Why Do People Fear Folding Knives?

[THG]

Less rowdy, uneducated, drunken frontiersmen, too.

Why would you think an "illegal alien" is more likely to be a knife-wielding danger?

I didn't say at all that they are a knife-wielding danger, although there was a crime not too long ago where two illegals tried to car-jack a woman with her baby inside. When the woman wouldn't give the car up because of her baby, the illegal alien stabbed the woman (with a knife, I would imagine ) in the chest repeatedly.

That aside... I'm just saying that with people like that being more common (criminals in general, mind you, not specifically illegal aliens) these days, I can at least understand why people may become edgy. The hysteria, of course, I think is stupid. "knife-phobia," as in jumping out the window at the sight of a knife, is moronic. But I can understand some concern.

 

[nozh2002]

Knife is a tool for me. Unfortunately too many people considers knife as a weapon and represent it as a self-defense weapon. And honestly I do not like this. Many manufacturers make it worse marketing pocket knives as tactical etc...

If you think about it - knife may be used only as a first strike weapon not really for self-defense. If you ever was involved in street fight it is clear that knife did not get you too much advantage if you opponent see it and alarmed (especially any pocket knives) - metal pipe is much more useful for self-defense (and best is metal corners typed to you arms... "Kazansky Ugolok").

So to me if somebody consider knife as a weapon this means that this person as well consider to use it to strike first without warning (which is only use of it as a weapon) - meaning that I should stay away from this guy and better watch him closely.

Thanks, Vassili

 

[orthogonal1]

So to me if somebody consider knife as a weapon this means that this person as well consider to use it to strike first without warning (which is only use of it as a weapon) - meaning that I should stay away from this guy and better watch him closely.

Thanks, Vassili

I wouldn't worry too much.

Most of these types are totally "gutless".

At most, they go run to some "person of authority", that esteemed personage, unfortunately, being all too often more interested in appeasing the "complainer".

"Squeaky wheel gets the grease" and such.

 

[Bushman5]

Folks are not being raised right for one.

Back in the day, we had a society of free thinkers, that used tools such as knives and firearms.
These folks were responsible for themselves, and were self reliant, as there was no 911, much less cell phones.

Naturally, these folks parented kids, and mentors mentored others in being self reliant, in being responsible for themselves, and in the safe responsible ownership and use of tools, such as knives and firearms.

Pocket Knives were tools. Very few persons had a locking knife, and one was raised in proper tool use, like not having body parts in front of a knife edge.

Just like one did not rely on the safety on a firearm.

Society was full of free thinkers, tool users, common sense folks and those responsible for themselves.

Then the Great Dumbing Down of Society hit.

Meddling in the affairs of citizens became more prevalent, and due to the Indoctrination of Society, Parents parented less, and mentors mentored less as the Great Society said they could raise kids and mentor others, better than a individual could.

This led to more - "What are you going to do about it? "
So the Dumb Down Society Folks passed more meddlin' restrictions.


Sorry dude, that dawg won't hunt.
Never has , never will.

Back when I was coming up, a kid did not learn on a crutch, for if one loses a crutch, they will fall down.

Pocket knives is what a kid was raised with.
Responsible ownership , for proper safe tool use, and maintaining of that pocket knife.

One was not dressed without a pocket knife, be they a boy or girl or adult lady or gent.
Kids were asked to see their knives, and in doing so, were being parented/ mentored is aspects such as how they produced it, opened it if asked, when handed to an adult to inspect to see if sharp, and pivots oiled.

Kids took knives to school, as the lessons continued at school with pocket knives.
Principals, School Nurses, Teachers and even the Janitor, mentored kids with knives at school in all aspects of responsible knife ownership, use and keeping it up.

"Somebody has to do something!" Dumb Society says...

Dumbing Down has never worked, never will.

I am nice guy, and was raised not to meddle.
I don't care if a lady breaks her nails or messes up her teeth trying to open a box, or in getting a package of crackers open.
Just like I was raised to open a door for a lady, being a southern boy and all.
If she gets huffy and lets the door hit her - sorry, sounds like a personal problem to me.
I opened the door because I wanted to, and was raised such, and I have a right to use my Southern Gent Manners.
She has a right to be a hussy.

Now if someone is sincere and asks "What can I do about these stupid restrictions!!".

My responsibility is to pass forward as passed to me.
So while we discuss COTUS, BoR, and organizations that fight for knife, gun and other rights...

