To give in to the sheep, or not to give in to the sheep?

[Walking Man]

When ever I get confronted about my pocket knives, I just return the question and ask them about what knives they have in their kitchen. That usually shuts them up. If it doesn't then I mention the number 2 murder weapon in this country is a kitchen knife, and that shuts them up.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I wouldn't give into the sheep. Their ignorance should not influence your EDC choice. It would be different if you were carrying around a 12" bowie; a 4" Strider is nothing.

 

[STR]

I think your boss may be trying to drop a subtle hint to you. You said he is educated and intelligent so it seems to me he would surely be aware of what he said. Maybe someone has said something to him about your knife and he is trying to 'be the boss' without coming across as being bossy to an extreme. Or maybe the knife is just simply scary to him.

He is in the position that puts him directly responsible for those under him and how his employees actions reflect on the company or himself. If that is his opinion or his rule I guess you will have to do one of two things. Stop carrying the knife to work, or carry it and never be able to use it for fear of reprisal. Personally I'd carry one I can take out without worry in public. Of course you could just get another job I guess. Seems a bit extreme to go that far to me though over a 'dress code' if you will.

 

[redtail]

Although we live in a free society, there still are norms to what people consider acceptable behavior and dress (including carry knife). For example, just beacuse I like being in my underwear at home, doesn't mean I am free to go to the mall that way.

I agree. People often ignore that freedom cannot exist without responsibility, and that if people do not regulate their own behavior, the government will do it for them.

I am not worried by someone carrying a 4" blade because I do it myself, but someone loudly proclaiming that he has the "right" to do so while waving it around will certainly result in a law being passed prohibiting such knives.

We shouldn't give in to the sheeple, but at the same time we cannot purposely aggravate those around us. This is why I open my Leek with two hands in public, but I ALWAYS carry it clipped to my pocket, in plain view, even when I am teaching.

 

[TrentKTS]

There are some valid points posted above. Your boss can dictate what you can and can't do while on the job to maintain your job; that's why you're being paid.

It is true that "waving it around" is careless and would cause concern. It should.

However, giving in to sheep is never acceptable. If you're going about your business and not an obvious threat and not causing harm, not being paid to do something else, it is none of anyone's business what you are doing. If someone decides that they don't like me wearing a yellow shirt because they find it offensive, too bad. Some people may not like my accent, me being from the South, that's their problem.

"Giving in" is exactly what the sheep want you to do. "Conform! Conform!" is their clarion call. Worrying about legislation because you are lawfully carrying and using an edged tool is ludicrous. That's already sheep thought.

You can help create acceptable social behaviors by showing what you do is peaceable and helpful, or you can give in muttering, "You're right, I don't know what I was thinking." And have to change your actions because of someone else's phobias for the rest of your life.