View Full Version : Does Anyone Not Carry A Knife
Apologies if this appears a bit odd, but does anyone else go about their daily life not carrying a knife ? Or am i the odd one ?
No knife on me unless I am actually camping or country walking.
Yep your the odd one LOL :D
Nightwalker
12-05-2007, 18:14
I dont carry a knife for the vast majority of my daily-life.
It dosent fit in with my current way of life; being a IT Technician at a secondary school I dont think my employers would appreciate me having my frosts mora on my belt. However even in this job I have found the need for a blade again and again, tried out having my multi-tool on my belt but it just got in the way at times, I've got a new belt now, might try it again.
A good knife; being one of the most useful tool's I have come across, I wish I did have more of a oppertunity in my daily-life to carry a blade on my person, just for the shear convenience and readiness, but at the same time it appears knifes are becoming more and more "socially-unacceptable" thanks to a whole load of dimwits who carry blades for all the wrong reasons.
Nightwalker
12-05-2007, 18:14
When out camping, walking etc.. yes always ;)
Gailainne
12-05-2007, 18:17
I suppose its what you class as a knife, my serbertool has one blade it measures 36 mm, if I'm out its with me. I carry a SAK champ on my belt, when I camp, knifes ie woody clone etc I carry in my ruck/daysack till its needed.
Stephen
Hunter_zero
12-05-2007, 18:27
Apologies if this appears a bit odd, but does anyone else go about their daily life not carrying a knife ? Or am i the odd one ?
I always carry a knife. I use it about 80 times a day! (opening rat boxes).
John
Have a sebertool m4 tucked into the zipped compartment in my key wallet.
No you're not TOMO, even though this forum may make is sound as though you may be.
Despite the fact that they are one of the most useful things ever invented the social mores of our society inhibit carrying them without a real need; and that's reflected in most of our lives.
In my own case the answer is really, "well it depends on what I'm being that day." Forest schools, archaeology, craft work, living history, foraging, then yes I'll carry a knife. If I'm working in schools, doing costume stuff, research...then no I won't.
Cheers,
Toddy
Gwhtbushcraft
12-05-2007, 18:36
Not at school (obviously) but mostly at weekends.
Bisamratte
12-05-2007, 18:43
My sak lives in my pocket.......unless I'm not allowed to have it there like in an aeroplane. Is it such a bad thing carrying around something to aid your daily cutting tasks or should I replace it with child safety scissors? :nono:
I carry a small sak generally. I quite often use it to do anything from open parcels to pc cases. When out walking I carry a larger locking sak. I'm a software developer but will pretty much use my pocket knife at least once a day.
Apologies if this appears a bit odd, but does anyone else go about their daily life not carrying a knife ? Or am i the odd one ?
Heresy!!! Burn him!!
:D
British Red
12-05-2007, 19:05
Yup. Every day (unless flying etc.)
My grandad carried one like it - a proper Sheffield handmade pocket knife
Sub 3" slip joint so no problem with the law. I remember my grandads lived in the right hand pocket of his cardigan. It was used for everthing from a dibber to cutting string to pruning. I love mine - its a memory and a tool and it just feels right - rosewood, brass and a litte bit of my grandad
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/495025798_4239b9c521.jpg
Red
Nightwalker
12-05-2007, 21:48
Looks nice Red ;)
Always have one. If I'm going somewhere where it would be a bad idea to have one I have to check my key rings, pockets, bags, etc to make sure there isn't one lurking around that I'd forgot about.
demographic
12-05-2007, 23:24
During work hours I always have a stanley knife in my tool belt (I work as a carpenter) but for the most of the rest of my life I don't carry a knife.
Yes they can be very usefull but I have managed years without carrying on as part of my daily life so a bit longer won't hurt.
I do however take one camping but don't feel the need to pull it out at every opportunity to show everyone just how cool it is and how much use it is blah blah blah....
waylander
12-05-2007, 23:58
allways carry my sub 3" barlow pattern knife, I think it's quiet funny when mates at college think its strange that I allways have a knife until they need something opening
I usually have a knife somewhere in a pocket.