I can pass forward to them responsible knife ownership, being self reliant, knife use ( with a pocket knife/ slip joint, as I do not assist others with a crutch) , how to sharpen, use and the whole bit, while I open a box, or that package of crackers.


Fear is often disguised as mob mentality in order to be matriculated into a community of idiots.

Please run for President, and thank you for posting what you did.:thumbup:

 

[paua]

I once met a person who ate drumstick all the time but didn't realize it was part of a chicken. How can you expect this kind of people to respond when they see a folder?

 

[enderwiggin]

Well, there are movies out there where people get stuck with scissors. For some reason, it looks more horrific if only one of the two blades is embedded in someone's back. I think the obvious reason in my case was the ditsy woman used her scissors and didn't think about it, just as I use my knife without thinking. The real mystery is why the boss sided with the ditsy secretary.
too.

...So uh, how's your boss's marriage?

Seriously though, I've worked a lot of different office and customer service jobs, and in my experience, mildly attractive, ditzy co-workers just about get away with murder.

 

[chuckschilling]

Why would you think an "illegal alien" is more likely to be a knife-wielding danger?

Can't speak for anyone else, and I would not say an illegal is *more* likely to be a knife-wielding danger, because I think there are two basic varieties of illegals here in the U.S. - there are those who are desperately trying to make better lives here, avoid attracting attention from law enforcement, and, in general, try to be decent folk (immigration violations aside). But it would be naive indeed to ignore a growing group of illegals who have nothing but contempt for U.S. laws and law enforcement, who engage in drug trafficking and violent gang membership, and who ARE dangerous and ruthless. I've certainly seen both, and I think what is most offensive to me and many others is whose illegals in the SECOND group who come to this country illegally, then prey upon and terrorize those of us who actually belong here.

 

[crustaceanmick]

Can't speak for anyone else, and I would not say an illegal is *more* likely to be a knife-wielding danger, because I think there are two basic varieties of illegals here in the U.S. - there are those who are desperately trying to make better lives here, avoid attracting attention from law enforcement, and, in general, try to be decent folk (immigration violations aside). But it would be naive indeed to ignore a growing group of illegals who have nothing but contempt for U.S. laws and law enforcement, who engage in drug trafficking and violent gang membership, and who ARE dangerous and ruthless. I've certainly seen both, and I think what is most offensive to me and many others is whose illegals in the SECOND group who come to this country illegally, then prey upon and terrorize those of us who actually belong here.

On this, you CAN speak for me.

 

[Jennifer_B]

People are being conditioned to be afraid of everything.

 

[enderwiggin]

People are being conditioned to be afraid of everything.

Pretty much. And people are afraid of the unknown. Unfortunately, it seems that knives and some other tools have become a part of that for a lot of Americans.

Imagine that you have no idea what a folding knife is used for. You've never seen or used such a device in your whole life. You may have never even used a kitchen knife.

Suddenly, a person unknown to you, perhaps an acquaintance, draws a strange metallic object out of their pocket. They open it at high speed. It's sharp, mean-looking. Before you have a chance to think about what you're seeing, your mind starts pumping survival messages: Danger! Dangerous object!

You've only used objects like these in the kitchen, for cutting and slicing up things you intend to eat. What possible use could the person have for the same device? And in public? It must be a weapon.

Combine this with all the weird societal messages we're being fed these days. Like Jennifer said, we're being conditioned to fear everything, intentionally or not.


Real-life reactions may be much less (or much more) dramatic, depending on the individual. Is it sad that people have knee-jerk reactions to useful tools, and automatically assume they're weapons? Sure it is. It's very sad that a large portion of the population thinks they can't do things on their own, and have given up on trying to learn how to use or understand tools.

But you can't blame people for having an ignorant knee-jerk reaction to something they momentarily can't comprehend the practical use of. After all, there are a lot of people out there who have decided to stop eating meat because they can't deal with the fact that something remotely cute had to be killed in order for them to eat dinner.

 

[THG]

^
^
That's kind of my point. Although we think it's stupid, it's still very understandable.

 

[jdailey4206966]

Folks are not being raised right for one.

Back in the day, we had a society of free thinkers, that used tools such as knives and firearms.
These folks were responsible for themselves, and were self reliant, as there was no 911, much less cell phones.

Naturally, these folks parented kids, and mentors mentored others in being self reliant, in being responsible for themselves, and in the safe responsible ownership and use of tools, such as knives and firearms.

