why am I looked at like such a weirdo for having a pocketknife

[sabre cat]

I open my knives one handed because it is easier and faster. To open a knife with both hands would actually be going out of my way, the opposite of what you said. Most knives ARE designed to be opened one handed that is why they have thumbstuds.

To answer your second question, yes, I DO have the attitude that I will carry any knife I want wherever and whenever I want as long as it is legal to do so. I work hard, pay my taxes, follow the law, and I mind my own business. I will not change or alter my preferences in fear that someone who doesn't believe in carrying certain tools on them may find it "scary".

I agree, it is easier and faster, if your knife is designed for it.

And for your second comment, I too, work hard, pay my taxes, follow the law, mind my own business and carry what I please as long as it is legal to do so. I also take the time to choose a knife that is suitable for the activities at hand. It is perfectly legal for me to carry a machete in the middle of downtown but that does not make it the right thing to do. I don't need the hassles of explaining to the local LEOs what my legal rights are and why I am exercising those rights. I am not going to carry my Benchmade 162 at church on Sunday. Nor am I going to carry a Vic Cadet if I am out camping with my family or doing a remodel. I carry what is suitable for the situation and environment.

However, please note that I did not include anything about "legal" in my other post. Placing the clause "as long as it is legal to do so" changes things. Some people don't care if it is legal. Some don't care if the knife is suitable for where they are at, their situation or how the blade is carried, used or brandished. In other words, everyone but them can eat **** and die. These are people that cause unrest and give knife owners a bad name.

Once again, just my 2 cents.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

On a serious note, as a fairly addicted cutlery enthusiast if I think you're an idiot and see you pull out a knife I'm still going to sideeye you and think, "Great, an idiot with a knife." The problem people have may very well be with you and your demeanor as much as or more than with the knife.

 

[GatorMedic]

Its the sad, new America. And I believe the government and the media played a big role in it. They have done a damn good job of ripping out the ruggedness and masculinity of the general population and replacing it with a softer, more compliant citizen. Guns and knives are out, rainbow flags are in.

What do knives and rainbow flags have anything to do with each other? Why do you view guns/knives as diametrically opposed to homosexuality? I'll be sure to tell all the homosexuals I know that are into guns and knives that they can't be. I'll definitely be sure to mention that to the homosexual Navy SEAL and also the homosexual Recon Marine I know that they both are not allowed to be rugged or masculine and not allowed to use knives and guns for work or as a hobby any longer. I'm sure they'll be so appreciative of your decree

 

[jonnyt16]

What do knives and rainbow flags have anything to do with each other? Why do you view guns/knives as diametrically opposed to homosexuality? I'll be sure to tell all the homosexuals I know that are into guns and knives that they can't be. I'll definitely be sure to mention that to the homosexual Navy SEAL and also the homosexual Recon Marine I know that they both are not allowed to be rugged or masculine and not allowed to use knives and guns for work or as a hobby any longer. I'm sure they'll be so appreciative of your decree

Go ahead and tell them. But just curious, do imaginary friends even have ears?

And I think you kinda missed the point I was trying to make.

 

[GatorMedic]

Go ahead and tell them. But just curious, do imaginary friends even have ears?

And I think you kinda missed the point I was trying to make.

Yep, they're imaginary alright. Cause it's implausible that people can like knives, guns, be in what is considered a "rugged" occupation, etc regardless of their sexual orientation or marriage status.

You are correct in that I have zero idea what point you were trying to make. Marriage equality and knives have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

 

[Øye]

 

[Herlock]

Hi! I rarely had bad public reactions from carrying my knives. But I had a few. Colleagues, relatives, etc., to be honest, mainly in working, urban scenarios. They are kind of surprised when, upon real need, I pull out one of my folders that is not a SAK. “Oh, you have knife!” kind of thing . Since I look (and I am) a pretty urban, polite and 100% regular guy , the thing it’s soon over. But still... I agree we have an issue here. Overall knives have a kind of “bad reputation”. In Italy that’s connected with historical reasons also.

