Why do people stare at someone wearing a multitool or a knife??

I just find that most people who keep knives clipped to their pockets don't really need to do that. Add to that the potential risk of loss if a knife becomes unclipped and I'm left with few alternative explanations.
 
bld522 said:
I just find that most people who keep knives clipped to their pockets don't really need to do that. Add to that the potential risk of loss if a knife becomes unclipped and I'm left with few alternative explanations.
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I find it more comfortable actually. A lot of my knives are on the larger size, and heavier, and those just freely tumbling in my pocket is very annoying, and tiredsome.

I remember you saying in the Kershaw section that you don't carry knives over 8" and over 4oz. Is that because they're uncomfortable to carry unclipped? Cause if so, I'd rather "flaunt" them, then not buy the beautiful knives that exceed those limits.
 
Yes, I understand where you're coming from. You're not alone. Big folders with pocket clips rule around here. But from my perspective, a folder is designed to do just one thing . . . cut stuff. How big and beefy does a folder need to be to accomplish that? If I need a tool to do more than that, I'll use something other than a folder. And believe me, there's a universe of small folders out there that are just as beautiful as those that exceed my limits. A visit to the William Henry Studio will quickly demonstrate that fact.
 
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bld522 said:
Yes, I understand where you're coming from. You're not alone. I ran a poll that proved that. But from my perspective, a folder is designed to do just one thing . . . slice things. How big and beefy does a folder need to be to accomplish that? If I need a tool to do more than that, I'll select something other than a folder. And I've got plenty to choose from. ;)
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You're talking, like knives are tools.....I thought they were toys, to play with :p ;)

But if I'm to be honest with myself, I usually don't require anything bigger than a Cryo for my daily tasks. But I find it somewhat fun to carry(not flaunt)these bigger knives, like my TiLT. It makes my bland and boring days somewhat more enjoyable.

Haha the TiLT is so huge it can't fully fit in the picture :D
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TotalDbag said:
You're talking, like knives are tools.....I thought they were toys, to play with . . .
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or decorations to admire. When I first started collecting knives, I bought fixed-blades. I love them, but I work in an office in a suburb of Los Angeles. When am I ever going to need a fixed-blade knife? So over the past several months, I've been selling off my fixed-blades and buying small folders that I'm actually willing to carry and use every day. The size and weight restrictions I've imposed on my selections as well as my method of carry are based on what I need a knife to accomplish and a desire on my part not to scare the sheeple at work.
 
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bld522 said:
My sense is that people clip knives to their pockets for only three reasons, (1) their job demands it, (2) personal convenience or, (3) the desire to advertise the fact that they're carrying a knife.
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You left off (5) herd instinct, (6) "cool" factor, and (7) machismo that you mentioned in the CRK room today:p

bld522 said:
PS: I have a suspicion about pocket clips. I think that most people who use them are motivitated by something other than necessity. Convenience, herd instinct, the "cool" factor, machismo all come to mind.
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I've never know anyone that uses one because of #3,5,6, or 7, and don't think anyone uses a clip for those reasons.
 
I clip a knife to my pocket because it stays in place and is far more comfortable and easy to access than loose in the pocket... I can't even fit my hand down to the bottom of my jeans pocket without squirming around, and I wear loose jeans... no way I'm having a knife down there.

Normally I have my knife unclipped in my jacket pocket, though.
 
bld522 said:
Oh, sorry. I missed that one. :D

Seriously, I think you might be surprised at how closely-related pockets clips and testosterone are to each other. ;)
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I'm actually much more surprised at your rather ridiculous assumptions about other people's reasons for carrying a clipped knife. Pocket clips serve a utilitarian purpose by keeping a knife in place, unconcealed (as required by law in many, many places), and easily accessible rather than having to fumble in the bottom of a pocket one-handed while doing something else. I can't speak for anyone else but the only folders I've ever lost were the ones loosely rattling around in a pocket whereas that's never happend to me with one clipped securely. Carrying a mid-sized folder in the bottom of a pocket can also result in a concealed weapons charge in many states and also here in Canada. Having a clip visible, on the other hand, mitigates that risk by allowing the folder to be visible, but not in an intimidating manner (which is legally important here up north).
 
Let people stare, if you don't like it they have a name for it:

scopophobia
[skō′pə-]
Etymology: Gk, skopein + phobos, fear
an anxiety disorder characterized by a morbid fear of being seen or stared at by others. The condition is commonly seen in schizophrenia.
 
bld522 said:
Yes, I understand where you're coming from. You're not alone. Big folders with pocket clips rule around here. But from my perspective, a folder is designed to do just one thing . . . cut stuff. How big and beefy does a folder need to be to accomplish that? If I need a tool to do more than that, I'll use something other than a folder. And believe me, there's a universe of small folders out there that are just as beautiful as those that exceed my limits. A visit to the William Henry Studio will quickly demonstrate that fact.
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This is what I normally carry and use at work.

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This is what I normally carry out when not working:


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And this is something I keep handy, just in case. :D


DSC_3609.JPG
 
richard thurman said:
really?? when I was on the job every one asked me where could they get one. I said no problem so I started bring them to work to sell. maybe you are in thr wrong place to have them. the owner of the company wife was a very good customer.
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So, how did you decide ownership of the company wife? Was it random lots or was there some kind of auction? ;)
Sounds like quite a good arrangement, as long as it's not permanent. :D
 
I'm on LI in New York and most anything on your belt gets a whole lot of stares. I was carrying one day at a local price club and had a guy staring at my belt and approached me on it. Turns out he was an officer too and was just checking if I was licensed. Didn't like that much as I was with my wife and kids and wasn't IMHO causing any reason for anyone to be suspicious. Funny thing was he was wearing those fuzzy winter boots that women usually wear and I wasn't staring at him. I don't let it bother me. If I did, confrontation would be an everyday occurrence.
 
just seems like a real desperate need for attention, to even assume that other's are looking at your Leatherman tool, or your Spyderco clip. Frankly, no one cares............
 
No, he was staring at me, directly at my multitool, she said. I don't fault people for looking, but the fact that someone was staring at me, at my multi-tool made me extremely uncomfortable. :-) Hehehe..I got LOTS of replies..I will read them all, might take awhile though :-). I'm glad some of you agree with me, it was weird. I don't mind if people look at what I carry, or me for that matter, but staring is just...creepy.
 
they are probably jealous. LOL. when I carry, I keep my knife in my pocket. I usually have it in my truck and get it when needed. Had the same reaction at the office when I wore a small handmade in a sheath on my belt. The same folks carried folders in their pockets with larger blades. I guess it was because the knife was visible.
at work, i usually carry my gerber multi-tool and a 2" straight razor in my pocket.
scott
 
bored2deth said:
No, he was staring at me, directly at my multitool, she said. I don't fault people for looking, but the fact that someone was staring at me, at my multi-tool made me extremely uncomfortable. :-) Hehehe..I got LOTS of replies..I will read them all, might take awhile though :-). I'm glad some of you agree with me, it was weird. I don't mind if people look at what I carry, or me for that matter, but staring is just...creepy.
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Oh good gosh, get over it already. I've had creepy old men stare at me all my life. You act like you've been violated or something.
 
marcinek said:
People can be rude or crazy. They stare at people. It happens.

Was he staring at your face or your wife? If not, then I wouldn't worry about it.

And maybe it was your belt he had the problem with. Who knows?
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:D

I can honestly say that Ive never had anybody give me any issues.
I dont think i would care even if they did.
 
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