Sheeple at Kinkos scared me to a smaller knife!

[zignal_zero]

Damn...must be hell to pack your own lathe for work

I have had my boss say something about my knife a couple of times. Usually in the presence of my co-workers. All it does is get him a bunch of "are you f-ing kidding" looks.

I carry a couple of knives on my person. As well as a .357, Baton, and OC spray. All for work, yet the knife is a problem.

my buddy's gig is the same way - he's issued a duty rifle and handgun, but was told he could NOT carry his BM Nimravus on site. he pulls a pretty good check, so he just shrugged and bought a 710

one of my jobs (security) is just the opposite. it's a "weapons free" workplace, NO weapons allowed. i OC my Nimravus, there. i use it daily for food prep and other basic cutting, they've never mentioned having a problem with it.

at my L.E. job, i'm known as the "crazy knife guy", like some of you are. in fact we got on the whole "common pocket knife" portion of the statute and a co-worker said it depends on who you ask, he pointed at me and said "to him a FB with a 6 inch blade is a common pocket knife"

i tend to fall into the "discretion" camp, when it comes to using my knife. i'll generally turn away from people, subtly. i don't hide it, but i try to reduce the exposure just a little.

 

[tirod3]

I took the worst case view because of the connotations in the OP's language. It paints a word picture of a slashing knife and shredded paper floating in the air. I discern a lot of macho "I'm gonna use a knife like it or not!" in a lot of threads like this.

Like I said - I've been using a 4" "tackcool" folder for years. I got more comments about a sheathed buck knife - or for that matter, any Buck brand knife I've ever carried. Nothing on the others.

One thing I have noted over the last 30 years - those with professional combatives training use a folder for it's utility, and do so discretely. They conduct themselves understanding the public impression they leave, and usually display a modicum of maturity in the process.

Those without any training don't and can't walk the talk - they make public statements that are more brag than bright.

Sure, we all should continue to use our knives as we see fit and where required. Lately, I've been using a set of cheap EMT scissors to open boxes and cut rubber hose. Darn things are actually easier and more convenient than a 4" folder. And if they ask for a knife, I ignore them and hand over the scissors. They usually wanted a screwdriver anyway.

If the OP "got the message" that his co-workers were distressed about his knives and making "crazy knife guy" jokes, the appropriate response would be to analyze his actions and see where a negative impression was left. You can't satisy everyone, but a competent user should be leaving an impression of maturity, something others can rely on as a safeguard against their inner fantasies.

If somebody is acting up and inflaming the situation, sensitivity may not be their strong point. In this case, it seems to be otherwise.

BTW, you really can do a lot to a cardboard box slashing and hacking at the tape with a pair of EMT scissors. A pair without the turned down tip works well - and you can't cut yourself . . .