Dumb questions about your knife
 

Those who carry a pocketknife on a regular basis know exactly what I'm talking about.

"Geez, what do you use that for???"
- Uh, cutting things.

"Well what in the world will you need to cut with it?"
Envelopes... boxes... string... fruit... should I go on?

"Well why do you need a knife for that stuff? Can't you just tear open packages and envelopes like normal people?"
- The ability to use tools and utensils is what seperates man from ape. Which one are you?

"But that thing is like some kind of weapon or something, isn't it?"
- This stapler is a weapon too. Want me to show you how?

"Yeah but the stapler wasn't like, you know, designed for killing people."
- Neither was the knife. Like I said, I use it to cut things.

"Yeah but couldn't you also use it to cut or stab a person?"
- Yes I could. And I could use this stapler to attach your lower lip to your forehead. Now tell me, who did you have in mind?

"Oh my God are you serious?"
- Depends. How much money you got? Aw, what the hell, I'm bored - I'll do one free of charge. Wanna watch?

/Rant

This could go on and on. The question is... why? Why don't people get it? What is it about an innocent pocket knife that scares them so? What do you say to these people? :(

I'm a big pocketknife fan. I'm presently carrying a Spyderco Cricket:
http://65.61.168.31/ProductImages/main/CMID00247.jpg
Looks nasty, but that curve really catches packing tape well. People kind of back away when they see it, I just tell them that it is a useful tool. They still look at me funny.

lol

"Geez, what do you use that for???"
- It's sharp and pointy. I like sharp things.

"Well what in the world will you need to cut with it?"
- You have pretty hair...

"Well why do you need a knife for that stuff? Can't you just tear open packages and envelopes like normal people?"
- Yes, but when I do, security hassles me for all the grunting and rending noises.

"But that thing is like some kind of weapon or something, isn't it?"
- *Shocked look, followed by look of dawning comprehension, followed by leering stare*

The conversation tends to end here.

yeah- it is amazing that we have vehicles to travle to the moon, computers that can calc the telemetry for the job, and yet have just about demonized the most basic tool in our kits in favor of our teeth and claws- that is some wierd shit

"You know it's illegal to carry a pocketknife, right?, the blade can't be more than 3" long."

So the guy who can't comprehend the advantages of using a knife to cut packing tape as opposed to using a worn down car key is suddenly an expert on knife laws?

"That has a clip on it, why don't you carry it on your belt or clip it to your pocket?"

Because it invites confrontations from dumbasses like you.

"That's a dangerous weapon you know"
No, it's a simple tool. Almost anything could be used as a dangerous weapon. A pencil, for instance. Think of the possibilities. The danger comes from the person holding the tool, not the tool itself.

"So what does a 'good' knife cost?"

I have learned to conceal rather than answer stupid questions.

Why do people who like knives also like usernames that are two words concatenated? So far: apechild, redlemon, moonduck, monkeysugar, and skinbag. This is weird.

redlemon: Sorry to break your pattern. I like knives too! :D

All of the above is very true, but what is even funnier is people questioning flashlights.

"Why do you carry a flashlight!?"
-Can you see in the dark? I sure can't!

I've carried a pocketknife for 20+ years now (since I was 12) I love these kinds of questions....I typically give smart-ass answers to them kinda like the ones above, and I do so w/ a perfectly serious look on my face.

btw redlemon, I carry a spyderco dragonfly, out of all the knives I've carried over the years, my spyderco is, by far, my favorite.

http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/imag...erco/sc-28.jpg

Monkeysugar wins my vote as most evocative conjugated two-word name.

Hmmm.

I carry a CRKT M16 clipped to my pocket and so far not one single dumb question but I have had a few stares when I've pulled it out to clean my nails or to open a box, all of which I easily ignore.

Fortunately the stares even stop the first time someone has a box or something they need opening and I whip out the knife and open it faster than they can say "non-confrontational pacifism".

open it faster than they can say "non-confrontational pacifism".


bwahahahahaha - great line Lebell

Unfortunately, none of those all-to-logical arguments worked when my mom (keep in mind that I'm 19 and responsible) confiscated my butterfly. She told me that it can't do anything that a Swiss Army Knife can't and therefore it's a weapon and not a tool. This is the same person who wouldn't consider letting me own paintball equipment, or a pellet gun, both of which I have.

I can't wait until she finds the crossbow.

LOL It's from my freshman year in college. It was kind of an inside joke with my friends.

hehe, I get that alot.
Then when people start to hear about the high crimes around campus people say that it is good that i carry a knife. I find it very useful in opening packages and just using it for anything where my hands weren't designed for. Like screws, I sometimes use my knife to undo screws if there is no screwdriver around or I'm not carrying my swiss army knife.
Here is my collection, enjoy :)

<img src="http://www.1337haxor.com/toys%20and%20stuff/knives.JPG" width="600">
Edit: The pic was way too big, so I shrunk it a bit for you.

I use a knife all the time at work, I am an electrician so I need to strip wire, open boxes, etc...

Currently I am carrying around a Super Knife it is one of the greatest inventions ever! it takes regular razor blades so you never need to worry about the tip breaking if you use it as a screwdriver and you never have to sharpen it, if the tip breaks or it gets dull just replace the blade =)



http://www.superknife.com/images/new/engrave_pic.jpg

Nice Blackout, Chive, and SAK, but I'm really jealous of your Benchmade 520! How do you like it?