About legislation here in Italy (and EU in general), I think the only critic I can have is that it’s too much on LEOs personal evaluation from case to case, but, overall, I think it’s fair and I tend to agree with the underlying principles.

Laws here go like this: daggers, OTF knives, switchblades and bayonets are considered as weapons, one need a gun permit to buy and own and they are never allowed to be carried around outside your premises (home, yard, garage, etc.); all other knives are considered as cutting tools and defined by legislation as “improper weapons”; the sale and possession are free if you are adult, the carry is always allowed for “justifiable use”; it basically means one can always carry knife with him when there is a reason for it, like: hunting, sailing, hiking, outdoor activities, camping, gardening, etc. In urban scenarios (cities and towns) the legislation states there is never a justifiable reason to bring along a blade (e.g. the fact a restaurant doesn’t provide sharp enough knives is not an excuse to flip your knife open in public). Consequences are quite tough, it’s considered a criminal offence. Then, as said, it’s very much LEOs personal evaluation. As a rule of the thumb, though taking a little risk, I still dare to peel fruits with a folder even in Duomo square in Milano when I’m strolling around with wife and kids but would never take out my Fallkniven A1 in the same scenario, dressed up like Rambo . Frankly speaking, I never had one single issue with knife carry, had instead a couple of checks from LEOs connected with my firearms carry, while coming back from the range. All was properly packed, disassembled, unloaded and not within easy reach, so I got a clearance anyway.

 

[Rey HRH]

Question; how shitty a restaurant do you need to go to when you want a steak that's so tough you have to flick open your 7" black TiNi insert super tactical name here?

It's not about how shitty the restaurant is. When they give me the credit card slip to sign, I don't like using their pen, I use my Montblanc pen. That's my preference, no matter how much the charge is for.

When I order steak at a restaurant, despite its cost or tenderness, what's wrong with my preference to use my knife?

 

[trevitrace]

It's not about how shitty the restaurant is. When they give me the credit card slip to sign, I don't like using their pen, I use my Montblanc pen. That's my preference, no matter how much the charge is for.

When I order steak at a restaurant, despite its cost or tenderness, what's wrong with my preference to use my knife?

From the plunge line on those forks, it appears to be the same restaurant; wish I had the same clout at my Michelin-starred joints.

What's the "Pizza the Hut" lookin' dish in the second picture?

 

[Insipid Moniker]

It's not about how shitty the restaurant is. When they give me the credit card slip to sign, I don't like using their pen, I use my Montblanc pen. That's my preference, no matter how much the charge is for.

When I order steak at a restaurant, despite its cost or tenderness, what's wrong with my preference to use my knife?

Nothing wrong with it, unless said restaurant has a policy against it, but others may look at you like a psycho or a fool for doing so.

 

[leghog]

I don't even get funny looks or comments open carrying a handgun.

And if I did I'd likely ignore them as I have absolutely no interest in being either a knife or gun "ambassador". I go about my daily business leaving others alone and expect the same courtesy from others.

Like I said earlier, those of you getting strange looks --- might not be the knife. Might just be you.




marcinek said it well:

Here's something you can do...toughen up and ignore them. For Scagel's sakes, if I had a nickel for all the excuses in here blaming rainbow flags, or "the government," or "society."

Crimoney. "Wah! Somebody looked at me funny!" And the "sheeple" are the ones who reflect the softening of society?!?! Please.

 

[mnblade]

why am I looked at like such a weirdo for having a pocketknife

Joey Ramone used to ask the same thing.

 

[Wotan]

"Why are you carrying a weapon?, said the chef, pointing With the 14 inch Chefs knife"


To be serious; This is sadly the way many People react to those carrying a knife these days . Nothing to do With that, other than ignoring them entirely.

 

[singularity35]

Nothing wrong with it, unless said restaurant has a policy against it, but others may look at you like a psycho or a fool for doing so.

This. I prefer to fly under the radar. Unless you really need it, it's just showing off. That second dish didn't look like it needed a sharp knife.

 

[AreBeeBee]

The problem you're up against — and it's far, far bigger than you — is that many TV shows and movies have made the one-hand opening of a knife as THE definitive sign of a person up to no good.

