Why do you carry?

Macchina

Macchina

Joined
Apr 7, 2006
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I usually EDC my mini grip 555 (with the sheepsfoot blade) because it is IMO the perfect utility blade for work (I make custom machines). Last night I bought a Manix and a BM710D2 because I want to carry not only for utility, but also for SD. My question is, what is your criteria for your EDC: Utility, Self Defense, rescue, marine use, skinning, bushcraft, in case your pilot has a heart attack and you crash in a lake and want more than just a crappy hatchet to ensure your survial, or just because you like the knife even though is doesn't meet your needs just right. Think about it, maybe its for a reason I didn't mention.
 
I carry a knife for cutting things...and by that I mean I don't use my knife as a pry-bar or as a hammer or as a do-it-all-wonder-tool.
But I prefer that my knife also be suitable for self-defense if need be.
So that usually means a locking folder with a blade over 3".

Allen.
 
Yes, cutting things. That sums up my reasons nicely too. Self defence is at the bottom of my list but, it's still has some merit, even if mostly mental merit. I also like the blades over 3" as this greatly increases the versatility, imho

All of your reasons have merit. This is why we need more than one knife. That way we merely carry the one best suited to the likely tasks that we might encounter. There is always compromise but, be wise and weight the reasons so that you end up carrying the right knife. If in doubt, carry two.
 
rnhood said:
All of your reasons have merit. This is why we need more than one knife. That way we merely carry the one best suited to the likely tasks that we might encounter. There is always compromise but, be wise and weight the reasons so that you end up carrying the right knife. If in doubt, carry two.
Click to expand...

I agree

Most times when I go out Ill carry a small fixed blade or larger folder for self defense, and light utility. I like my Spyderco Kumo for that purpose. There are a lot of things you can do with a knife and having one on you in a pinch could save your life, so I like to have one even if I dont use it. When I go out in the woods, or have some work to do, I take my Ka-Bar with me. Other than that, I pretty much just have a small folder on me for around the house stuff.

-Å
 
I carry a small, sharp folder just for general cutting tasks and moderate woodworking. Usually a SAK or a small Spyderco. I've been carrying a Manix more recently because I love the big, comfy handle and the well-designed flatground blade. Self defense is never really a concern for me when it comes to knives. My most commonly carried knives are a Victorinox Rambler (Classic with a bottle opener / screwdriver), Wenger Handyman and The Manix.
 
I carry small fixed blades on the belt. 90% for cutting and package inspections. 10% for credibility as an Edged Weapons Instructor.
 
#1 reason: Cutting things at work. I always carry a knife to work because I need to use a knife at work almost every day. Cutting boxes, bundles, plastic stretch wrap etc...

#2 reason: Self-defense. You never know when you will need to defend yourself. I feel mace would be a better self-defense option since it is non-lethal (for legal reasons), has better range, and is less likely to hurt me. However, I love knives an usually have one on me anyways, and I do not feel SD is enough of an issue for me (in that I feel the need is rare) to buy mace or something when a knife will do well enough.

When not going to work, I do not always carry a knife. If I am going to the store or a guitar lesson, I will often decide I don't need a knife on me.

When I decide what knife to take with me, SD is a concern, but a minor one. For example, if the choice is between a small slipjoint and a larger locking folder, they both can cut boxes, but only one is going to do any good if I get acosted at 7-11 at 2am. This gives the larger locking folder an advantage. But if I am in the mood to carry a slipjoint, I will do so and not worry too much.
 
1. cutting boxes, string, envelopes, clamshell plastic packages, etc.

2. its fun carrying a nice knife and SAK or three

3. knowing that I have my cutting, scissoring, slicing, light prying, screwdriving, awling, tweezing, wirecutting, bottle opening, and pliering needs covered. (Applies to only to SAK of course).

3. self-defense, but as backup to firearm. Used only if I find myself getting grounded and pounded by a UFC Octogon fighter.

Been carrying recently a Strider SnG, Vic Tinker, with Leatherman Squirt S4 on the keyring.

cheers
 
I edc a spyderco native 1 with the s30v blade.I keep it on a long hoop of paracord because I broke off the pocket clip at work.
 
A while back I decided that I should start carrying beaters to see just how much abuse a modern knife could take ($10-$30 stuff) because although I had higher end tacticals, I never really used 'em hard because they cost so darn much. So I went from dainty use of a knife built like a tank to abuse of a cheapie. Big surprise! Gerber Paraframes and EZ-outs can take alot of punishment. Anyway, Ive gone from opening packages and peeling apples to cutting wire, prying, digging and scraping and having more fun. Self defense is always a consideration but way down the list.
 
Hm-m-m... good question. My reasons all revolve around utility of some sort. I work in a warehouse with boxes and zip ties and tape (as someone has already said, we all know how rowdy cardboard can get), my most frequent pastime / holiday activity is hiking/camping (self-evident uses), and I've carried a knife of some sort for about 50 of my 58 years. One of my first memories is of the knives/bayonets that my dad brought back from WW 2. I got the bug from him and I've never been able to cure it. The best I can do is use MasterCard "as needed" to treat the symptoms.

SD is not a concern. I've been kidnapped (child), mugged (teenager), and robbed at gunpoint (adult). In none of those situations did I have any opportunity to pull a weapon. In those cases, I found that a calm, non-confrontational tone and doing what the person wants is the quickest way to end the situation. 'Course, that may not work for everybody or every situation. Besides, I don't own anything that's worth someone's life (mine or anybody else's).

Mess with my dogs now, and that's different. I have pulled a couple of times in the past and will do so again if necessary.
 
because a pocket knife/pocket-thermonuclear warhead comes in handy sometimes. lol. I always carry one folder and usually a Gerber multitool also. you never know when one or the other might save your life or the life of your girl...or when you just have to put a wal-mart brand entertainment center togethor for one of your non-technical friends :P
 
Simply to cut things. I usually carry two, one of them being something cheaper but still good quality JUST IN CASE I need to do something a knife isn't really designed for (prying, screwdriver, etcetc) EDC right now is either a Benchmade 943 Osbourne + Native, or a Delica + Native. Self defense isn't among my blade considerations, I have a gun and a CCW for that.
 
My job takes me into citizen's homes. A year ago a homeowner left me alone in a room with 2 large dobermans. I started looking around for something to defend myself with and all I could come up with was a lamp or a curtain rod. Needless to say I survived but it was that day I decided to carry a folder and I bought an Emerson Specwar A-BTS which I carry to this day. Unfortunately this has led to knife disease, a disorder that borders on obsession.

The doberman incident also lead to this article: Surviving Encounters With Dogs.
 
Pretty much like everyone else, cutting things, but also as a survival tool when flying or hiking in the mountains. We tend to loose things that aren't attached to our bodies in a plane crash, so having a good knife in your pocket is important.
 
I carry a folding knife for cutting, and a pocket tool for prying and everything else. The knife is a working tool, so I don't worry too much about cutting stuff that might dull it. I have a bit of diamond coated abrasive glued to the handle of the pocket tool if I need a fast edge touch-up in the field.
 
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