Using your knife in public

Bartleby said:
The old guys, when I was a kid, used the pen blade on their knives when they wanted to be discreet around ladies and children. Working in an office, at times it is good to have the pen blade option, to use around the nervous types. This is one of the aspects of the traditional pen and jack knives that got me interested in carrying them in the first place.
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This is great thread with lots of very sensible comments, and Bartleby's in particular is right on. As with just about everything in life, there are decorums to be observed with regard to using knives in public. It's very refreshing to read this thread and the responses. This same subject has come up in the non-traditional forums more than once, and the responses tend to gravitate more toward the "Screw the sheeple" type of sentiment.

We all presumably feel that there's nothing ungentlemanly about carrying a knife, and it stands to reason that in order for it to be perceived that way, we must conduct ourselves as gentlemen, which means taking other people's feelings into account within reason, but not acceding to unreasonable social pressure either.

I tend to carry either a stockman or a jack, and the small blades probably see the most use, as I work in an office environment. However, I also carry a Spyderco Delica or Native down in the pocket, for emergencies, but generally it seldom gets used, especially in public. I used to carry just the slipjoint, but then I read a post on these forums where someone recounted an incident where a small child got her pantleg caught in an escalator, and her leg was being pulled into the teeth. Luckily he had a knife clipped to his pocket and he was able to respond very rapidly and cut the girls pantleg and get her free. Obviously it was a good thing for all concerned that he had his "tactical" knife, and I doubt anyone raised an eyebrow at his use of it.
 
Noone can say that we need to carry a knife for everyday life, at least not like a few hundreds years ago. Everything has its place and looks weird only if its out of it hence a cop, ff, paramedic with a knife (that fits their job) dont worry anyone and they probably find lot more of use for it than "mere mortals". If youre a construction worker of some sort, in your dirty clothes and hardhat noone will give you a weird look if you take out your opinel or whatever cutter. In an office noone would be impressed to see on your desk a cutter or exacto knife.
Even in the old (old) times there was the gentleman knife that had a more discreet and lot less belligerant look than a big hunting knife.
For people that like knives seeing a guy downtown with a machete the first thought could be "ehy thats a -brandname-" for all the rest would be "what the hell someone does with a machete downtown? bad stuff obviously" and dial 911 on their cell.
Noone can deny that 99% of the kids that go to school neither know the meaning of a knife nor know how to handle one properly. The ones that have it do it to be cool or seem dangerous, and its possible that some are in fact dangerous. The actual number of "kids" that carry something sharp because they learned to use it in the boyscouts (or camping with dad) and they have it because they want to cut their apple at lunch with it, its so small that its trascurable compared to all the rest.
I had an exacto at school and sometimes i had comments like "why having one? this isnt an art school", yes was accountancy (Italy, hs works in a different way there) but yet while they passed 3 math hours looking at the ceiling bored to hell at least i sculpted a nice lady on my eraser, noone suspended me, i still know math, my accountant career amount to 1and1/2 year and i work as modelmaker.
We have to thank for the situation lazy parents that dont educate the kids and dont think its worth to put some salt in their heads, they expect that school does the job for them while in reality they get it only from their friends, tv and ps/xbox.
In an urban environment you dont need a big ass knife unless you are Crocodile Dundee so its fair that there are laws against it, yet you can find lots of use for a swiss army knife and no cop would put you in jail for carrying one.
There might be arguments about "a trained person can do real damage with a swiss army knife" but yet that person trying something bad is rare enough.

My dad was in the military (by tradition) and i was used to see the gun and have respect for it, he taught me whats a tool and whats a weapon so i wouldnt act stupid with neither of them. In my short army career ive seen many times the "new ones" getting their rifle for the first time for training (with no ammunitions) and pointing it at others making "POW" with their mouth, and sometimes even seasoned ones, now if people like that would be allowed to go around with a knife without problems then there would be much to be scared about.
And if this means me being limited in what i can carry then its welcome.
 