If I am going to the pub I will usually remember to empty my pockets, but going to the woods I just assume it is there. It is the opposite of some people but I spend more time in the woods than I do in a town.
carried a knife since I started fishing, I was ten or so, had a two bladed knife in my pocket or on my hip until I was nearly 40, only stopped carrying it in plain sight recently. (in the last few years) I kept a knife on my key ring since I had my first key to the door, a SAK
I got my first some 30 years ago, and it is still going strong (ok it's only use now a days is my daughter uses it to sharpen her pencils) it's somewhat like this one but old and battered silver two bladed (http://www.swiss-army-tools.com/index.asp?function=DISPLAYPROD UCT&productid=55)
I never leave home without these in my pocket. Period. It doesn't matter where I'm going or what I'm doing if I walk out the door and realize I didn't grab them, I turn right around and go back inside to pick them up. I think it would be appropriate for me to say that as soon as I get dressed, I slip these two "tools" into my pockets. For me, one of the worst feelings I can have is when I realize how screwed I'd be if I didn't have them with me!
Adam
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a336/addyb/ZippoandKnife.jpg
I carry a SAK huntsman whenever I step out the door. I would rather carry a slipjoint or barlow (for aesthetic reasons) but I don't own one (yet) and I can't give up the extra uses of a sak.
What do you mean aesthetic reasons? Since when are solid, functionable, workable tools supposed to look good? :)
The only time I'll not have a knife of some sort on me is when I'm on an airliner or in some sort of government building that prohibits it, like a court building.
My sak lives in my pocket.......unless I'm not allowed to have it there like in an aeroplane. Is it such a bad thing carrying around something to aid your daily cutting tasks or should I replace it with child safety scissors? :nono:
You probably could get done with those as well! Have you heard the one about a young guy being arrested for barking back at a dog? The coppers decided he was causing distress to the dogs and their owner, even though the said owner had no problem with this. No I am not jocking :( It was in one of the broad sheets, the guy was in a cell for some hours, taken to court by the CPS. The case was thrown out of court by the obviously sensible judge. Cost?: £8000 to the taxpayer.
So I would not hold my breath you are safe with safety scissors :D
I use a SAK most of the time, again depends what I am doing.
What do you mean aesthetic reasons? Since when are solid, functionable, workable tools supposed to look good? :)
Erh... I can't be the only one who think the old barlows and stag handled slippies look better than a SAK, but a SAK just has more uses. :D
Bisamratte
13-05-2007, 09:30
You probably could get done with those as well! Have you heard the one about a young guy being arrested for barking back at a dog? The coppers decided he was causing distress to the dogs and their owner, even though the said owner had no problem with this. No I am not jocking :( It was in one of the broad sheets, the guy was in a cell for some hours, taken to court by the CPS. The case was thrown out of court by the obviously sensible judge. Cost?: £8000 to the taxpayer.
So I would not hold my breath you are safe with safety scissors :D
I use a SAK most of the time, again depends what I am doing.
:togo:
nuf said
British Red
13-05-2007, 10:21
Erh... I can't be the only one who think the old barlows and stag handled slippies look better than a SAK, but a SAK just has more uses. :D
Nope you aren't the only one!
I have a SAK and its a fantastic tool but I do prefer the look when Shinken or Bushwacker Bob have replaced the Red plastic with some decent wood.
Probably my age showing - I'm not keen on plastic generally ;)
Red
During work hours I always have a stanley knife in my tool belt (I work as a carpenter) but for the most of the rest of my life I don't carry a knife.
Yes they can be very usefull but I have managed years without carrying on as part of my daily life so a bit longer won't hurt.
