Some thoughts about carrying a pocket knife...

sabre cat · Apr 16, 2020

I have found that most people don’t consider a knife necessary for day to day life. But have your smartphone die? My gosh, they will act like the world is ending.

I also have found that I need a pocket knife less as I have gotten older. But, I do need one! If for nothing else I need one to open all of those damn packages that are supposedly EZ Open! Or how about the ones that have a metal pull tab that I can’t pull up. A folder makes great tool to pry those up enough to get a proper grip.

Pomsbz · Apr 16, 2020

It's questionable whether most white collar urbanites need to carry anything more than a SAK Classic. If that.

DangerZone98 · Apr 16, 2020

A complete toolbox makes for a happy camper. You don’t think in terms of the hammer being more important than the saw, or the prybar substituting for the set of screwdrivers. The pocketknife is essential for my EDC needs, but so is my phone. And my wallet. And my keys. And my flashlight. You don’t really think about one tool outclassing the others in your toolbox. Fact is, you need them all and for different purposes.

The article was an interesting read. Although I do agree with the other members about the contents of the pocket revealing the man’s character as rather silly. Tools don’t make the man. Proper usage does.

eveled · Apr 16, 2020

I fully agree with carrying a knife everyday everywhere.

The HVAC trade has evolved in the last 10 years or so. I could not do my job without a smart phone. Wireing diagrams have been replaced with QR code’s. Error codes aren’t inside the cover anymore. I would have to fill half my service van with manuals. Constantly update them And need all day to find the info I need.

I could get by without a knife but not without a smart phone. Sad but true.

sabre cat · Apr 16, 2020

Velitrius said:
...Clothes don't make the man, and neither does anything in the pockets of said clothes.

Maybe not, but, like it or not, first impressions do go hand in hand with how someone is dressed and groomed. Just the way it is

cbach8tw · Apr 16, 2020

I like knives and it just seems right to have one in my pocket or clipped to it. I may not have to use it often, but that is not the point, there is a satisfaction knowing I have one, and I find enjoyment just opening and closing it, the walk and talk I guess, and I slice a lot of paper. A cathartic experience. You do get some odd looks and comments, but I do get asked to use it more so than someone grabbing a pair of scissors. I am not provocative with it. You do have to use common sense.
While smart phones have become an almost necessary everyday item, I have gotten by with a slide phone and keyboard, my Jurassic phone........because it is a dinosaur......and I am do an updgrade at least to a 7 or 8, (are they up to 11 now?

, maybe the Jitterbug smart phone for me? Consumer cellular maybe?).....so yes I need the convenience of a smart phone, but I do not miss all the fancy things a smart phone can do. Except for texting, I get three messages from a relative before I ever finish typing my response. does anyone ever remember direct connect? party lines?

I use an old IPad for surfing, email, and news. Ok, I am rambling...... but it is nice to have a knife, and I think we often yearn for a simpler life, or just a slower pace, where being unplugged is not a bad thing once and awhile. A little nostalgia is not bad...where did I put that old rotary phone? In the basement somewhere. I guess I have joined the rest of the old men sitting around the store playing checkers and swapping stories.....I'm in good company. Enjoy the simpler things in life....a good knife is part of that.

Velitrius · Apr 16, 2020

sabre cat said:
Maybe not, but, like it or not, first impressions do go hand in hand with how someone is dressed and groomed. Just the way it is

Oh they make the impression, with that I'll fully agree.

But they don't make the man.

The guy dressed up like a hunter ain't necessarily a hunter.

stabman · Apr 16, 2020

000Robert said:
That Smatchet is nice! I like it!

I like it too.
Has a nice look to it, and surprising heft for such a short blade.

Ben Dover · Apr 17, 2020

I carry a knife every day. Usually a Spyderco Military or Manix2. I use it every day in the archives. Almost never use it in the classroom.

I don't smoke, but I carry a little Bic Butane lighter. Seldom use it, but always have it.
I carry a cell phone. I don't play games with it, or access the internet, but I use it dozens of times per day.

I also carry a SIG P226, 9MM most days. Thank G-D never had to use it.

Rick Cardiff · Apr 17, 2020

I always have a knife in my pocket. I think in today circumstances it's reasonable

22-rimfire · Apr 17, 2020

stabman said:
.... So don't attribute positive attributes to someone simply because they own a similar object to what you like.