I use my knife at least 3-4 times a month in public. I always produce it only when I have asked if they need my help. Then I open it in a sheepel friendly manner (Ritter M2 Mini-Grip), never by flipping the Axis lock. Once completed, I put away and never make a big deal about it. Steven
 
Each tool has its time and place. Although I carry a fairly small slipjoint knife now that I work in an enviornment that requires my being attentive to the perception of others, there was a time when I carried a larger knife for heavier tasks working outdoors. I'm glad we have so many good choices, as most people are pretty responsible, or at least strive to be. I'm also glad that most of us here tend to take a few minutes to help out those earnestly seeking advice, to keep these somewhat traditional notions alive.
 
In short, I am glad to have read this entire thread with very positive input by the nearly all the members posting.

I am extremely happy to live in and be a part of a community where reasonable gentlemen still prevail, and thoughtfulness and kindness are so common place!

Best,

Anthony
 
It is a sad day in America when the populus is punished under the PRESUMPTION that law abiding citizens are going to commit violent acts based on the sheer fact that they are carrying a knife.... it pisses me off to be honest... i carry my knives, 2 at all times, everywhere i go... only places i dont CARRY is on the actual airplane (i check my blades under the jet) and when i am in court, which is NEVER. thankfully (knock on wood) ;)


reconseed
 
OK, kinda funny story....

A few years ago I went with my daughter (then, gradeschool) and her class to Six Flags.

I knew SF was posted (i.e., no concealed carry), but I didn't know they had metal detectors.

I left my pistol in the car, but took two knives with me, a Spyderco Police, and a CS Mini-Tanto. The Spyderco I carry clipped in my right front pocket. The CS I carried small of back.

We are standing in line waiting to get in, I'm about two people back when I realize the doorways we have to walk through are metal detectors. I can't leave now because the kiddos I'm in charge of are going through, so I just tell myself "screw it" and go on through.

Of course, the detector says "beep".

A little teen aged girl comes up to me and asks me to stand at a table about five yards into the park in front of the entrance "...to wait for someone to take care of you." She leaves me there alone. I could have gone into the park, but decide to be a good boy and wait.

Five minutes later, an older woman, no more than 5' tall walks up to me and asks me if I have something to show her. Heh.

I pull out my Spyderco and put it on the table, then tell her I have another knife that I want to show her more privately, but she refuses and insists that I produce the second knife right there. So I do.

I pull the CS Tanto out, sheath and all, and hand it to her. She takes it out of the sheath, pulls her glasses down low on her nose, and steps up under my nose. The Tanto is laying across her two open palms as she looks up at me, and she says... "Sir, don't you know better than to bring a THING like THIS to a place where there are CHILDREN!?"

She insisted on holding onto the Tanto while we were in the park, but handed me back my Spyderco.

Here is the funny part; the Spyderco Police is over 9" long when open, almost an inch longer than the Tanto, but she didn't turn a hair at that. Because it was a "pocket knife" it was fine, but the nasty black tactical fixed meanlooking KILLING knife had to go for some quiet time.

Unbelievable.....

Andy
 
Makes no sense at all Andy.

Now to hear from Amos. ;)

I work in security at a large financial center here just outside of San Antonio. The Security Manager and all but one officer is contracted to this company from a security company. The one lone holdout officer is a left over from when they had their own company provided security. He is the day shift supervisor, hence, mine. Now like any place there are policies that aren't enforced that much. Dress code and wearing you employee id badge (required for building entry) exposed at all times instead of in you purse or wallet as many of them do. I personally find the later slacking unacceptable from a security standpoint, however, it isn't one of those "important" policies to be enforced.

