Terrorism + Knives...Am I nuts??? HELP!

D

drjones

Joined
Sep 6, 2000
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Hi. One of the main things that has been fueling my recent knife-buying spree (Strider BT, Cold Steel Spike and Recon Tanto, Gerber backup all within the last month) is the fear of future terrorist attacks. I read on the front page of the Sacramento Bee a week or so ago how the White House annouced the imminence of future terrorist attacks, and that "its not a matter of if, but when." I guess it's just a natural survival instinct kicking in, but I want to know if any of you have had the same thoughts fueling your knife purchases.

I just imagine having to work my way out of a damaged building, or who knows how many other scenarios in which a great tool like a knife would come in handy or be needed to save lives.

Also, of course, they function as good weapons if no gun is around. However, these same impulses are fueling my impending purchase of several firearms.

SO: Do any of you have similar thoughts that urge you to buy more knives? I'm not simply trying to justify my purchases, either. I'm serious. Am I just being ridiculous, overly afraid and overly prepared? (If that's possible?)

Thanks and best wishes!
Drjones
 
Mine is similar, although different. I am still serving in the military and since I can get called to action at any minute, I want the best. That's why I have several Busse's. Can't beat a Busse for indestructability, especially with the lifetime warranty. Finally got a Strider at the Blade Show (GB folder) for the same reason, since Jerry hasn't premiered his folder yet.

As you can see by the avatar, I love knives and have since a boy. Can't get enough of 'em.

Also, if you haven't read yet, check out www.swampratknives.com for some pretty inexpensive indestructable blades. I saw these at the Blade Show (where they had their Grand Opening debut) and they are great! I'm gonna get one of each.

Ed
 
A vague insecurity was enough to spur gun sales after Sept. 11. You probably associate knives with preparedness in your mind, and hence kind of feel like having more of them in uncertain times. Hey they can be real handy for a lot of things. Guns and the knowledge to use them safely and accurately also can lend some peace of mind for all manner of situations. Stash of food and water dont hurt either. Nice to have a good set of boots on as well. Other people now stay home more and have altered their lifestyles in other ways. Interesting psychology at work. I believed in preparedness 24/7/365 before 9/11 and after.
 
I highly doubt a knife will offer protection against a terrorist attack, but a good, reliable, dependable knife is always a trusted companion in any situation. That's why I always have one (2 or more:eek: :eek: ) on me. I always will, terrorists or not.
 
Knifenerd - I'm not saying that a knife will protect me at all, I'm saying that they can be valuable tools, as you too said. I'm just asking if any of you have bought knives with the thought in mind that they could help you survive if put in a survival situation because of a terrorist attack.

Drjones
 
I've actually had this mindset since long before 9/11. I try to be prepared for any contingency. I don't think it could hurt to be "overly" prepared.
 
I think that you are simply fueling an adiction and using this "sense of security" as an excuse to fend off your wife.
Other than that would anyone on these call you nuts for buying more knives?

We're all nuts in someone's mind.
 
I, for one, carry more knives on me now because of 9/11. I used to carry a single EDC, but because of the cowardly events of that tragic day, I find carrying more than one blade a little more reassuring to me. Bottom line is...I like to be prepared for anything and everything.

As in earlier posts, I don't consider my knives primarily as weapons, but rather as invaluable tools that may help me or others under dire situations. My EDC consists of a full plainedge blade, as well as, a fully serrated blade, among other blades/tools I carry(Spydercard 50/50,and Swisscard in wallet, and Leatherman Wave on belt). I feel that I should be prepared for ANY situation that may occur, not only for my sake but for the sake of my family. I carry my knives primarily as tools, unless the need arises that they be used as weapons.

I have acquired some of my knives with the intention of using them in a survival situation. However, my knife hobby began long before 9/11.
 
The great irony is that 9/11 makes one want to carry a knife for its value in an emergency, but government regulations and the proliferation of metal detectors makes it increasingly unlikely that any of us will have our knife with us when we need it most.:(
 
I always wanted to have at least a blade on me long before 9/11, but it's a matter of legality of buying one because I was underage.
I'd think you're more likely to use the knife as a tool in such an attack instead of a weapon. I'd think if you're going to use it as a weapon you'll need something at least 4" long to be more effective. (I carry 3" blades for convenience and image of sheeple)
 
I guess a knife can better your chances by about 1%, prevention can better them about 5% and sheer luck the remaining 94%... :)
When SUCH sh*t hits the fan, it's more a matter of not being there, rather than having a weapon.
Anyway, if those passengers on the airplanes had been armed, a lot of lives would have not be wasted...
I guess it's a matter of personal choice, and anyway, better have a 1% more than less :D
 
Originally posted by drjones
Hi. One of the main things that has been fueling my recent knife-buying spree ... is the fear of future terrorist attacks.
Click to expand...
Funny...with me, it usually just peaks around tax return time. ;)

Seriously, though, consider this: terrorist attack in public areas and rely on stealth methods. A knife would not have prevented 9/11 simply because you cannot take a knife on a plane. Nor would having one have prevented any of the latest suicide bombings.