I do however take one camping but don't feel the need to pull it out at every opportunity to show everyone just how cool it is and how much use it is blah blah blah....
well i guess this matches my experience more than others. i dislike the concept of " feeling undressed without" anything. each to his own i guess. please dont get me wrong im not anti anything just interested . I work with a bunch of folk whose "kit" attitudes cover the whole spectrum from minimalist to whatever the opposite of that is ! ,as a result i am always interested in thought proccesses..
traderran
13-05-2007, 11:00
If you see me out of my bath. You can bet I have a slip joint in my pocket
and a 5in lock blade on my belt. Also Sig .380 in a pancake at the small of my back. Just not dressed without them.
Outdoorsman
13-05-2007, 11:41
I've always got somthing on me. Usually a sak, leatherman or one of my larger 'tactical' folders.
Bah, I don't think that old Barlows and slipjoints are any better at all than SAKs. I still have my Grandfathers old Barlow from the '40s and while it has alot of sentimental value, I prefer my little red plastic Victorinox. Maybe its because I'm young and grew up with new technology at my fingertips? To each his or her own I guess!
Cheers,
Adam
well i guess this matches my experience more than others. i dislike the concept of " feeling undressed without" anything. each to his own i guess. please dont get me wrong im not anti anything just interested . I work with a bunch of folk whose "kit" attitudes cover the whole spectrum from minimalist to whatever the opposite of that is ! ,as a result i am always interested in thought proccesses..
Maiximalist??
:D
nitram55
13-05-2007, 17:39
I have carried a knife of one sort or another since I was about 8 years old ( 40 odd years ago :) ).
When I was young it was a cheap slippie of the type sold in newsagents with the celuloid scales all my mates had one, nowadays it is usually a SAK soldier for edc and a frosts for the woods.
Martin
grebo247365
13-05-2007, 18:37
You can't beat a sak in your pocket, I got mine for my 21st birthday and its still going strong 12 years later.
Don't do what I did recently and try and sterilise em in your trangia by boiling, it causes the plastic scales to crack and warp, I might have a go at making some wood replacements.
Maiximalist??
:D
Nah, minimilist to Wayland! :p
rapidboy
13-05-2007, 22:34
I have carried a knife for as long as i can remember.
I carried a pocket knife when i was at school, i can't remember being without a knife except when flying, (which i consider a rediculous situation as in reality the real risk when flying is unlikely to come from a SAK or any knife for that matter :rolleyes: ).
I use my knives constantly and i feel i can justify carrying them.
I am in contact with the police fairly regularly and have used knives in front of police without a problem and without attracting attention.
When was the last time you were stopped by the police for no reason ?
I'm not saying we should all start carrying knives but the law is there to protect us not victimise us so if you can justify having it you should not have a problem.
I think people worry a lot about being "caught with a knife", why feel guilty for carrying a tool ????
A hammer is a tool , a screwdriver is a tool and both can be used as a weapon and would land you in trouble if you used them as such.
IMO you should consider a knife a tool, select a suitable tool for the task in hand and use it as such.
Graham_S
13-05-2007, 22:43
I carry a brass and rosewood camillus stockman
dommyracer
13-05-2007, 22:44
I often have a SAK in my pocket.
I carry a SAK in my bag that I take to work everyday. Mostly for cutting up boxes and incase I need the screwdrivers. I used to have a scarab on my keys and found it useful now and again but took it off a few months ago and haven't missed it yet.
Nah, minimilist to Wayland! :p
That does it..... I'm only bringing my own kit to the next meet up...... :nono:
spydie UKPK for dog walking out and about plus sometimes for work. I also carry a custom SAK for any of the days that im not carrying my UKPK. When on an trip/overnighter then its which ever one i made last usually :rolleyes:
I would try to avoid carrying any locking folders/blades over 3 inch without a good reason to avoid any bobby confrontation. ;)
Matt Weir
14-05-2007, 09:57
I always edc my folder unless going to an airport etc. I use it often enough each day to justify carrying it and have to admit to feeling 'naked' without it.
BorderReiver
14-05-2007, 11:04
Always carry a knife,with the obvious exception.