I and some other old timers carry a pocket knife. I've used mine in the past, in the operations center to cut up food, paper, and open the occasionaly envelope. Well yesterday one of our officers, the 2nd shift supervisor was looking at some knives in a Boker catalog I had left in the office. This other guy was spouting about different knives being illegal because of length and because they lock. I stated that that only applied to San Antonio and not Bexar County, that outside SA state penal code applied. Not to be outdone this guy stated that it was company policy that NO knives of any size were allowed on premesis. I said that if I left the house without a basic pocket knife in my pocket I would be not wearing any pants.

Today my boss, the Security Manager, who outranks this guy and is second only the the area, company owned security boss pops his head around the monitor rack and ask if any of us has a Leatherman or a knife as he needs to punch a hole. I loaned him my teardrop, single blade Queen. After he walks off the Day supervisor says, I guess you didn't hear me yesterday." When I said about what, knowing what he was talking about, he repeated it and added something about policy. I simply said that if it gets to the point I can't carry a basic, small pocket knife then they will just have to move me off site. I save what I really had to say until he was out of the room.:mad: Pretty much not repeatable in polite company, but to the effect that I didn't spend the time I did serving my Consitution and my Country to be told I couldn't carry a pocket knife, especially by someone who made it a point to make rude comments about people who joined the military being stupid or crazy (and many of us work there in security) among other things.

Well, he was sitting there when the Sec Mgr brought my knife back. The SM is a retired Air Force Master Chief SP. I told him, "Hey Chief! I'm breaking the law, or at least company policy having that knife. Did ya know that?" He said, "What/" I told him that is was against company policy. He just went, "Shmphh! As long as you aren't waving around all over the place I don't have a problem with it!" :thumbup: :D

Heck, we aren't even an armed post anymore. We also have a problem keeping people from leaving access doors open and overheads down when not being used. I have decided that should anyone come in armed with hostile intentions I'm just going to "Observe and Report," from a distance like I'm supposed to.

I think I made my point though. Since some New York upper level decided we look great in ties and our blazers we have to go to them full time starting Oct. 1st. Before it was only for VIP visitor days. I already have the spot picked out in my blazer where I'm going to clip a Boker, Chad Los Banos (Daywalker on here), Subcom folder. Don't they realize how much stuff I could stash and cover with a blazer? :D

It's pretty sad though when even a Security Officer can't even carry a peanut pocket knife inside the rules.

Okay, enough ranting. For now. heheh.

Amos (perhaps I should change that to Dinasour.)
 
The following is a cut and paste of a post I made on another forum, but it fits pretty well here, especially in view of Amos' post above:

This exchange, more or less verbatim actually took place at my last employer, when my boss (who was a jerk) saw me using a slipjoint for something, and took the opportunity to ask me why I carried a knife. The tone was accusatory, implying that I carried it to be used as a weapon. Rembember now, this was 3 1/2" (closed) slipjoint. Here's how the conversation went, more or less:

Him: "Why do you carry that knife"

Me: "Well, I find it's useful in general, especially in the office"

Him: "What do you need a knife for in an office?"

Me "Well I use it for things like cutting paper..."

Him: "Why not use a scissors?"

Me "Also to sharpen dull pencils"

Him: "Why not use a pencil sharpener?"

Me: "I also use it to remove staples"

Him: "Well why not use a staple remover?"

Me: Well there are probably a thousand different situations when it comes in handy"

Him: "Well so far everything you say you use it for can be done as well or better by something else that we have here. You still haven't explained why you need to carry a knife."

Me: "Okay, so are you really asking me why I carry this pocketknife instead of a scissors, a pencil sharpener, and a stable remover? Do you see my point?"

At his point he says something lamely dismissive, and walks away grumbling.

That felt pretty good.
 
Heheh, good response!

I'm thinking sometime when asked why I carry a knife I'm going to answer, "Because the way I was raised only an ill equipped mooch you couldn't trust didn't carry a pocket knife!"

