Strangeness with multiple blades.

[sph3ric pyramid]

It it just me, or do people find knives with multiple blades less threatening than those with a single blade?

The reactions I get when pulling out a 4 inch lockback and a large stockman are markedly different

It seems absurd to me that multiple blades would seem less dangerous.

Edit- Scratch the Buck 112 example, it's a bit large...

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Not just multiple versus single blades, but traditional patterns versus more modern ones. Carry one type, and you're viewed as old-fashioned; carry the other, and you're a baby killer. You pick!

 

[yobbos1]

I think the media has something to do with this. Ever notice that every psycho in the movies or on TV is carrying a stainless handled serrated knife?(Usually a Spyderco.)Hannibal Lechter-Spydie, MacGyver-SAK.

 

[Quiet Storm]

I´d like to second yobbos1´s point and add another possible reason:
when talking about knives, "modern style" often means "tactical". Black blades, black handles, fast one-hand-opening...that´s not as traditional and well-known to the sheeple as wooden scales on a small slipjoint folder are.

 

[tarsier]

Yup. The multi-bladed knives are comfortable for people, because they think of Grandpa whittling wood and cutting a plug of tobacco.

 

[enkidu]

I think it's the one-handed feature that has surprised some of the people who've seen me flick out the blade on my Wave. I've gotten a few comments like "Whaddya need that for?", "I better be careful around YOU", etc. An equal number of people (mostly men) are like "Cool!", "What kind of tool is that?".

BTW, I currently carry a LM Wave and a (sadly discontinued) SAK manager in my watch pocket. After doing some research on this forum (thanks guys!), I'm going to add a Endura clipped IWB for EDC and a Dragonfly for more formal occasions. I can't wait for the LM Squirt S4 to come out.

EnkiduEOT