I think some people genuinely like "tactical" knives
Actually, a lot of people genuinely like tactical knives, myself included.
and for others, the people who like tactical knives are perceived as immature.
Honestly, when I see that schrade, this guy comes to mind: (WARNING: CRINGE WORTHY)
but I'm not sure where my (and others') resentment for tactical knives come from
Do you think that negative perceptions of those who like tactical knives have anything to do with people derisively posting YouTube videos that are supposed to shamefully represent everyone who likes certain styles of tactical knives?
And many of the tactical aficionados who buy into the tactical craze have no connection to the sort of service (read: LEO/MILITARY) that makes "tactical practical".
One does not have to be in the military or law enforcement to have need of a "tactical" knife. The traits that make a knife useful to soldiers and policemen also make it useful for personal defensive carry, as well as countless other day-to-day applications. The Schrade depicted above does not cut any more or less effectively simply because of its appearance.
who don't sully the reputation of knives and knife owners by pretending that a knife is an adequate weapon for self defense. (Seriously? Get a gun.)
Nonsense.
1) Gun costs can be prohibitive.
2) Many guns are not intuitive and require practice to use.
3) Guns are extraordinarily regulated/restricted in many areas, and entirely outlawed in others.
4) People have been using knives as weapons from time immemorial.
5) Familiarize yourself with the Tueller Drill before you assume that a gun will save you.
And acknowledging that a knife can be used as a weapon sullies the reputation of knife owners? No, Hollywood sullies the public perception of knife owners. Very seldom are knives depicted in a good light in movies, television shows, or books.
Ironically, Lynn Thompson (of Cold Steel fame) made some remarks about the industry that are very similar to Mr.Randall:
http://www.coldsteel.com/Article-Trends-In-The-Knife-Industry.aspx
Actually, those comments were penned by James Keating, and he was addressing a specific design element of certain tactical knives, not tactical knives as a whole. Lynn Thompson's assessments of the double-edged dagger in the follow-on article were similarly specific to design limitations. Both Keating and Thompson know more than a little about knife use in the real world. Their experiences certainly qualify them to make observations about knife attributes, at least as much as those of Jeff Randall (if not more so, considering that they've been in the knife industry much longer than Randall has).
I just don't get the tactical thing. Someone explain it to me.
You don't have to get it. If it's not your thing, so be it. But please don't deride those who enjoy tactical knives. Likewise, please don't join the throngs of those who paint tactical knife owners as wannabes or children. I assure you that I am neither.
Why? Is a knife a tool? Why do we love knives? Is it for the expression of utility and craftsmanship and materials science they represent? OR, are they glorified toys?
Different knives are different things to different people. Every knife, like every person, is unique. There's room aplenty in the knife marketplace for various tastes, needs, wants, and ideas. I, for one, am glad that such freedom exists in the knife industry, as it holds my interest in a hobby that's been a lifelong fixation.
-Steve