I just realized how I spelled dinosaur in the last post. I think dina-sour must have been a freudian slip. ;)

What's really annoying is that the guy who was giving me crap has seem me use knives in the office for cucumbers, fruits, and paper before, even on some pork chops from the cafeteria yesterday that I wanted to cut nicely rather than rip up with a plastic knife. These are the same people who will later "need" to borrow your knife. Oh, sorry, I've seen the error of my ways and have joined the ranks of the helpless and inadequate. NOT!:p
 
Keep one of those plastic knives in your pocket to lend him, Amos! Can't kill someone easily with one you know, just maim them a lot!
 
When they ask to use your knife just say sorry it's against company policy to lone out your pocket knife. :) When I'm asked why I carry a pocket knife I just say because my Dad did, and then I ask what did your Dad carry.
 
I must admit that I try to avoid using a knife in the public. On the other hand, when I am looking for a knife the blade shouldn’t be longer than 3“ so that nobody could be frightened, when I use it in public – in my opinion !!
I the past it was here in Germany normal that most of the man had a pocket knife with himself, for cutting fruit, buttering bred and that was it. But nowadays my impression is, that only a minority of young people (mostly male) has a pocket-knife in use, mostly a SAK and the adults don’t have a knife with themselves. May be because – as somebody before said – in the office or in the factory or wherever you work you have all the tools you need to do your work or some private things, so why shall I fill my pocket with a knife ? Anyway, I have always one knife – minimum one, these days 2: a one-hand and a slipjoint - with me and I am happy with it/them - that will never change – I promise .:mad: And one day I'll use them in public - promised:(
 
waynorth said:
Keep one of those plastic knives in your pocket to lend him, Amos! Can't kill someone easily with one you know, just maim them a lot!
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One of the specials in the cafeteria at work today was Reuben sandwich. As often happens the thing didn't get cut all the way through the meat. I tried using a plastic knife and all that did was shove things around on the bread and start making a mess. I chucked the plastic, opened my EDC Queen and made the cut with ease. Nothing was said by anyone. ;) Good thing too, I'da had to take to em with that plastic thing. :p
 
cdf said:
Pocket tools seem to occupy a null zone with the sheeple . I have used mine a lot for cable prep in school enviroments with no comment . I carry a gents type pen for use around sheeple . Usually if you do it in a matter of fact calm way , no problems .

Chris
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Sheep don't cry when they see someone pull out a pair of sharp pointy sheep sheers. The ones you are refering to are scaredycateople.
 
In the 70 and 80s i carried a bad ass lookn Valor lockback and i never thought twice about taking it out in front of people to use it to cut something or to pound something with the beefy pommel.
 
okBookGuy said:
Amos, what Queen is that?
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It's the one on the top. The blade isn't dark, that's just the scan.

Queen--Eagel-Favorites.jpg


This one was a nice thought from a forum member that was packed in with a knife trade. Walks and talks with precision and has a quality feel that just makes you enjoy opening and closing it. Easy in the pocket too. Nothing fancy, just a good, quality, working knife.

Amos
 
I sent one of those Queen jacks to Australia, Amos and okBookGuy. To oupa! Here's what he's sending back!
QueenSingle.jpg
 
Recently went to a busy public place in London, with a friend.

While standing in line, we noticed dozens of security staff checking everyone with hand-held metal detectors... I suddenly realised I had a SAK Soldier in my left hand pocket, as always...

There was no way I was going to give this up to some baby-faced security guy...

so I just lef it in the pocket and when he scanned me, he asked if I was carrying anything sharp..... I said NO .... then he made me empty my shoulder bag....
camera, waterproof jacket, map, keys, all came out..... he did not even blink at the Leatherman on my key chain, then he just let me go through without scanning me again and without making me empty my pockets.

So I carried on with the SAK in my pocket.

I could not believe this. What a waste of time and resources. And then, ten minutes later we used the SAK to open two bottles of Coke and cut up a Subway sandwich to share.....in public, with no-one even noticing or caring.
 
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