Questionare for everyone (about knives)
 

OK, i will be designing a new product in the next coming weeks, and in order to make it best it can possibly be, i need to get to the general public to get a good idea about what problems everyone faces (and how to solve these problems). A message board has the biggest pool of people from all walks of life. If you would, just give the information that follows and then answer the questions, i thank you kindly, and i will be checking up constantly with all the info i get, once again, i thank you all for your input (if there is any).

Basic Information (if you do not want to give this input, your welcome not to)

-age
-country of residence
-occupation
-sex


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

-thats basically the questionare, if you have anymore input, stories, or info that would be useful to my survey, its always welcome

Thank you in advance

age: 25
country: USA
occupation: journalist
sex: male

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?

No.

b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

I'm scared of knives. I see a knife and my heart stops. I even make my wife slice my bagels for me.

I guess I'm not the target audience for this kind of survey.

answer this for me, what in particular scares you about the knife, what kind of protection would you need in order for your to feel safe to use a knife?

Like jalora I don't think I'm the guy you're after but perhaps any answer helps.
Basic Information (if you do not want to give this input, your welcome not to)

-age - 21
-country of residence - Australia
-occupation - Student
-sex - Male
1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? No
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? I don't think we should be carrying weapons around with us, I don't need a weapon at the supermarket and I believe that if we have a perceived need for knives the police force should be beefed up and crime should be punished more harshly to cancel out that need.

If you're talking about more utility knives like Swiss Army knives for handy-man things, then I don't carry one because nothing I do in my days requires one, I have scissors or a kitchen knife on hand and not since my days in Boy Scouts have I thought 'I could really do with a Swiss Army knife right now.' So my reason would be that I don't have a use for a knife.

any input is good input, this is more of a universal knife, but the material and weight, etc is what i am going to be altering, i just want general input, ie, i use it to cut fishing line, or open boxes at work when i am doing stocking, etc

age: 20
country: USA
occupation: student
sex: male

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
No
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?
Not usually appropriate (going to class, etc...not something I'm used to). Also don't have a nice knife I like! If I had a really good one I might.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)
It's not applicable, but I did have one I liked back in the day. It was small, all stainless steel, one folding/locking blade. It was a convenient size to carry and very functional, which is what I'm looking for. Also wasn't too extravagant...too many crazy things on anything make it a little too gaudy for my taste.

I don't know if stainless steel is the best material, of course...I know little about these things. I just want it to look good and stay sharp! Not corroding is a plus. Mostly I would use it for opening boxes and things I come across, I have an x-acto or utility knife (if I'm at home) for anything more serious.

Basic Information (if you do not want to give this input, your welcome not to)

-29
-USA
-Garbageman
-Male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
Yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
Multi-purpose knife, only purpose I use is the beer bottle opener.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? I like how its small, but has a lot of features. I like how its all silver colored too.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife? None

-age 26
-country of residence UK
-occupation Supervisor
-sex Male


1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

No, because its illegal where I live

- 22
- USA
- Student
- male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
No
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?
Honestly, I have never thought about it......I guess I don't really have a purpose or reason to carry a knife on me. It probably isnt a bad idea to carry one just incase, and maybe in the future I will, but for the time being, I don't feel like I have a reason to do so.

-age = 26
-country of residence = USA
-occupation = Social Work/Security
-sex = Male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? No, cannot carry at work.

Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
small single blade pocket knife used mostly for opening mail and cutting string
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)
very sharp, hold an edge through many uses. short (thus legal), light, made of material that doesn't corrode

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?
No problems with knife I presently have.

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?

I used to, but I don't anymore.

a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?

It was a Micro Leatherman (so only sort-of a knife), and I used it frequently for small cutting tasks and other things a little pair of scissors and screwdrivers would be good for. I kept it on my keychain.

b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

I had to mail it home to myself when going through security at the airport one time about a year ago, and I haven't put it back on my keychain since. I travel enough that it'd be a pain in the butt to have to remember to leave it at home. I keep it in a place in my house that I know where it is, since 99% of the time I'm at home when I want to use it.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

Extremely small and easy to pocket. It's actually a little TOO sharp. Many functions, lots of flexibility.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

It's a knife, and so is incompatible with air travel. Like I said above, the blades are wicked sharp, and I've cut myself a few times trying to fold and unfold them. It's unnecessary for them to be that sharp.