I carry a knife for practical purposes and for self-defense. However, the first thing I would reach for in self defence would almost always be the nearest door to a public building. At 6' and 250 lbs. I'm no pushover, but I'd rather avoid confrontation if possible.

I'm with Anthony Cheesboro on this one, too. It's only going to get more and more restrictive from here. :(
 
Pendentive told it right. There is precious little any hand-held weapon can do against this new breed of terrorism. (The exception would be the 'Let's Roll' heroes who attacked after hearing cell phone info.)

My feeling is akin to a 'spare tire.' I seldom need it, but I'd feel a little jumpy without a spare knowing that I might get stranded. My wife carries her cell phone and 'mad money' for that same security.

It has been pointed out that the very implements we need are now going to be the same things that are restricted. To this I point out my view on cigarette smoke.

I don't like smoke, but if a free citizen wished to die a slow death, so be it. There are lots of smoke-free places, and if a store does not want my money, there are plenty who do.

Airplanes are not the only mode of transportation. A friend of mine once pointed out that if your destination is less than 1,000 miles away it's just as fast to drive via Interstate Highways. There are always trains and buses.

However, I would not carry a knife at the expense of leaving my wallet and keys behind. To me, knives are a component in my life that allows me to live freely with ease.
 
Haven't been really taken up with the whole post 9/11 knife or gun buying trend. I've always been quite thorough about having my tin foil helmet, life preserver, and my trustworthy chain saw with me at all times even before 9/11...:D :D

On a more serious note, my knife carrying habits haven't changed dramatically since 9/11 that I can tell, although I do admit to dropping about $100 into some extra ammunition, and firearm acessories the week following.

To be very candid if anything I've slacked off alot of that kinda puchasing since 9/11. The morning of the attacks I was packing up some camping supplies and thinking it would be a wonderful time to take an impromptu family trip to the cabin I took a long hard look at a closet full of guns and knives and realized I could only carry a couple, the rest would have to stay behind. Well..unless I wanted to give up the incidental luxuries of food, clothes, tent, water, medical kit, etc... So, since then I actually have a much cleaner distinction between the knives I use, and the knives I play with.

Not that I percieve anything wrong with such purchases. And I certainly can't claim innocence of such things. My best record so far was talking my wife into letting my buy a VangComp Remington 870 cause I had a bad dream...

:D

Hope y'all have a good one!
 
Thanks for your responses so far, everybody! However, I must reiterate one thing:

I do NOT feel that a knife will help prevent future attacks, nor could it have prevented past ones. Knives are simply incredible tools that could help save lives if such a tragedy happens. I am asking if any of you purchase knives now, or have recently, because of this security factor spurned by 9/11. OBVIOUSLY, knives are NOT the best weapons; guns are. In kind, have any of you purchased GUNS with the thought in mind that you may need them in case of a terrorist attack?

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!:D

Thanks & Keep replyin'!!!
drjones
 
I have not purchased any guns recently but I did buy a Strider AR and have been carrying it. What sucks for me is that I find it uncomfortable to carry more than one knife at a time in jeans so I'm having to wear carpenter pants all the time just to have extra pockets. I feel like the AR could get me through almost any kind of calamity where a massive prytool with a sharpened edge could be of use. The rest of those smaller everyday chores I can perform with my own handmade knives. As others have pointe dout though, m,ost handheld tools probably would not be of any use in a real terrorist situation and it's probably just a fantasy to think so. Still, it makes me feel a little safer carrying a bad ass folder fantasy or not.
 
Peter: never underestimate the power of leg straps! :D Also, sheaths. Both IWB, and on the belt. Just my opinion.

drjones
 
An individual is personally responsible for his/her survival on a day to day basis, and as such, should carry the tools and skills necessary to help ensure survival. A cowardly attack, such as that of 9-11 and those being perpetrated currently in the Middle East, only serve to highlight one's EDC needs. Are you alone in your quest to prepare? No, I'm sure many people responded to those perceived needs immediately after 9-11 and are continuing to "prepare" for further onslaught.

Some items that helped / may have helped individuals survive such actions include a good knife and/or multitool, bandanas for face and respiratory protection, eyeglasses for eye protection, gloves to protect the hands from debris, a first aid kit, a small flashlight, cellular phone, compass and a whistle.

Those items just plain make sense for EDC, whether you're going about your business in a bustling community or out on a backwoods excursion. Does preparation equate to paranoia? I highly doubt it. I believe it equates to responsible adult human behavior and instinct.

Mike
 
Oops, rant mode now off..... To answer your questions ... My answer is no. I was prepared before 9-11 and am still so prepared. My only purchase fueled by recent events was that of ammunition which was rapidly being depleted from store shelves.

M
 
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