Being retired,I can stay away from "sensitive" areas as much as possible.
Usually have a SAK,a stockman and a fixed blade of some description when wandering about in woods.
Apart from airports,I have the SAK with me at all times (don't go to pubs).
Apologies if this appears a bit odd, but does anyone else go about their daily life not carrying a knife ? Or am i the odd one ?
Nope, you are not alone. Living in London I can see little need nor justification for carrying a knife.
always carry a soldier. work, home, play
only time its not with me is when flying or when it may not be a good idea - pub, bar, notting hill carnival etc
bent-stick
14-05-2007, 11:43
I'm at the Antrim office at the moment and I travelled hand luggage only this morning...I feel a bit naked without my gerber and opi.
I'm thinking I might run into town and get myself some sort of multitool that I can leave in the drawer at the office here for when I am over.
Too Much Kit To Carry
14-05-2007, 17:07
Strangely I was talking to bent-stick on Saturday round a campfire about using an axe more often than a knife. I used Red Hunters Axe for feather sticks then it was used by bent-stick to prepare a side of a pig for cooking.
I'd be very tempted to leave my knives at home and only take an axe or three to the next meet I attend. Although I'd still keep a knife available in my PSK.
Phil.
I've carried a 4 inch mora on my belt everywhere for half a year. Often passing police but they probably didn't even notice. Even on the eurolines bus when there were douane people asking for and checking my passport several times.
(I never take planes as I do not like the controls and scanners, I keep my knife on me! :p)
Only once did an old man in Italy not like me wearing the knife, telling me it was illegal. I noticed he thought it was for violent uses, but I could also tell by his looks he wasn't the most practical man and probably didn't know what else you can do with a knife. :rolleyes:
Think it's incredible people think a 4 inch knife is huge when I take it out of the sheath. Wait till you've seen my machete!
After buying a victorinox I actually like (I had a swiss champ, way too thick -now a huntsman) I started carrying that instead. The knife is long enough for most stuff (I eat with it etc. Don't use any other knife), the small knife is handy for carving (spoons! :p ), the saw is nice too, the scissors for cutting nails n paper, bottle opener for beers, corkscrew for my bottles of wine, can opener for occasional can of tomatoe sauce, a toothpick which I use daily, the screwdrivers I use often, the punch I use often too, the tweezers I use for those annoying splinters (also use the needle for that sometimes).
I do like the readyness of a belt knife but the sak just has much more functions which I use all the time.
On the faroe islands where my mom is from they say:
"A man without a knife is a man without a life" :D
Just been on google exploring this thread and came across an american called thomas Elpel who seems to specialise in going off without any kit ! inc a knife. Anybody know any more about him.. im intrigued.
fredcraft
14-05-2007, 18:44
I'd say that 90% of the time, I have my trusty SAK in my pocket and as many people here, even when I don't need it, I feel naked without it.
Speaking of swiss army.... I have a titanium swiss army watch which needs a new battery and I miss it as much as my SAK when I don't wear it ... I have to admit their watches are as sturdy as their knives are. Even after hitting it accidently numerous times against other objects the cover glass is still not damaged/scratched which really suprises me !
Cheers,
I don't carry a knife, not even for bushcraft. Normally I use a pair secateurs, as that covers my needs. Six weeks ago I lost my secateurs :( . I went out yesterday to buy a new pair, and bought a very small axe instead. Still don't think I need a knife for anything.
I was brought up in london though, and like people have said already you don't carry any form of tool that can be used as weapon against you in urban areas. But I tell from experience flashers look very funny when they see a pair of secateurs in your hand.:yikes: :lmao:
fredcraft
14-05-2007, 20:11
But I tell from experience flashers look very funny when they see a pair of secateurs in your hand.:yikes: :lmao:
That's it mate.... put it back in it's "sheath" and close that trenchcoat.... don't make me go all Bobbit on you !