-age: 34
-country of residence: USA
-occupation: consulting engineer
-sex: M

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?

I carry a Spyderco Cricket, serrated, single blade. Mostly used for opening boxes and packages; the reverse curve on the blade and the serrations work very well for that. Also a staple remover.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

The serrations and curves work very well. It also opens easily with one hand. Small, the handle is very lightweight plastic with a good texture.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

Nothing that I can think of. I haven't found a knife I like better yet.

ty for all the info guys and gals, its great stuff for me to see what the everyday person needs and wants in a knife, keep it coming

Basic Information (if you do not want to give this input, your welcome not to)

-29
-United States
-Emergency Services Dispatcher
-Male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? Yes

a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you? Mine is a Case brand 3 blade folding pocket knife. I use it for opening packages, mail, or anything else that needs cutting not involving food. I use it frequently.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, weight, form, etc) It is compact which makes it easy to carry. I only notice it if I'm reaching for it.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife? The shape of one of the blades makes it hard to sharpen. Otherwise, it has served me well.

-age: 19
-country of residence: US
-occupation: Manager
-sex: Male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?:Yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?: I carry a Gerber Chameleon II that I use to pry, cut, poke, and just generally handle anything that I feel the need to do so to. And, on one memorable occasion, it served to decently scare a guy who was trying to mug me.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc): It has a nice weight to it, makes me feel like I'm holding something substantial. The loop in the handle for a finger is also fairly helpful for cutting through things by dragging the knife across. And I've nothing bad to say about Gerber. I've had this knife since my freshman year in high school and it's never done me wrong.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?: The very tip of the blade was not very strong and broke off about 2 months after I got it. (Given, it fell a story and a half onto some concrete, so I don't really hold them accountable) The blade, however, is, and always has been, pretty tightly held. It's a fair pain in the ass to get out really quickly. Otherwise, I'm really happy with it.

Basic Information

-age: 27
-country of residence: USA
-occupation: Parts Counterman
-sex: M


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? No, I do not.
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you? N/A
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? I don't feel the need to, nor do I actually own anything other then steak knives, and a Swiss Army Knife. I HAVE looked at some, but mainly just for eye candy, or window shopping. Not sure if I'd ever consider carrying more than a S.A.K., really. Would probably be more interested in a small 9mm or something like that.

Basic Information (if you do not want to give this input, your welcome not to)

-age
19

-country of residence
Canada

-occupation
Student

-sex
male

Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

1. Yes. a pocket knife- use it for odd jobs and to sharpen pencils



2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

I won it in a contest. If I were to buy a knife, I would get something of high quality, and it would be a single piece

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

The blade is small, weak in some applications. Poor quality metal- it dulls quickly

22
Albany, New York
Welder
Male



Yes
Kershaw avalanche I think? (its one of the assisted opening jobs) Provides all sorts of uses, cutting open bags of electrodes, weapon, everything really...

The assisted opening feature is NICE, Kershaw in general makes quality blades, the handle is plastic, which is OK, but if I come across one that has a metal handle, I'll prolly spring for it. Holds an edge VERY well.


the plastic handle, zytel is pretty strong, but still, I'd like metal.

36
Grants Pass, OR USA
Cabinetmaker
Male

Yes I always have a knife with me. It's a first generation Spyderco tha was a birthday gift 12 or 13 years ago. I can't find anything to complain about with this knife, it's made of top quality material and holds a very sharp edge for a very long time. It's put up with lots of abuse from me and is still in very good condition. I use it for all sorts of cutting tasks, including, fishing line, fish, food, tape, cardboard, scoring veneers and plastic laminates. I'd say I use this knife several times a day.



If you are designing a knife and want it to be a good quality knife take some cues from companies such as Spyderco, or Kershaw.