I usually carry something like this on me: http://www.spittys.com/product/BLADFIRESET
rather, the blade, and 4 or 5 tricked lighters.

"keep in mind that I'm 19 and responsible"


umm, isnt that a contradiction in terms?

What I mean is that I know a kinfe isn't a toy, should be treated as a potentially dangerous object, and handled carefully.

No one is saying you don't know those things, but...

come on, admit it - you've practiced swinging the balisong around, possibly even tried a few aerial stunts with it... right?

Right ? :cool:

I used to use a pocket knife (folding) but now I carry a set of three throwing knives at work. I am trained in throwing, but I use them more for utility at work, and find them more convenient because all I have to do is unsheath and cut, rather than flip, which if done with a snap of the wrist can lead to safety issues around me.

but, my answers to the questions are:


"Geez, what do you use that for???"
opening things and throwing.

"Well what in the world will you need to cut with it?"
you survive a day at my work without at least a boxcutter and then ask me again.

"Well why do you need a knife for that stuff? Can't you just tear open packages and envelopes like normal people?"
sure, but the knives lying around are for foodproducts, are a foot long each, and a lot less convenient.

"But that thing is like some kind of weapon or something, isn't it?"
yes, wanna see?

"Yeah but the stapler wasn't like, you know, designed for killing people."
I never said anything about a stapler....

"Yeah but couldn't you also use it to cut or stab a person?"
absolutely, any advantage over your opponent is desirable when it comes to defense.

"Oh my God are you serious?"
yes, why do you think I know how to use these things?


I do get the "why" question a lot, but because throwers are so unconventional, they usually ask "how much" next, and mine cost $50, to which they usually are surprised, but shut up...

Yes, its annoying, but kinda fun, Im currently showing a buddy at work how to throw, and hes going to get his own set.

By the way, 19 and responsible is very possible, in the kitchen where I work, I am the only person besides the head cook who is allowed to clean and sharpen the kitchen knives. Last time they let someone else do it they went to the hospital because they almost cut their finger off. That person was 34 years old. You tell me who's responsible.

nah, Im learning katanas now :D

I find myself wanting one of those Super Knives. I really like my Beretta Airweight (slim, light, doesn't print in dress pants pockets), but I just like the features and design of that Super Knife. It really is an excellent idea.

I personally carry an Emerson CQC-7 Wave. I'm telling you guys, it really is the best knive design I've ever seen. the Wave feature means ther is a little hook at the back of the blade, when you pull it out of your pocket, the little hook catches the corner of your pants, and flips the blade open.

The best part??? I got mine at a pawn shop for $18, pretty good for a $200 brand new knive. Some idiot at the shop had no idea what he had :lol:

Love it, its actually a Benchmade Auto Axis 5000

Nice find, Basmoq! I have a CQC7, never carry it as the bloody thing rusts if I even think about taking out into *gasp* humid air. The knife is awesome though.

Its the auto!? Now I'm really jealous!

butterfly knives are great, as they are about impossible to have fold up on you - too bad that they are illegal to carry in missouri- just legal as "collector" items- had a buddy who owned an old, beat to hell one, used it to open boxes and plastic beer rings at work - he worked at a strip club as the beer tender- got arrested when the establishment was raided- cops said they had orders to arrest everyone on the premises for something- and so now he's got 2 yrs probation.....

thanks for the link on the superknife =) i have been looking for that for a few months and havnt been able to think of the name of it.

Hit a gun & knife show yesterday. Got to handle a Superknife up close and personal. Liked it. Would've bought it if money wasn't going other directions.

I agree, thanks for the link. The superknife rules! Especially when paired with a Glock model 27!

The answers to the questions were funny...Only knives I own are a French(yes, I'm french) Opinel, a Victorinox knife and a cheap flip open knife...but I like em anyway...my friend has a butterfly and he's good at tricks with it...I'm scared to touch the thing...lol

I carry my little single blade locking Buck knife around everywhere. Ive carried it since I was about 15--wonderful little knife. I surprisingly dont get that many questions about it. I do get the "you carry a knife?" question, but it usually doesnt go much beyond that--it is very clearly a penknife (wood inlayed handle, etc), and I guess that tends to stop questions.

Ooooh, I could really use that superknife at work. I get tired of cleaning the gummy residue that packing tape leaves on my spyderco. I think I'll get me one as soon as I recover from my Christmas expenses.

Hah, great post.

I get questions like that all the time, but its even worse because I carry a balisong (butterfly). Some people seem to hate weapons so much they dont understand that a knife is a tool.

I couldn't agree more...
WTF, people get freaked by a tiny folding pocket knife..
I always point out that I have a skinning knife that is 4 times longer and that they have no idea what could be done with ordianry objects that are within reach...

a stapler is a great example.

Honestly I prefer a pencil but yes people always seem to over react most don't see its not the tool that is the danger but the person. The same argument can be used for guns. Guns and Knifes don't kill people, people kill people.

I fully agre. I also carry a pocket knife. 3 and a half inch blade, shrade old timer.

Used to use the leather belt sheath. But I stopped, due to confrontations are you detailed. Its friggin ridiculous out there.