Questions

[IronKnuckles]

Hey Guys,
I'm a student at FSU. My English prof. just assigned us a research paper on a topic of our choice, so I figured I'd write it on something I'm really interested in...namely, knives. I thought I'd write about how knives are percieved today as opposed to a century or two ago, and also write a little about the importance of knives in other cultures. Seeing as how I'm here lurking in the shadows quite a bit, I thought I'd post a few questions for you guys. Any responses are appreciated.

1. Why do you think knives such as Autos and Balisongs are illegal in many states, whereas Assault rifles and much more dangerous things are legal and more socially acceptable?

2. What are some reactions you've come across when people notice you using/carrying a knife, and what kind was it? (fixed or folder, length, Tactical looking?)

3. As knife makers/collectors, what do you think is the attraction?

4. Do you carry a knife everywhere you go?

5. If so, do you carry it for self defense or for utilitarian purposes?

thanks for any and all responses, I'll post more when I think of it.

-Chris

 

[fulloflead]

1. Why do you think knives such as Autos and Balisongs are illegal in many states, whereas Assault rifles and much more dangerous things are legal and more socially acceptable?

Do some homework. This happened back in the 50s. James Dean carried a switch blade and movies like "West Side Story" showed street gangs (not as we currently know them) running around with switchblades.

During the time, there was a big public outcry against "street hooligans" and it was generally thought that the switchblade knife was standard equipment for said "street hooligan".

Now, imagine if you will, in the present-day US Senate, a Senator voting against stronger punishments for child molesters. S/he would not get elected; am I right? Well, switch the date to circa 1955 and switch "child molester" and "street hooligan" and you get the picture. Nobody in Congress had the stones to stand up and say that a switchblade was just a tool with a button. They were banned. :thumbdn:

Florida and Oregon have state laws that have overturned that ban locally.

Strange, but true.

.

 

[fulloflead]

2. Not much around here. Guys usually want to see it. But then, I'm in Colorado. People wear sandels, shorts and a sweater at the same time.

3. I was thinking about this the other day. It's a toy that you can hurt yourself with which is always more interesting than a toy you can't hurt yourself with.

4. I'm currently sitting in my underpants, watching David Letterman with a laptop on my knees. I have a Spyderco Civillian clipped to my boxer shorts. What do YOU think.

5. I carry a Civillian on me at all times for self defense. I also carry one or two other knives on me during the day for utility use or as conversation pieces.

.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

5. I carry a Civillian on me at all times for self defense.

Wow. I BET you're not Count Chocula!

I didn't know Rocky Mountain High was such a dangerous School of Hard Knocks.

IronKnuckles, The first thing you have to realize about knife laws is that they are extemely local. They are reactions to local conditions and local panic. Sometimes the locale is larger, but even Federal and state laws can usually be pre-empted by more restrictive municipal ordinances.

This makes them ideal tools of fearmongering politicos. Which doesn't lead to logical lawmaking.

Compare this to the recent moves in New York City to randomly check backpacks and briefcases in search of bombs. Of course, as soon as we read about this, the bombers read about it, too, and have designed explosive underwear to replace the backpacks.

Switchblades are generally banned, so first one-hand openers and now assisted openers have replaced them -- and are often more reliable and certainly cheaper for comparable quality.

There are two current threads referencing "Sheeple". Check them out for reactions to our knives.

I am rarely far from a knife, even asleep. I carry. For utility. I never carry for self-defense. There are several reasons for this, but the one that counts the most is ... most jurisdictions now frown on the concept of self-defense.

If I am attacked and I accidently punch the attacker into a coma, what can I say? I never knew I could hit so hard. If I accidently slash his throat, the court may decide that's why I had that 3.75" blade close at hand.

One final note: I congratulate your choice of subject. You may want to restrict it to a subset of your current topic list, depending on how long it need be. But there is so much good stuff there to write about!

 

[Bobwhite]

I would say in most peoples minds today, a knife is more weapon than tool, unless it's used in the kitchen. Even amoung knife enthusiasts, there is a predominant weapon mindset. I always have a knife on me, even just kicking around my house, but I don't carry a knife for defense, I am a throwback to the tool mindset I guess. Now a tool can be a serious weapon, if you have the right mindset. Weapons aren't dangerous, the people weilding them are, and said people can use tools as weapons very easily. I would say that even as little as 25 years ago, there was more of a knife as tool, over weapon, mindset. I think the media and marketing (the "Tactical" sales push) have a lot to do with changing that to the current knife as weapon over tool attitude.

 

[DGG]

Hey Guys,
I'm a student at FSU. My English prof. just assigned us a research paper on a topic of our choice, so I figured I'd write it on something I'm really interested in...namely, knives. I thought I'd write about how knives are percieved today as opposed to a century or two ago, and also write a little about the importance of knives in other cultures. Seeing as how I'm here lurking in the shadows quite a bit, I thought I'd post a few questions for you guys. Any responses are appreciated.

1. Why do you think knives such as Autos and Balisongs are illegal in many states, whereas Assault rifles and much more dangerous things are legal and more socially acceptable?

2. What are some reactions you've come across when people notice you using/carrying a knife, and what kind was it? (fixed or folder, length, Tactical looking?)

3. As knife makers/collectors, what do you think is the attraction?

4. Do you carry a knife everywhere you go?

5. If so, do you carry it for self defense or for utilitarian purposes?

thanks for any and all responses, I'll post more when I think of it.

-Chris

Okay my 'nole friend, here's my $.02.

1. Weapons are illegal because of perceptions. In many states it is legal to carry an exposed 12" bowie knife on your belt but stick a 4" spyderco rescue knife in your pocket (concealed is the key term here) and the locals all start shaking and demanding protection. I don't think we will ever figure all the nuances of the legal system.

Also, fyi, it is very illegal to have and carry "assault weapons" unless you pay a very substantial fee to the U.S. government for a license and you must pass an FBI background check in order to do this. It is not illegal to own weapons that some think look like assault rifles. There are lot of "pointy-head" college professor types who get confused by the gun control facts, IMHO.


2. I receive very little if any attention when carrying a knife except from other knive owners who enjoy discussing them. Usually it is a small folder.

3. I think knives are attractive because it is something we grow up with and use every day in the kitchen. Maybe it is a food association. Maybe it is because we saw our mom use them in the kitchen all our young lives and we have fond memories. Knive are a very handy tool to have around the house. Lastly, knives have a very long history going back to sharpened stones and some knives have an artistic element because they are so very beautifully crafted.

4. Usually I have a knife close at hand.

5. Utilitarian purposes is the reason I have a knife.

Hope that helps you get a A+ on your report. Later gator! Oops!