United States, Male
1. Yes. It is a MiniBuck, made by Buck, single blade folding knife, costs 15 dollars. If anyone would like to see it and it's information this links to their page. Useful for anything that flat piece of metal is useful forl. Blade is fairly thick at non sharpened end which increases strength and number of applications

2. It's light, small, has a curved handle with well placed holes that make for a nice grip and prevent sweaty build-up. The plastic is extremely light and strong, and the blade is nothing special in it's material, and the way the handle is curved it is cleary designed to fit comfortably and securely in the palm.

3. If possible to do well, add a device to it that would allow me to unattach and reattatch it to a keyring with the greatest of ease.

19
MO, USA
student
male

1. yes
a. I carry a mini swiss army knife that goes on my keychain.

2. I like that it is small, and has many options. I really liked the pen that was built into it, but it broke a couple of months ago.

3. The only problems I have had with the knife is that it's not a locking blade type.

good info so far

-age 27
-country of residence USA
-occupation nutrition manager at a grocery store
-sex F


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? I used to carry a small pocket knife on my key chain.

a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you? Used to use the pocketknife for a variety of uses, it was quite handy. Don't remember the type though.

b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? I have a young son, I wouldn't want him to get it and cut himself.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc) I liked it was small enough to take with me anywhere.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife? The only thing I didnt like was it wasn't easy to get closed.

Basic Information
-age: 20
-country of residence: Canada
-occupation: student
-sex: yes please (Male)


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? - no
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? - I already carry enough things on my person as it is, and a knife would be just that much more annoying. Besides, aside from the rare occasion that I need a can opener or to cut something, and there is nothing around to do so, I see no need for a knife. That's in refernce to Swiss Army/Utility type knives. I own multiple combat knives, but carrying them around is silly, especially considering that in combat, they'd be as dangerous to me as to my assailant.

30, USA, Male, Computer Engineer...

A Leatherman PST has _always_ either in my pocket or in my hand for the past 7-8 years. I previously carried a medium-sized Victorinox Swiss Army model, but ditched it for lack of useful pliers.

The PST and the Craftsman 41466 (in my other pocket) are about 90% of the tools I need to do my job. The blade is excellent, holds an edge well, the tools are essential.

The Swiss now lives in my suitcase; it's a great thing to have on the road.

The only things I really miss about the Swiss that the PST doesn't offer are the corkscrew and the pop-out tweezers. Neither has a lockback blade, which might be nice.

I wouldn't ever carry "just a knife" - I'm more interested in the tools than the blade - but I also won't give up a really good quality sharp piece of steel.

-age: 34
-country of residence: Australia
-occupation: Computer Nerd
-sex: yes please! Male actually :)


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? yes, but not all the time
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you? I have two
- a swiss army "picnicer" (two blades, a saw - which is surprisingly useful, can opener, bottle opener, cork screw and hole punch
- a leatherman micra

b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

I've had the swiss army knife a long time (15+ years) and have used it countless times. I do a fair bit of camping, bush walking and a sport called Rogaining, which is a type of orienteering, so the knife has certainly come in handy. The cork screw and bottle opener are a must at a party.

I bought the leatherman when I was in Alaska about 4 years ago. It's biggest benefits are the really good scissors, and the size (2 inches x less than 1 inch x 1/4 inch or so when folded). I also think the fact it is all stainless steel is good.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

swiss army knife has been wet a few times and the less used items are kinda hard to open now. I think that means the user needs to change and do some maintenance.
leatherman is great as is.

Couple of comments above about being too sharp - that is so wrong in so many ways in my opinion - a knife can never be too sharp :) I must admit to having cut myself, but I've also done that in the kitchen so that is to be expected with any knife/saw etc.

I want to add that these could not be considered in any way as a form of self defence - neither has locking blade.

And in terms of aeroplane travel - in your suitcase is where they belong - never in your hand luggage.

- 19
- USA
- Numbers runner, part time drug dealer
- Male

Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?

Yes, a stiletto. I use it to intimidate people and for self defense.

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)

Strong spring, extremely sharp, good handle.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?

