that Mason-Dixon line twice a day.
☺☺☺
Yeah, city mouse/country mouse

 

[jstrange]

No matter where you live, some people like knives, and some don't. At least here, on BF, we all have one thing in common

 

[Zemapeli]

Well. There is many people who think that everyone should be unarmed at all times, and are scared of anything that could be considered a "weapon". Some people view the presence of knives, and guns as scary. Perhaps because they are afraid of what they can do if used against them. This is just fine. But when those people choose to believe that we ALL should be un-armed is what bothers me. I highly disagree with this outlook. We have a second amendment for a reason. We have a choice. We should be able to defend and protect ourselves, our families, our interests, values, morals, property and way of life, as well as prepare to. It is our constitutional right to do so. The second amendment is there for a reason. That goes into the sheep/dog mentality. Some people choose to live a sheltered life and believe that they will never be in a situation where they will need to defend themselves or their family. They believe that there will always be a governing body in place to police them at all times - (be it police, national guard, army ect.) - and nothing will happen to jeopardize them, their safety, well being, and the peace we so often have. (Which is wonderful. Thank God) However, it is good for people to be able to defend themselves or possibly others as well, as opposed to being unprepared for such a thing to happen. It is better to have a plan in place and not need it, than to need a plan and not have the means. Democrats; at least a majority of them, as well as the values and beliefs of the democratic party contribute to this in a large way. More so than many are lead to believe. One reason I never have voted democratic. Why ban AR 15 magazines? Why can't we hunt with an AR15?? It is .223, which is bigger than a .22. "But were does it end"? 20mm is the largest legal round NOT classified as a destructive device. I say if you've got the money to blow on ammunition like that, go right ahead. There is already a system in place to regulate firearms, cutlery and the like. Don't water down our constitution. I do understand how seeing a person with a weapon in a public place could be intimidating to a person. Maybe they are not around knives/guns often or never owned one. I suppose it could be scary to a person. But how many tragedies such as school shootings would happen if one person would have planned for when a crisis happened and conceal carried. How many lives would have been saved?

I am getting way of base with this here. In my eyes, a knife is a tool just like a pipe wrench is a tool. Everything COULD be used as a weapon. A fork could be lethal if someone decided to jab someone else in the eye ball with it. Should forks be illegal? There will always be the squeamish weeny to say that the world should be nerfed. That is why I vote republican.

 

[Jesse B.]

More people (at least in the U.S.) are growing up in an environment where their only exposure to knives are as weapons. Urbanization and media are two major factors. I'm in my early 30's, and I hate to say it, but most (not all, thank god) of my friends were conditioned to think knife=weapon -- and they're pretty rigid with that association. It can be disheartening to see this kind of attitude directed towards something that's gone beyond a personal hobby and is actually sacred to me.

 

[Ankerson]

Just another thought.

Evryy time one of these threads come up theres always the "I grew up in the south so we all had knives" thing.

I grew up in the north, one of the most hillbilly filled places I have ever been. Don't assume because someones from up north that they haven't been carrying and using a knife since childhood. Just like them southern boys.

We just had to deal with the cold part of the year.

Just a thought, please continue.
Merry Christmas

I klnow what you mean.

I am from Texas originally, but for the most part grew up in MD and were I lived was for the most part like you are talking about.

Moved to NC in 1995 and it's more anti etc than MD was from what I have seen, I don't see all that many knives around usually in the Raleigh area, haven't had any problems personally though as I always carry one.

 

[Chevy454]

Just another thought.

Evryy time one of these threads come up theres always the "I grew up in the south so we all had knives" thing.

I grew up in the north, one of the most hillbilly filled places I have ever been. Don't assume because someones from up north that they haven't been carrying and using a knife since childhood. Just like them southern boys.

We just had to deal with the cold part of the year.

Just a thought, please continue.
Merry Christmas

Right on, after all, when its all said and done, we're all just south Canadians.

 

[Kai Winters]

I don't give a flying fig how people perceive me.
If they don't like seeing my knife clip they need to stop looking at that area of my body...I'd ask them why they are looking at me there...turn it around and make them uncomfortable that is much more fun.