I agree since many hood types carry knives that are intended for offensive purposes. But I also agree that someone who carries a knife in general is more prepared for what life throws at them. As with most objects, one can associate both good and bad attributes to the people who like or use them.

22-rimfire · Apr 17, 2020

Velitrius said:
....The guy dressed up like a hunter ain't necessarily a hunter.

I see many outdoor photographers sporting camo. But I suspect most of them probably have a knife on them.

I have to admit I feel a bit silly wearing camo when I'm outside a setting where it is appropriate clothing.

comis · Apr 17, 2020

sabre cat said:
I have found that most people don’t consider a knife necessary for day to day life. But have your smartphone die? My gosh, they will act like the world is ending.

I also have found that I need a pocket knife less as I have gotten older. But, I do need one! If for nothing else I need one to open all of those damn packages that are supposedly EZ Open! Or how about the ones that have a metal pull tab that I can’t pull up. A folder makes great tool to pry those up enough to get a proper grip.

For similar reasons, I may or may not carry a knife with me all the time, but almost some form of SAK is always with me.

22-rimfire · Apr 17, 2020

comis said:
For similar reasons, I may or may not carry a knife with me all the time, but almost some form of SAK is always with me.

Then you always carry a knife. What do you consider a knife?

Most multi-tools have knife blades as part of their tool set.

comis · Apr 17, 2020

22-rimfire said:
Then you always carry a knife. What do you consider a knife?

Most multi-tools have knife blades as part of their tool set.

It's true that most MT probably has some form of blade.

I guess it is just a matter of prospective, personally I see a SAK first and foremost as a multitool, because even the basic models of 91mm SAK(Spartan, Tinker) would have a dozen tool implements and functions, and blade(s) is one of them. Same reason why most multitool/knife manufacturers(Leatherman, Gerber, SOG) in US would categorize their Multitools and knives separately, and not categorize their multitools as knives.

22-rimfire · Apr 17, 2020

comis said:
It's true that most MT probably has some form of blade.

I guess it is just a matter of prospective, personally I see a SAK first and foremost as a multitool, because even the basic models of 91mm SAK(Spartan, Tinker) would have a dozen tool implements and functions, and blade(s) is one of them. Same reason why most multitool/knife manufacturers(Leatherman, Gerber, SOG) in US would categorize their Multitools and knives separately, and not categorize their multitools as knives.

SAK=Swiss Army Knife.

comis · Apr 17, 2020

22-rimfire said:
SAK=Swiss Army Knife.

I know that's coming

The funny thing is Swiss Army Knife still somehow always got listed under multitool, or separately by itself, in most online dealers. Half full, half empty, doesn't matter much, if you ask me tomorrow, I'd probably tell you it's a knife too.

Btw, I happend to be carrying this today:

Wannabe Rambo Guy · Apr 17, 2020

comis said:
I know that's coming The funny thing is Swiss Army Knife still somehow always got listed under multitool, or separately by itself, in most online dealers. Half full, half empty, doesn't matter much, if you ask me tomorrow, I'd probably tell you it's a knife too.

Btw, I happend to be carrying this today:

How many options are on that thing? I'm still pretty green and haven't seen a Swiss like that ever.. ever, ever

Scott J. · Apr 17, 2020

Doesn't exactly "disappear in your pocket"? Huh?

comis said:
I know that's coming The funny thing is Swiss Army Knife still somehow always got listed under multitool, or separately by itself, in most online dealers. Half full, half empty, doesn't matter much, if you ask me tomorrow, I'd probably tell you it's a knife too.

Btw, I happend to be carrying this today:

22-rimfire · Apr 17, 2020

comis said:
I know that's coming The funny thing is Swiss Army Knife still somehow always got listed under multitool, or separately by itself, in most online dealers. Half full, half empty, doesn't matter much, if you ask me tomorrow, I'd probably tell you it's a knife too.

Btw, I happened to be carrying this today:

That thing is a beast! Now I understand why you consider it a multi-tool.

Scott J. said:
Doesn't exactly "disappear in your pocket"? Huh?

That was my thought as well. I carry a Small Tinker.