Sometimes people are too far away for me to stab them. I would use a sword if I could.

:p

Actually I'm just a student, and I don't carry a knife because I have no need for one.

Age: 19
Country of Residence: USA/Canada
Occupation: Student
Sex: Male


Questionare:

1. I own a Leatherman Wave that I carry with me most of the time. If it's not on me, it's nearby. I use the two blades (straight and serrated) most often, but I use the pliers (with wire cutter), scissors, and screwdrivers frequently, as well. While I seldom use the file, I do find uses for it often enough to make it worth having.

2. I adore this knife. It is very small, for a multitool, but it has all the functions I like in larger ones. The saw, file, and two blades are on the outside of the knife, and with a little practice I found I could open either of the blades with a flick of my thumb - greatly appreciated when I only had one hand available. The locks on those 4 parts are also very sturdy, but easy to close down. Again, I can do it with one hand without too much difficulty (though I did cut myself once before I knew what I was doing). It is lighter than most multitools (4ish ounces, I I remember correctly), which is nice. The variety of sizes of flatheads is useful, along with a good Phillips head screwdriver that fits in every screw I've tried it on so far. All around, a very good knife. It helps that the blades are some of the sharpest I've seen on a multitool.

Oh, and I nearly forgot: the edges of the handles when it's folded out to use the pliers are rounded. SO NICE. That small fact alone makes this knife so much more comfortable to use as a real tool than any other I've had, at least among those that were all stainless steel.

3. Problems? The OTHER side of the handle isn't rounded. Why would you do one and not the other? It's not THAT important, and I don't notice it often, but it would be nice to have.

The biggest problem? THE SCREWDRIVER HEADS ARE OFF TO THE SIDE. When you fold out a head, it's on the SIDE of the tool, not the MIDDLE. This makes using the screwdriver nearly impossible, and I only use it as a last resort. It's still possible to use any of them, but extremely uncomfortable. There is ROOM in the body of the knife to have all the screwdrivers in the middle, but they're still pushed off to the side. What. The. Fuck.

If you could find a way to reinforce the bits against the torque from using them, it would also be nice, because they tend to twist a little. I, however, can't think of a reasonable way to do that (except for using a stronger material, which would likely make it much more expensive) that wouldn't make the knife bulky and unwieldy.

Note: This is a slightly older Wave... I bought it in 2002? Something like that. The newer model is probably slightly different.

I use this knife for many things, from fixing computers to building theatre sets. It's versatile and useful, and even though it's seen a lot of action, it's still going strong.

Moose



Edit: I was just looking back through the posts, and the majority of people that don't carry knives with them cited that they didn't feel they needed one to defend themselves, or they thought police were more important, or something along those lines. I've NEVER considered carrying a knife for protection. I have my brain, mouth, and (if need be) several years of training for that. My knife is strictly utilitarian. I don't see why anyone would see this questionnaire and immediately assume "why would I need a knife to protect me?" Knives are tools, not weapons. Meh, just my opinion.

Disclaimer: I know knives can be used as weapons. I've done that, too. But anything can be a weapon in the right circumstance. I can use my belt to strangle anyone, but I don't wear that for protection; it's to hold up my pants.

-age: 24
-country of residence: USofA
-occupation: Navy
-sex: Male
1. Sometimes
a) It's part of a leatherman-type multi-tool. It's useful for cutting line, plastic, fabric, wire, cord, opening boxes, etc.
2. Errr... it's not really the primary function of the tool, so the knife is pretty much crap.
3. Serrated edges are really useful for cutting plastic sheeting, it seems to guide the plastic and keep it at the proper angle to cut through with one smooth slash... also useful for sawing through thicker types of rope. This is mainly from borrowing other people's knives. Mine is just a simple smooth blade, so the material will often slide to one or the other end of the blade and stop being cut. One handed opening and closing, with lockblade, are pretty much a necessity. A way to attach it to a belt for easy accessiblity is nice. All metal construction is durable, but can be hard to get a good grip on when your hands are wet or covered in oil... shaping the frame for positive grip or replacable rubber/plastic/wood inserts would be groovy.