Doesn't matter what you are, doesn't matter what your real intentions are. The act of flicking open an exotic knife labels you as a threat. And that's how people will treat you.

Yes, it's unfair. But there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. you can argue all you like, but what you say has no effect on what the public sees you doing.

So keep the Spyderco in your pocket, and use a small traditional folder, opened with two hands, when you want to cut something where there's a public audience.

 

[Catherine_Montana]

I've found a solution to this problem that's so simple you're going to hate yourself for not thinking of it. I carry a handgun on my hip, and when somebody looks at me nervously because I'm playing with my knife I simply point at my gun and wink at them.

As others have said, you have to own it. It's not your problem, it's theirs. You can't fix their problems for them, so just go on living your life and leave them to quake in fear every time a person with a tool walks by.

Cate

 

[22-rimfire]

I open my knives one handed because it is easier and faster. To open a knife with both hands would actually be going out of my way, the opposite of what you said. Most knives ARE designed to be opened one handed that is why they have thumbstuds.

To answer your second question, yes, I DO have the attitude that I will carry any knife I want wherever and whenever I want as long as it is legal to do so. I work hard, pay my taxes, follow the law, and I mind my own business. I will not change or alter my preferences in fear that someone who doesn't believe in carrying certain tools on them may find it "scary".

Some here are starting to get a bit testy about the knife subject. Your statement about one-handed knives may or may not be technically correct in terms of numbers. Whether a knife is designed that it may be opened one-handed, most knives can be opened two-handed with less attention being brought to the blade in the process.

For the record, I dislike thumb studs especially big ones and I dislike pocket clips in general. Both eventually wear holes in my pockets or tear car seats and if I am not careful, I'll loose a clipped knife to a back pocket when I slide off a car seat or something similar. Must be why I still like traditional pocket knives a lot. You see, the reason I carry a knife is not for show, it is to cut stuff and make my life more convenient and efficient.

Speaking of that, my Spydie Kiwi 4 pushed out of my back pocket getting out of a car the other day; noticed it; and laid it aside. Need to locate it now or it may not turn up for months. But the point I make to myself is that it shouldn't be this way.

 

[Sikael]

If you care about what other people think of you -- and most of us do, to some extent -- examine the place, the situation, the crowd you're dealing with, and exercise your best judgement before using a knife in an urban environment.

Some are hoping for attention, trying to provoke a reaction when they fire out a blade in public; this is almost always a bad idea. When the attention they get is (inevitably) negative, and those they'd hoped to impress instead see them as childish and irresponsible, they complain about the way the public perceives knife users... not realizing, I guess, that they're partly to blame for perpetuating a negative stereotype.

If you have a legitimate reason for using a knife in public, cool. If you're looking for reasons to use a knife in public, be careful. Most don't get our enthusiasm for knives, and there's plenty of people whose hobby is passing judgement. If you can't handle being looked at like a psycho, or an idiot, or a loser, don't pull out an 0600 in a restaurant. There's always going to be some touchy idiot who thinks knives are hate crimes. If you're good with that, you're not acting stupid or irresponsible, and you like using your knife in restaurants (or wherever) -- f**k all the haters.

 

[Rey HRH]

From the plunge line on those forks, it appears to be the same restaurant; wish I had the same clout at my Michelin-starred joints.

What's the "Pizza the Hut" lookin' dish in the second picture?

It's my favorite Italian restaurant. I've used my knives at higher end steak restaurants and, interestingly enough, personal knife use wasn't frowned upon by anybody but, I get the sense that taking food pictures is not apropos for the environment.

The second dish is Osso Buco.

 

[Boris74]

Too many sensitive people who carry knives. People who have carried a knife before they became an adult never get the worried bystanders looks when they use one as an adult. It's the same thing for a new gun owner who never touched one until they are well over the legal age to buy one. They think everyone around them notices everything and is judging them. (Hint, it's all your heads)

Try riding a motorcycle that just about everyone hates while openly carrying a pistol. You should see the dirty looks I get when people notice the knife clipped in the pocket, the utter disgust