Pocket Knives were tools. Very few persons had a locking knife, and one was raised in proper tool use, like not having body parts in front of a knife edge.

Just like one did not rely on the safety on a firearm.

Society was full of free thinkers, tool users, common sense folks and those responsible for themselves.

Then the Great Dumbing Down of Society hit.

Meddling in the affairs of citizens became more prevalent, and due to the Indoctrination of Society, Parents parented less, and mentors mentored less as the Great Society said they could raise kids and mentor others, better than a individual could.

This led to more - "What are you going to do about it? "
So the Dumb Down Society Folks passed more meddlin' restrictions.


Sorry dude, that dawg won't hunt.
Never has , never will.

Back when I was coming up, a kid did not learn on a crutch, for if one loses a crutch, they will fall down.

Pocket knives is what a kid was raised with.
Responsible ownership , for proper safe tool use, and maintaining of that pocket knife.

One was not dressed without a pocket knife, be they a boy or girl or adult lady or gent.
Kids were asked to see their knives, and in doing so, were being parented/ mentored is aspects such as how they produced it, opened it if asked, when handed to an adult to inspect to see if sharp, and pivots oiled.

Kids took knives to school, as the lessons continued at school with pocket knives.
Principals, School Nurses, Teachers and even the Janitor, mentored kids with knives at school in all aspects of responsible knife ownership, use and keeping it up.

"Somebody has to do something!" Dumb Society says...

Dumbing Down has never worked, never will.

I am nice guy, and was raised not to meddle.
I don't care if a lady breaks her nails or messes up her teeth trying to open a box, or in getting a package of crackers open.
Just like I was raised to open a door for a lady, being a southern boy and all.
If she gets huffy and lets the door hit her - sorry, sounds like a personal problem to me.
I opened the door because I wanted to, and was raised such, and I have a right to use my Southern Gent Manners.
She has a right to be a hussy.

Now if someone is sincere and asks "What can I do about these stupid restrictions!!".

My responsibility is to pass forward as passed to me.
So while we discuss COTUS, BoR, and organizations that fight for knife, gun and other rights...

I can pass forward to them responsible knife ownership, being self reliant, knife use ( with a pocket knife/ slip joint, as I do not assist others with a crutch) , how to sharpen, use and the whole bit, while I open a box, or that package of crackers.


Fear is often disguised as mob mentality in order to be matriculated into a community of idiots.

I agree with this! My grand father, and father in law both told me this same thing. My father in law always kept his razor sharp, and almost every kid in his school carried one. He said the teacher always asked to see his for sharpening pencils and etc. He said there was also that one or 2 that were stupid and tried to pull a knife on someone to be tough, but he said that the school would take care of that person, than be even worse when they got home and thier father got ahold of them! He said it is because these one or 2 kids who ruined it for everyone else in the future. He said it is sad because he went to pick up my niece from school the other day, and went through the door and heard a ding. He was stopped immediatly be school security, and told him to stop, they took a wand over him, and forgot he had his pocket knife in his pocket. They made him take it back to his truck, than come back through, and not even 30 seconds later, she was there to be picked up. This crosses a fine line. We weren't supposed to carry knives either in school back in 2000, but I always carried a leatherman PST in my back pocket at school next to my wallet. Would I have been in some deep "S" had I got caught? Yes, but I had a class my senior year called building trades (Building a house) and the PST was used there every day, as a working tool, not a weapon! In fact I think all of us in the class either carried a PST or a schrade multi tool in the back pocket, but when we used them the teacher never freaked out....in fact neither did the school superintendent when he came out by the house to see how everything was going.

Quoting your statement above though. I agree with you that something has happened with society. It is that the liberal agenda, and the ones who the only reason they went to college are because thier mommy and daddy had money, so they could party, are now running this country. Sucking every dollar out of it and every bit of common sense out of it too.

 

[JTR357]

If the US goes so far as to make knives illegal(like the UK),I guess I'll be dialing 911 everytime I need a package opened

See how they like that

 

[Bufford]

Knife laws in themselves are an insult to ordinary people. Its a statement by governments that says; "We do not trust you". Furthermore these types of laws are stereotypical, basically stating that if you have a knife then you are dangerous like all the other crazies out there. Very distastful use of taxpayers money.

 

[Hawkings]

But me, I'm just a guy with a pocket knife. The situation becomes more absurd when one considers that the secretary has access to a pair of scissors that swamps the size of my knife, and it's got two blades, not one.

