So you're happily surprised to find out that someone EDCs a knife...

Some month ago I met a guy who said he was collecting knives. He had lots of cheap samurai sword copies and other junk. He pulled out a worn EKA folder and a S&W Homeland Security folder and he was so proud that they were so sharp and cool. When I pulled out my one week old Fallkniven U2 and he felt the edge, he went silent :)
I can not stand people who collect stuff by throwing them in a pile and where the most valuable item in the collection is a 50 bucks Ka-Bar with some Vietnam war commemorative print on it. When they also believe that their collection is valuable, it makes me cry.

If people around here carry edge tools it is mainly LM multis, Victorinox or copies. Most people consider a knife like the Mora 2000 being expensive, since it cost about 25 bucks.
If you then show up with a knife for 150 bucks (a F1 cost that in Sweden) they do not understand the greatness in that knife. Carrying a RAT, Strider, KaBar or even the bigger models of Fallkniven instantly gives you the nickname "Rambo" if you bring them outdoors.
 
I am always glad to see someing carrying a knife, unless it is someone that is carrying it just for show and is up to no good. It bothers me that most folks carry knives that have the sharpness of a butter knife more than the fact that it only cost them $3. I personally think lock strength is overrated, look at how many of us carry slip-joints without a problem and they don't have any locks. I have an old Bucklite whose lock has gotten so weak that I can make it fail in my hands. I still like to carry it and as long as the lock is strong enough to keep gravity from closing the blade, it is still functional. If any of us actually need to have a lock that will hold 100 pounds, than we need to use a different tool for the job, IMHO. I believe alot of the attraction is knowing you have the strongest lock made that makes you feel better about your knife, just the same as me wanting the best fit and finish I can afford. I don't need that much quality in a user, but I like the extra attention to detail, so I do understand the other side of the argument (I used to be on that side myself), I just don't think it is a necessity. I feel the same about blade steel, I can get buy just fine with properly heat treated 420HC, but I do own a couple with S30V, D2, ect. and actualy prefer the easy sharpenabilty (new word in my dictionary:)) of the "lesser steels". Sorry for the rant, but I wanted to express my opinion on the matter while I had the chance. I also apoligize if I offend anyone in any way, I don't intend it to sound degrading or anything anything else it could be labeled, I tend to upset peolpe without meaning to quite often. I need to work on that.
 
I would never insult anyones blade. Ever. With one exception, they have something smart to say about my expensive blade. Other than that, it's no more my business what kinda blade they have than it is how expensive my blade is.
 
I'd probably start by dropping a comment like "That lock feels a little flimsy..." and discuss safety without being rude. If they ignore the advise and cut themselves, then that's how they learn.
 
I say, if it's a good friend or family member perhaps keep them in mind and get them an upgrade for a birthday or holliday. If it's just an aquaintance, be polite and let it be. Sometimes you have to remember that people carry knives for different reasons. A lot of the time a a box opener is all they use it for. Personally, I would rather see someone use a crappy knife for utility purposes than abuseing a nice knife or hurting themselves.

My .02 cents
 
You guys are lucky, I never see anyone carrying a knife. Surprisingly, whenever I do (usually in knife stores), its never a cheapie, mostly emersons, spydercos, ZT's and there was 1 cold steel I think. Most of my friends just have sak's which is enough for them so Iv never seen anyone carry a cheapie. It might have something to do with the fact that canadian gas stations don't sell knives. :D
 
I saw a girl with a Buck 882 stuck in the top of her boot.
Really hot girl, AND knew the value of a good knife(as well as the importance of proper accessorization:)).
 
FYI, he mentioned that he kept it for SD purposes. Also, I mentioned in my post that the knife semed like a POS, but I didn't give any indication that I thought it was to him. So in terms of it being "crappy", it certainly is my opinion of the knife, but I wasn't rude in any way to him about it. In fact, I pretty much just said "cool", gave it back showed him that I carried a knife also, and then briefly talked about CA knife codes.
 
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