Oh, and it should still look good when it's all scratched to hell and still work when it's covered in crap.

-age 22
-country of residence Wales
-occupation Student
-sex Yes please.. err.. male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? No
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? I dont need to.

-age - 28
-country of residence - US
-occupation - artist
-sex - male


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
Yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
Multiple Swiss Army knives. The 'typical one', keychain knives (one silver plated so I can cut in style!) and a larger lockback. The normal size is good for everyday use. I feel like I am always cutting a string, or using the scissors to trim stuff. The tweezers have come in handy, too.
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc)
I trust Swiss Army. The knives they make have never let me down, and I have owned at least a half dozen since I was a cubscout. The normal size is nice to carry around on a day I wouldn't be in the office. The bigger one is great for camping, and comes in a belt-sheath for easy access on the trail, for whatever I might use it for. The keychain knives are great for little things.
3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife?
I wouldn't change a thing about 'em. They stay sharp for a long time, and if you choose wisely, you will have all the tools you need. Stay away from the overloaded models, though, as they can be pretty bulky, and really...when will you ever need a leatherpunch? Hope it helps!

-age 73
-country of residence UI.S.
-occupation retired
-sex what's that (male)


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?small Swiss Army knife, small cutting blace, small scissor, small screwdriver blade, small plastic pick, small tweezer
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc) steel blades, plastic exterior, 2 inches overall when folded
Serves many miscellaneous purposes, always a few new uses/year, scissors are only thing I use to cut my fingernails, tweezer good for splinters in fingers

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife? I've had to mail it back home three times from airport security stations. I wish it would stay sharp longer sinc I've never mastered te art of sharpening one myself.
(I own a couple dozen other knives and carry one only on special occasions, like hunting or fishing)

70
united states
retired
male

have a 2 inch, two bladed pocket knife that I bought at a garage sale for 50 cents.
It has excellent steel in it and maintains a very sharp edge..
I use it for everything from a screw driver to basic surgery...(splinters in fingers)
my only problem is carrying it through airport security..

cut a fish hook out of a mans shoulder when I was 15.

..I have was born and raised on a farm and have carried a pocket knife all of my life...
my dad used to give me one every christmas...(as a kid you lost a lot of them).

wow, this is great, i didnt think people would have this kind of response

Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person? Yes
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you? Leatherman Wave
b. if not, why do you not carry a knife? N/A

2. What are the positives about your particular brand, style and shape of your knife? (material, wieght, form, etc) Handy as pockets on a shirt.

3. what problems do you face with your knife, what would you change if you could about your knife? Wouldn't change anything.

26
u.s.a.
medical student
male
1. no
b. i've taken care of drug dealers; dudes who've been shot and wanted nothing more than to get out and shoot the guy that got them; women that were beaten, stabbed, or both... but fearing for my safety or my life is not something i think about on a daily basis. if anything, it would take quite a bit of time to pull the knife out, and get busy with it... at least for me.

2. not applicable
3. not applicable

29
US - California
desktop publisher/key operator (don't ask)
male

1. I carry/use a boxcutter at work. I use it to, well, open boxes.
2. It fits in my pocket and it is light.
3. Easily lost if/when removed from pocket. Sometimes the blade slides out of the safety sleeve and pokes my ass when I sit on it.

-age - 20
-country of residence - USA
-occupation - college student
-sex - female


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
Not at the moment.

b. if not, why do you not carry a knife?
I go to college out of state and have to fly home on breaks. I don't want to have to ship my knife every time I travel. I also don't have enough money to buy a nice knife yet. As soon as I do, I'll get a good knife.

-age -20
-country of residence - US of A
-occupation - College Student
-sex - someday ;)
no - really - female


Questionare:

1. Do you own a knife that you carry on your person?
To and from college I have a swiss army - and several handy box cutters.
a. If so what type, and what uses does it provide you?
opening boxes usually -
and other stuff. .... cans, un jamming things, cutting tape to hang lights - girly stuff

honestly - if we are talking self defense - I would rather have a conceal and carry if I felt the need for it.