I think its because you pulled a TACTICAL knife, had you pulled a stock man or sak, you would probably not have gotten in trouble.

I'm not saying that tactical knife are weapons. only that they have been portrayed in the media as weapons and some makers promote them as such.
Several people on this forum carry a tactical knife for self defence reason.

With all the "Right tool for the right job" stuff. I think its fair for people to assume that if you have a tactical knife, you carry it as a weapon of some degree.
Its kind of like taking a AK47 for deer hunting instead of a hunting rifle.

So for a non-knife person tactical knife = Lock & OH option = weapon

My point is...its not the knife, its the tactical image of the tactical knife.
that's why the scissors are not frowned upon.

 

[dc50]

I think its because you pulled a TACTICAL knife, had you pulled a stock man or sak, you would probably not have gotten in trouble.

I'm not saying that tactical knife are weapons. only that they have been portrayed in the media as weapons and some makers promote them as such.
Several people on this forum carry a tactical knife for self defence reason.

With all the "Right tool for the right job" stuff. I think its fair for people to assume that if you have a tactical knife, you carry it as a weapon of some degree.
Its kind of like taking a AK47 for deer hunting instead of a hunting rifle.

So for a non-knife person tactical knife = Lock & OH option = weapon

My point is...its not the knife, its the tactical image of the tactical knife.
that's why the scissors are not frowned upon.

BINGO!!

 

[T.K.C.]

There are many people out there that see a knife as only one thing; a weapon. I am lucky, and are many of us here, grew with the knowledge that a knife is so much more than just a weapon; it is a tool. It is man's oldest tool. I am unique in that I am a woman knife collector/user. I grew up with a Mom who liked to do lots of outdoorsy thing; camping, fishing, hiking etc. I was entrusted at a very young age; 7-8 with my very own knife. I was taught to respect knives. There are many people out there that do not have this knowledge or perspective on knives, and they therefore fear them. It is our responsibility as knife knuts to TEACH these people. We can talk to them, and by example of responsible knife usage, that a knife is NOT something to be feared, but it is something to be respected and used. Knowledge IS power!! We have a great deal of knowledge here! When I am given the opportunity to teach someone about knives, I do. I have been particularly affective in helping other women understand about knives.

 

[nozh2002]

Knife is not a weapon. It does not give you superior advantage over your opponent - this is not what knife manufacturer commercial saying all over magazines etc (they are actually responsible for this tactical knife mentality), but to prove it imagine like:

1. Skinny teenager with pocket knife against let say somebody like Fedor Emelianenko.
2. Skinny teenager with HK45 (or AK47) against same big guy.

This picture demonstrates you what is weapon and what is not! Only chance teenager will have with knife only if strike first unexpectedly. Even if there is two equal fighters - knife did not give too much advantage. Until they both has no any skills in this situation one may scary other away.

This is why weaponizing knifes is bad and of course it makes other bit nervous.

I wouldn't worry too much.

Most of these types are totally "gutless".

At most, they go run to some "person of authority", that esteemed personage, unfortunately, being all too often more interested in appeasing the "complainer".

"Squeaky wheel gets the grease" and such.

Agreed, most of them has no thread to general public. But some of them who got "powered" by this "weapon" may try to use this power over someone weaker whom they do not like.

Thanks, Vassili.

 

[superc]

Should have expected the ladies reaction. Only criminals have knives. Literally true (with very few usable exceptions) in any US Govt. building where any knife possessing over a 1" blade is a crime (18 USC 803) good for six months paid holiday in a gray walled building with bars on the windows. Kind of funny really because those same govt. offices issue employees both scissors (I have personal knowledge of two (prosecuted) stabbings done in govt. offices with issued scissors) and an 8 inch steel bladed letter opener. People are crazy. Let them make rules, and they get even crazier. Expect over reactions to everything from your choice of footware at work, to what you own or want to own. Tell and show co workers nothing you aren't required to.

 

[Rich357]

Does anyone have a grandfather who didn't have a folding knife? Mine did, and frankly I was shocked when I pulled a small knife out of my pocket to cut open a box for a secretary, only to have my boss call me in to her office and tell me I had alarmed the woman. Even though it was perfectly legal size, my boss (a woman) told me my job didn't require that I have a knife.

Naturally I ignored her, and I made a point to let the damn secretary open her own boxes from now on, but I can't understand the fear. Okay, if you look like this, I can understand:

QUOTE]

What's his problem? Did someone tell him he needed a nose job?