Squidders
14-05-2007, 20:15
From day to day, I carry nothing... I live and work in London and there really is no need.
I never carry a knife. I usually carry several. ;)
I don't carry a knife, not even for bushcraft. Normally I use a pair secateurs, as that covers my needs. Six weeks ago I lost my secateurs :( . I went out yesterday to buy a new pair, and bought a very small axe instead. Still don't think I need a knife for anything.
I was brought up in london though, and like people have said already you don't carry any form of tool that can be used as weapon against you in urban areas. But I tell from experience flashers look very funny when they see a pair of secateurs in your hand.:yikes: :lmao:
Im intrigued xylaria, how do secateurs cover your needs, or an axe ?
G.M. Merrill
14-05-2007, 22:08
First, being and American and second being an Arizonan, I've carried a knife since I was 5 years old. Since the Bush Vaterland Sicherheits controls, I resist flying on commercial airtcraft since if they don't trust me, I don't trust them. After using chert knives and ground stone axes, I can say with no hesitation that steel tools beat stone hands down.
bambodoggy
14-05-2007, 22:51
I have a knife on me at work because it's unsafe not too and I carry one while bushcrafting as it's the done thing and I'd get laughed at if I didn't have one :lmao:
The rest of the time I don't carry one as I don't need one and so have no good reason to carry it. :)
Cheers,
Bam. :D
0
Im intrigued xylaria, how do secateurs cover your needs, or an axe ?
Where I walk there is alot of gorse so I don't need to make feather sticks for fire. I use dry standing wood which snaps, I am quite dextrous with secateurs and can remove the smoky bark with them. I can also make digging sticks /with secateurs. I mainly gather and eat wild plants and fungi, if i bring a meat food with me it is kabanossi which just breaks off. Which is why I use secateurs not knife, I also gather willow withies and I can use those to make frame for tarp shelter. Obviously when camping I bring a bread knife and butter knife, but I recon I do away with those with a little thought.
I think most bushcrafters carry knives because they came to bushcraft through fishing and hunting. Where knives are the tool of choice. You cant gut a fish with an axe or secateurs. I came here through different road and feel comfier with a different tool. One day someone will turn up at bushmoot with scythe because that's what they feel comfy with.
I am with xylaria on this. The only time I carry a knife is hunting (Clipper or Bamsen with Opinel #7) or camping (SAK)
For work in the woods a good folding saw and a pair of Felco secateurs are excellent for a really clean job.
I recently bought a tora kukri and it is a very efficient tool but leaves behind a trail of damaged poles. I use it for 'permanent' clearance, or areas where it does not matter if the trees/scrub doesn't grow back.
That does it..... I'm only bringing my own kit to the next meet up...... :nono:
A fiver says you don't :)
Rat
bushwacker bob
15-05-2007, 09:18
I have a knife on me at work because it's unsafe not too and I carry one while bushcrafting as it's the done thing and I'd get laughed at if I didn't have one :lmao:
Cheers,
Bam. :D
Not if you had you secateurs with you.
0
Where I walk there is alot of gorse so I don't need to make feather sticks for fire. I use dry standing wood which snaps, I am quite dextrous with secateurs and can remove the smoky bark with them. I can also make digging sticks /with secateurs. I mainly gather and eat wild plants and fungi, if i bring a meat food with me it is kabanossi which just breaks off. Which is why I use secateurs not knife, I also gather willow withies and I can use those to make frame for tarp shelter. Obviously when camping I bring a bread knife and butter knife, but I recon I do away with those with a little thought.
I think most bushcrafters carry knives because they came to bushcraft through fishing and hunting. Where knives are the tool of choice. You cant gut a fish with an axe or secateurs. I came here through different road and feel comfier with a different tool. One day someone will turn up at bushmoot with scythe because that's what they feel comfy with.
WOW.. A kindered spirit.. Could not have put my thoughts so well.. I guess this is what i was driving at in my original question. Other peoples diversity of background and experience shaping their choice of tool. Cool....
