reccomendation for a people friendly knife?

[nodh]

It is all about tradition, where you live and how common the knife is.
A normal sized SAK works anywhere, even in UK.
Opinel is common knowledge in France but maybe not that common in the US. The other way goes with the Buck 110, common in the US but not well known in Europe.
In Sweden a knife looks like a Mora, red handle and all. Everything else is weapons for murderers.

A multitool can probably get more acceptance within the knife ignorant group. The more help they get from you and your tool, the more accepted it is.

Some people will always think of a knife (whatever brand) to be a weapon. This weekend I was at a christmas fair and opened some bags of firewood and at least three people told me that my knife was illegal. I quoted the law and they went silent.

So, the most accepted knife is the SAK. If you have just a blade or screwdrivers etc. doesnt matter, as long as it is just that size and red.
A bit less accepted is the Opinel, Buck, EKA, Sheffield, Wenger, whatever single blade folder, depending on national heritage etc.
Another local example. An EKA knife might be more accepted than a opinel or Buck in Sweden. It is like the Mora, most people have one.

I myself carry the Fallkniven U2. It doesnt look much and is definately not threatening to people but it might work as a "survival" knife if needed.

A knife with serrations, tanto, black blade, thumb stud etc looks more "dangerous" than the same size knife without.

 

[JTR357]

My solution is to carry more than one knife. .

+1:thumbup:

I usually always carry a SAK or traditional along with a one handed opener.

 

[john w]

Slippie or SAK (small) for the fearful.. I agree also with, "carry two (or more) one for the timid".

I carry a Leatherm S2 Juice, very benign tool.

 

[statmonster]

My solution is to carry more than one knife.......

I do that as well. I carry a Spyderco Bob T Slipit in my weak side pocket and nobody bats an eyelash when I use it to cut a piece of cake or a cannoli for sharing in a restaurant. I will cut tags and strings etc. in public without reaction.

I think that using the ATCF in the other pocket might bring a different reaction.

 

[tradja]

In my own experience, the Spyderco Ladybug is the only knife that gets chuckles (from guys) and compliments (from women). It's small but holds a very sharp edge and is good for light EDC chores.

Ironically, the only knife I've really gotten a negative reaction to was my Ladybug, when my office was moving.

In all honesty, I don't think you'll ever get a truly "people-friendly knife."

Unfortunately, I agree with this. That being said, just 5 mintues ago a colleague used my SwissTool Spirit to set up some hardware. A multitool or a small SAK like the Classic are probably your best bets. Even on a small rainbow Kershaw, the AO will alarm many NKP.

 

[The Government]

People have no right to be afraid of a traditional slip joint or a SAK -If they are, then tell them they should seek help.

+1 to all the knives that have been mentioned.

 

[mowog]

I did an Alaskan trip in June, land and cruise. I packed my alox SAK soldier in my check on, then carried it in my pocket. I forgot to repack it in check on when boarding the ship. I stuck all my metal items in a satchel I carry to go through screening. The screener asked me if I had a knife in my bag? I said yes and started to pull out the SAK. She saw the shape and swiss symbol and said it's OK, as all SAK are allowed.

It's as if the SAK doesn't count as a real knife.

 

[imacf90]

oh wow i didn't think I'd get so many responses. good stuff. by all means keep posting if you feel you need to.
i have a trade in progress getting a buck creek whittler. it looks decent. I'm still probably going to go looking for more though

 

[catspa]

nodh: This weekend I was at a christmas fair and opened some bags of firewood and at least three people told me that my knife was illegal. I quoted the law and they went silent.

You are a better man than I for not saying, "If it bothers you, why don't you call a police officer and see if he can cure your ignorance?"

[rant ahead]

I pity a knife nut so timid that he chooses his carry knife based on what others will think of it. I find that extremely difficult to relate to.

Personally, I feel that the modern (relative) scarcity of knives contributes to the "freak-out" element of some people's personality. If big ol' scary-a$$ knives were commonly displayed, I think some of the "freak-outers" might become accustomed to them and start to overcome their phobias.

I'm partial to a Buck 110 or the Case equivalent, and carry one everywhere (I also carry other knives, but that's the one you can see). To me, it's usefulness outweighs any concern I might have had for the knife phobias of others. And when some more genteel non-knife carrier asks me to cut something for them, I refuse. Instead I haul out the old 110, snap it open with one hand, and let them do their own cutting. They either overcome their fear of it right there, or what they need to cut remains uncut.

I mean come on, it's bad enough you failed to bring a knife, but asking me to open your plastic packaging? It's like asking me to zip up your fly. Do it for yourself or do without.

[rant over]

Parker

 

[GRIM 62]

I always carry a sak in my left front pocket,for use in public.I carry an Izula in my right front pocket.

 

[cgmblade]

It's like asking me to zip up your fly. Do it for yourself or do without.

[rant over]

Parker

+1 I like that:thumbup:

 

[seniordep2010]

I would have to go with either a SAK or a Sodbuster, even a Buck 112. Tell us what you decide on. :thumbup: