Statistics on knives used in crimes

amywilkerson

amywilkerson

Joined
Nov 18, 2001
Messages
348
Can anyone tell me where I could find statistics on the types of knives used in crimes? We watch Discovery Channel fairly regularly and have noticed that shows, like "The New Detectives" and other criminal justice shows that lead the viewer through the crime-solving process, depict a lot of kitchen knives being used in stabbing crimes. We got into an interesting discussion that made us wonder just what kind of knife is the favoritie amongst ex-wife killers and car-jackers and the like. I know, you're thinking we need to get a hobby (I've got one: collecting knives!), but we're really curious now to find out. We're thinking the average kitchen carving knife is probably the most used. What do you think? Is there a way to find out statistics on knives used in crimes?
 
This question was asked just recently. There is a website that has the FBI's Uniform Crime Report right on it for you. Use the search engine here at bladeforums and you can find that thread and your answer.
 
Chuck, I must be a dummy, but I did a search and did not find the info that you mentioned. I am obviously not searcing using the right key words. Could you help me out a bit with where I might find this info. Thanks.
 
my money is on cheap a$$ kitchen knives and boxcutters.

when I worked in a knife shop and some women would come in and see all the "tactical knives" in the displays and say "what are they for KILLING" really sarcastic and serious too, then I would calmly reply, "The common household kitchen knife has killed more people than any of these Ma'am" they would get the most puzzeled look on their face and leave.
 
I forget the magazine article I saw it in (it was a few months back), but large kitchen carving knives were the No.1 choice, and long shank screwdrivers came in at the No.2 position.
 
Originally posted by Stickfighter2
I forget the magazine article I saw it in (it was a few months back), but large kitchen carving knives were the No.1 choice, and long shank screwdrivers came in at the No.2 position.
Click to expand...

Wow, I'm really surprised by that. I never thought about screwdrivers, but it make sense. Everyone's got a carving knife and a bunch of screwdrivers laying around.
 
Originally posted by chrisaloia
my money is on cheap a$$ kitchen knives and boxcutters.

when I worked in a knife shop and some women would come in and see all the "tactical knives" in the displays and say "what are they for KILLING" really sarcastic and serious too, then I would calmly reply, "The common household kitchen knife has killed more people than any of these Ma'am" they would get the most puzzeled look on their face and leave.
Click to expand...

GREAT response! Wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see the expressions on their faces!
Amy
 
The last time I compiled numbers they went something like this.

Nearly 80% of all crimes commited with knives the knife or object used was a standard kitchen or steak knife.

17% used standard pocket knives.
2% used (other edged instrument) like carpet knife, razor etc...
Less than 0.5% used a butterfly or auto knife or other exotic opening style knife.
 
Just goes to show.

It is not the item, it is the murderer holding it.


Talking about knife stores, I too worked in one for awhile. And I did one better, I would lead 'em in, and trap 'em.

Some fussy soccer mom would be leading her son around making disdainful noises about the wares, just loud enough to be heard. "What's that for, killing people?" "Who would buy one of those?" "I will not buy you a knife, we are in here to look at the compasses!"

I would politely step up and ask "Ma'am, do you cook?"

"Of course I do."

"And how do prepare your food? With a knife perhaps?"

Another surly "Of course."

"Then maybe you can educate me as to the moral difference between your 'kitchen' knives and my sport knives?"

Great thing about it, was, I actually got some ladies to re-examine their thought processes.
 
if/when you locate the data SUPPLIED to the FBI by local, State, City and County Law Enforcement, using NIBRS, do NOT just look at the numbers. They are NOT accurate if you are looking for a TRUE number of "assaults my means of a KNIFE"
Edged/Bladed weapons can include CHAIN SAWS, LAWN MOWERS, SCISSORS,SREWDRIVERS, TWEEZERS:eek: :eek: It can become quite clouded and skewed. It all depends on WHAT you wish to use the DATA for. If you are a tree-hugging ANTI-KNIFE person, you can make the numbers look Great for an arguement to OUTLAW KNIVES.
ONE OF THOSE most important constants in Data collection has/is the QUALITY of the KNIFE used for the "assault" or "crime" in question. If you took the RAW data and fine-tuned it to HIGH-END production and "Custom" knives, the numbers drop SO LOW as to ONLY benefit US, the KNIFEKNUTS:D :D
THOSE are the NUMBERS we must continue to PUSH to the PUBLIC..........Ira (RIGHT GUYS???)

MERRY CHRISTMAS
 
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