Just been on google exploring this thread and came across an american called thomas Elpel who seems to specialise in going off without any kit ! inc a knife. Anybody know any more about him.. im intrigued.
Yea I read many of his articles and got his book "Participating in nature".
He says he usually carries a SAK with saw, knife and scissors. The same as I carry ;)
He's really cool in how he uses very basic cheap kit and often doesn't even take a blanket with him. Making a fire trench of his body length, then covering it with earth and sleeping on it. I think that's the coolest idea. The sandals made of old tires are very nice idea too.
BorderReiver
15-05-2007, 11:07
0
Where I walk there is alot of gorse so I don't need to make feather sticks for fire. I use dry standing wood which snaps, I am quite dextrous with secateurs and can remove the smoky bark with them. I can also make digging sticks /with secateurs. I mainly gather and eat wild plants and fungi, if i bring a meat food with me it is kabanossi which just breaks off. Which is why I use secateurs not knife, I also gather willow withies and I can use those to make frame for tarp shelter. Obviously when camping I bring a bread knife and butter knife, but I recon I do away with those with a little thought.
I think most bushcrafters carry knives because they came to bushcraft through fishing and hunting. Where knives are the tool of choice. You cant gut a fish with an axe or secateurs. I came here through different road and feel comfier with a different tool. One day someone will turn up at bushmoot with scythe because that's what they feel comfy with.
Never tried it but I bet you could if you had to. :)
i dont carry a knife on me at all times only when i go camping.
0
One day someone will turn up at bushmoot with scythe because that's what they feel comfy with.
Whats the betting that someone posts pictures of their damascus scythe that they have been too embarrassed to show before! :lmao:
Not unless I'm camping - even then I wait until I get there until I attach it to my belt.
demographic
15-05-2007, 23:09
Whats the betting that someone posts pictures of their damascus scythe that they have been too embarrassed to show before! :lmao:
No doubt the pic will be taken in a woodland setting and not on the computer desk where they usually keep it ;)
Is there a member called DEATH anyway?
John Fenna
16-05-2007, 08:19
I always have at least one blade of some sort on me - except when I am in an airoplane!
They are so usefull in everyday life that I feel naked without one, be it a tiny one like that found on my key fod micro multi tool or my belt knife. My constant companion is the good old Leatherman Wave (given to me by Tim Leatherman himself many years ago) which has had so much use that the serrated blade and file have had to be replaced.
I pity those who only see knives as weapons - in my eyes they are just the worlds most versatile tools.
John
Minotaur
16-05-2007, 14:28
I dont carry a knife for the vast majority of my daily-life.
It dosent fit in with my current way of life; being a IT Technician at a secondary school I dont think my employers would appreciate me having my frosts mora on my belt. However even in this job I have found the need for a blade again and again, tried out having my multi-tool on my belt but it just got in the way at times, I've got a new belt now, might try it again.
A good knife; being one of the most useful tool's I have come across, I wish I did have more of a oppertunity in my daily-life to carry a blade on my person, just for the shear convenience and readiness, but at the same time it appears knifes are becoming more and more "socially-unacceptable" thanks to a whole load of dimwits who carry blades for all the wrong reasons.
I think you need the schools permission to carry on site.
I carry a little pen knife, a cheap sak rip off from woolworths, all the time. I add to it with a leatherman charge xti, a lot of the time, for example if i am going to be opening pc's or things like that. I would not carry this in public/public, unless i have a good reason.
90% of the time I have a knive on me, in daily life mostly one of my SAK's or Leatherman.
Only don't have one when I go to a concert or club or something like that (they don't appreciate that kind of stuff there, although I'd be the last person to use a knive for the wrong reasons).
Like my SAK the best for daily use :)
Oh by the way, I'm a student in Amsterdam and always have a knive with me there too.
It's legal to have a knive with you (as long as it isn't a lockable knive in urban areas and the blade cannot be longer than an x amount of cm), altho I don't know for sure at school.