Why do we like knives?

I was never a big knife junkie until I went to a survival course in 2005. I liked knives and had owned maybe two at the time.

The instructor held up a knife and stated:

All this is is a sharpened piece of metal. But with it early man was able to manipulate his environment. He was able to create shelter for himself. Create fire. Protect himself. He was able to travel farther.

I began to see the knife as much more than a cutting tool. To realize it's versatility. The part regarding man's ability to travel farther stays with me the most.
 
I like guns but can't afford them. And when you like guns there is a good chance you like knives, if you like knives then you might like flashlights, it's a snowball effect with this stuff. My addiction to knives had influenced what I wear, eat and what I read. What movies I watch and what kind of friends I make.

Knives are inexpensive things to collect. A decent bare bones rifle will cost $300. A very nice knife can cost $75.

They are useful.

And many other reasons.
 
A Venn diagram representative of myself would consist of 3 sets labeled
"Outdoor enthusiast"
"Eskrima/Kali practitioner"
"Survival hobbyist"

which meet at an intersection labeled
"Needs a good knife"



Oh, and "Hi, everyone." I'm fairly new to BF and thought this would be a good thread to start with.
 
The capacity they provide in the hands of a skilled user (vital, of course) but aside from that... I like division.
 
It has more to do with what kind of person you think you are - if you think you are different from the pack, then you will either buy knives, or flashlights. :-)

-Amarendra
 
I think it has to do with how much goes into a knife... all of the 'specs', different materials and such. Being obsessed with guitars for about six years, I can see parallels between what makes both good.
 
Well, I'm a chef. In that role I cut stuff all day long. I'm a hunter. I cut/skin/etc. I'm former military (going back soon), shelter and weapon. A knife is always loaded. And in some instances they are just cool (balisongs) things to occupy the hands.
 
I suppose we each like knives various reasons.

Leaving out the so-called 'mall ninja, I-bought-a-knife-so-I'm-tough/spec-ops/tacticool' wannabe types...

For outdoorsmen and women, its an essential tool to help with 'escaping' to the outdoors to enjoy nature -away from the challenges and frustrations of the daily 'grind'. For some, time spent using a knife in the woods and around camp with friends and family is as good as it gets.

For others, knives are essential tools for the job or way of life. They need to cut things, and knife is what they use. Its a tool, and as a professional, they select the tool that fits their needs. Some will find the $5 cheapo to their needs. But others, usually knowledgeable with knifes, will want the much higher quality unit for its performance and how it assists with their given profession. They might be a first responder, butcher, serviceman, or many other professions.

For some, its about personal safety.

Others are collectors and enthusiasts, they purchase for pride of ownership, to enhance their collection, and/or use.

I'm sure theres more reasons...

Just my $.02 worth...

BOSS
 
I look at knives as having strength and finesse and can show skill and creativity of the maker. They are useful works of art. My favorite kind. :D
 
Knives are like breasts, changing one aspect changes the overall effect and there is an endless variety for everybody's tastes.
 
They are interesting and functional pieces of engineered art. Also, you don't have to fill out a Fed #4473 form and wait while your background is checked. Another plus - no ammo required, so no searching for an ever-icreasing priced, and necessary, adjunct required to make them functional. A little oil - and some sharpening - and your good to go.

Stainz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top