Research Paper

I

IronKnuckles

Joined
Aug 14, 2004
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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
 
Here goes

#1- My take is the kneejerk reaction Americans have to an immediate perceived threat. For instance , the "relocation" of U.S. Citizens to camps in WW2 because their eyes were not quite round. I think you will find this included Koreans, Chinese and others.
Knife wielding movie actors in the 50's prompted by sensationalized news accounts like the incident in Hollister fan the same flame. Tyranny feeds on ignorance and the U.S. abounds in ignorant folk. It is your right to be ignorant....don't make it your duty.

#2 As above, folks first reaction is surprise when they see something they are unfamiliar with. I live in the desert and see many snakes. The "tenderfoot" visiting for the first time has a truly different reaction than I. It can be fun to watch.
My co-workers , mechanics, but not all knife guys, are initially surprised at my acquisitions, i.e. Microtech Ultratech, Severtech, Custom 5.5 inch pocket folder , but warm up when they see how useful these tools can be. I have sold 5 Severtechs to coworkers. I brought the 5.5 inch folder in with three small loaves of banana bread. It cut through the loaf without sawing because the blade was as wide as the loaf...quite practical. No longer a perceived weapon but a useful tool.

#3 The attraction to me is affordable art sculpture. I have art for a mere $200 and up to $1800. The rich guys much more. The older I get the more I appreciate people who are good at what they do. Whatever they do.

#4 I carry at least one knife wherever I go spreading the love of art throughout the world.

#5 Here in AZ we have concealed weapons permits. You would be MAD to think your knife would be a good self defense tool. I never have thought that way.

Good luck on your paper and make sure to have a good writer/friend proof it for you. Kevin
 
1. You can thank movies and ignorance. westside story depecting gang members dancing around with switchblades. The click snap sound scares some people. A gun is a gun. If everyone was allowed to carry less gun crime would be committed.
2. most people dont notice my folder in the pocket. Its like carrying concealed out of site out of mind.
3. pocket jewelery. and its a basic tool for everyday usage.
4. every where and I dont leave home without 2 or 3 of them.
5. utility use mostly but if the **** hits the fan I will use it for self defense after I run out of bullets.
 
#1 im leaving alone
#2 most poeple are intrigued rather than afraid (damascus folder)
#3 on this one I'm with Kim, pocket jewelry
#4 yes
#5 for utility, for defense I prefer words :rolleyes:
 
1. I agree with the posts above-irrational hysteria.
2. Where I live, most people have at least a pocket knife, I usually carry a small fixed blade that I made, rather than a folder. If anyone notes that, I explain that this is what I make and I would rather carry my own than a folder made by someone else.
3. Knives are probably mankind's oldest manufactured tool and are very handy to have around.
4. Yes.
5. Utilitarian. The only person I have ever cut is me (more frequently than I would like). I have never shot anyone either, but consider a gun to be a much more likely self defense tool for me.
 
1. I think one problem is lack of a good lobby to support knives, the NRA is huge and they get their stuff done (thank god), but knives don't seem to have the backing, also, i don't know if they are socially more acceptable or not, but your more likely to run into someone with an automatic knife on a daily basis than someone carrying around a assault rifle, so they might be more socially acceptable, becuase you don't ever see them, if you don't travel in those kinds of circles
2. I carry a black kershaw blur, which is as automatic as you can get without being illegal, almost no one i know likes it, everyone who sees it says "that's big" or "kinda scary" and opening it seems to scare everyone except knife buffs, who think it's cool, so black and tactical looking seems to equal scary in most peoples minds
3. I like the fact that they are form and function combined, beautiful wood, metal, stone, ect. it's like an art show you can carry with you and put to use
4. Yup, everywhere except where i have to go thru security, even church, my grandpa always carried in church too, kind of a tradition, not that i go to church much, but once a year there's at least one knife in the congregation
5. I carry for both reasons, chances are, you are going to come up against someone with a gun and your out of luck, but we just got a concealed carry law in MO so a while ago a knife was about all you could carry to protect yourself, it's better than nothing
 
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