Why?

[Doug S]

In regard to Powernoodle, and ArfinG most recent comments...

Yep, you simply can't talk culture/society, without talking politics to a degree. As I said earlier, it's inherent in the subject. It's also relevant, and without the proper context, the conversation is almost meaningless. Even barring "politics" from these general discussions, is political in nature (and is an expression of an underlying political view), whether one wants to admit it or not.

In response to the original question, "why?", another thing to consider is our education system (and I'm speaking from experience). IMO we aren't educating our children today, we are indoctrinating them into the politics of the day...whether it be in regard to gun/knife control, global warming, evolutionary theory, sex roles, political order, race, sexual preference...reading, history, anthropology & sociology, psychology, political correctness...the list is almost endless, and make no mistake the list is cultural, and as such is inherently political. You simply can't have one without the other, and if one doesn't believe me you've got thousands of years of history proving the point (where is a "beating a dead horse" smiley when you need one). And to sum it all up...darn I'm mad that I didn't think to use the word demographic instead of the evil "l" word. Okay, I'm gonna go and wait for my second warning now.

 

[knifemaking01]

ive got two words for all use that will sum up this argument as to why people perspective of knives and carrying them are so warped....

THE MEDIA

how many times have you seen on tv someone being stabbed, a knife pulled on them, a knife used in a robbery.... wonder why people react to knives they way they do, thank the media, you carry a knife the media will make the viewers see you as the same class as these criminals

want to hear something ridicules, i had a fishing bucket in the back of a ute after coming back from a fish off the beach, a police officer stopped me for a random breath test, shined the light in the back of my tray, seen the knife in the bucket (he had to move things to get to it as only the handle was sticking out) and he ended up confiscating it for caring a concealed weapon and let me off with a warning, the next morning i went to the police station and they would not return my knife even after explaining what it was, and even pointing out the noted fish smell and fish guts still on it (the knife btw was a fish filleting knife which i used to cut up bait) and i was quickly told to "leave", i was treated like piss because of my age at the time i was 19.

So now i carry any fishing knives, hunting knives or anything concealed in the car

 

[ConBon]

After a second they'll reply that ipods and lipstick aren't weapons. Everyone knows that "anything can be used as a weapon", but tactical knives are
weapons. That's their purpose. If I saw someone whipping out a Military, Rajah II or some other large folder I'd be wary of the person. Why should I assume that a stranger knows proper knife handling skills or assume that he is a good person?

And that's entirely the point. It has nothing to do with "liberal indoctrination", voting democrat or republican, or the "superiority" idea that some seem to think is reality. Most people don't trust strangers with large, pointy weapons. If you have no idea what someone's background or intentions are why would you trust him? People "freak out" because 1) they aren't expecting others to carry large, tactical knives and 2) if they don't know you why should they feel secure around you? This has nothing to do with the 2nd amendment, carrying rights, or anything. Knives are not commonplace and the tactical ones that people carry look threatening. With all the talk of "knives for self defense" on here it's hilarious to see people choose "the best knife for self defense" and then consequently flip out when people recognize that they are carrying a weapon. There must be some sort of mental disconnect there to not realize that, yes, tactical knives are weapons and people are rightly recognizing them as such.

So, try carrying a traditional slipjoint around. Try a peanut, a swayback jack, a medium stockman or some other useful pattern. Get one with some nice chestnut bone or stag scales. People probably won't freak out and if they do you can use it as an opportunity to extend a bit of knowledge and courtesy as an ambassador of the knife community.

I use big and/or tactical knives in the outdoors or when I am working, small knives for social situations with people I know, and use traditional slipjoints/ SAKs when in a social environment with people I don't know. Even when I am with people I know that know I carry, I don't flip around my knife; I merely take it out, use it, and put it back.

 

[fuzzwuzz133]

I blame the media. When does a knife ever become useful on a daily carry basis in the eyes of Hollywood? The only time a knife is used on TV is for bringing down sentries. I think that's the main reason people banned autos and balisongs. The government saw bad guys on TV flipping a bali and got freaked out. Same thing with an auto. In reality, my Emerson CQC wave would be faster than a auto knife but nobody cares about that.

 

[Lycosa]

Google, Kali Yuga.
All your questions will be answered.

 

[10mm Glock]

So, why does our current society view knife carriers in such a negative light?

A knife is a tool... some people have misused tools and therefore have put the tools in a bad light? What are your thoughts on this?

ex. I wore a knife to physical therapy in my pocket and my pt saw it and had a heart attack. I think our modern society for the most part views knives as weapons and not tools. Anyone agree with me?
Not hatin, just wondering what your opinion is. . .

People freak out over knives because they have a distorted perception of reality.

Where I work right now my bosses both carry, I think I have something to do with that. One of them was flicking a 4" bladed Gerber constantly for an hour while we were in the break room for lunch. I loved it.

 

[ericvar101]

so many knives today fall into the "Tactical" catagory, which lets face it, makes them look cool and increases the attraction to the knife, but also is,...considered a combat knife. I dont know what you were carrying but thats the image people get when they see a knife (a tactical/combat knife), and when you have things on the news like this guy that went into a movie theater and blows away a bunch of inocent people, this puts peolpe on edge. they dont know you and what you may do. some places a knive just should be left behind. When I go to church I leave my knive in the car. physical therapy or any kind of doctors office I would probably have left it in the car as well.

 

[stabman]

When I go to church I leave my knive in the car. physical therapy or any kind of doctors office I would probably have left it in the car as well.

I blame people who leave their knives behind.
If you leave it behind, you are acting like you have something to hide.
Carry it. Use it.
Just don't be a dick.:thumbup:

 

[10mm Glock]

I blame people who leave their knives behind.
If you leave it behind, you are acting like you have something to hide.
Carry it. Use it.
Just don't be a dick.:thumbup:

^This. I even carry to the courthouse. And then as I am walking up the steps and see the metal detectors, or no knives/guns sign I remember I'm carrying and have to go back to the truck to drop it off. I carry everywhere all the time, and use my knife responsibly anywhere anytime I need it, infront of anyone.

Also, Powernoodle your statement about anti-ipod legislation was really funny.

 

[Slowstarter]

Well... I can understand that people are scared for knives out of there context (outside the kitchen or the tool shed). Knives is absolutely horrific as a weapon and I can understand that many want to see them totaly banned (out of there context). Just go to www.liveleak.com and do a search for "knife stab" or "machete fight", and you will see some awful stuff. But be warned, these clips are from the real world and not from a Hollywood movie.

I carry a knife everyday. At home: The fun knives (BM, Spyderco etc). Outside home (hidden in my pocket): A Swiss army knife or Leatherman Freestyle or some other small gentleman folder. And I would never take it out in public (the knife), never! (only to save some others life) And I would never-ever use a knife to defend myself, even if I were robbed, abused or beaten up by some crack-head (well.. at some point I would stick him in the arm or leg maybe, just a little ).