[45Guy]

I've gotten that question or statement (however you take it) from more than a few people. That or more usually, the surprised look, and "Why do you carry a knife like THAT?" That's usually after I pull out my CRKT M16-10Z with half-serrations and a Tanto point.

I usually get that said to me at work, by people who use utility knives all day everyday, but a pocket knife seems odd to them. One guy kinda jumped back and said "Who needs THAT?!?" I said cuz my box cutter's on my machine, and I need to open that box. He's the kind that uses his keys to open boxes. I'd rather use the correct tool for the job.

Do you ever get asked that question? By who, why, and where does it usually happen?

[glockman19]

Of course...Who doesn't?

Mine is mostly used as a tool but is always sharpened and ready to do double duty for Self Defense.

Yes I've been asked similar questions. I usually ignore the person asking or reply, "Haven't you ever seen MacGyver?"

[freakshow10mm]

Cold Steel Gunsite Tanto.

[ArfinGreebly]

You know, I've been asked a time or two about having a particular knife. Since my knives are seldom very dramatically configured, I usually just give them the Spock Eyebrow, "you're not serious, right?"

When I get the "well, that's a hunting knife" (or some other characterization), my response is uniformly, "yeah, and smaller than the knives we have here in the kitchen drawer; heck, your kitchen knives are bigger."

This is then followed by, "you do know how to use one of these, right?"

I've never had an encounter get past that point.

Now, having said all of that, I should also point out that this very seldom happens to me. I use the knife that's the right size for the job. When I reach into my pocket or my belt pouch, the knife that comes out is appropriate to the task.

I carry a Case Peanut. Around the office, that gets the most exposure. I also carry a SAK. When it's the right tool, it's the one that I grab. My Leatherman sometimes gets to be a knife. And so on.

I also carry a full-sized folder (horizontal on belt) that helps me prepare lunch. People will see me hacking up a salad or a brick of pastrami or shaving off slabs of cheese and, mostly, it doesn't draw comment. When I use a large sod buster in the kitchen, most people don't even recognize that it's a pocket knife, as it looks like a kitchen utility blade.

Now, if I carried a honkin' big folder -- like a Buck 110 -- and used it for everything, I might get more looks and comments.

I was asked here recently why I carry so many knives.

True, I do carry more than I need, but I'll probably always carry at least two.

And one of them will either be "gentlemanly" or "cute" -- and completely inoffensive.

[Gunsby_Blazen]

Yep, I sure do! its not a massive ATTACK! knife or anything like that. I really don't intend on it ever being a weapon but more as an everyday tool in case i have to cut or work on something. You never know when your going to need a pocket knife!
plus, I like to whittle wood. my knife really wasn't designed for that purpose but it amuses me none the less.
Its an SOG Blink.

[earthworm]

Q-"You carry a knife?!?"
A-"You don't?!?"

[Exmasonite]

Answer to the question:

"No, i don't carry a knife."

[ArfinGreebly]

"You carry a knife??"

"Sorry, I don't lend my knives. Get your own."

[SigNY]

I carry with me a SOG Multi-tool at work and I always have my SOG Trident in my pocket for all duties, not just self defense.

[Stainz]

I usually have something like my EDC of the last fourteen months - a Spydie Native - in my front LH pocket. Something different - like a Buck 301, 110 or even a 419 - maybe even a BR Huntsman (small fb) in a pocket holster in my LH back with wallet in RH back - and a proper, and louder, CCW in the RH front. Knives are tools to me, only presented to open a box, package, etc, or trim my dinner.

That Buck #419 Folding Kalinga Pro received the most interesting response one Sunday AM at church. A lady needed a knife to open a bag of Life-Savers for the bowl on a table in the reception area of our church. I offered it - still in it's sheath. She deployed it one-handed, remarking; "That opens easier than my switchblade - and it's sharp, too. Nice knife!". She stowed the blade - one-handed - and returned it - with more appreciative remarks. Interestingly, two women and one husband backed up a bit as she used it.

Stainz

[Mp7]

massive blades usually get the "mallninja" look.....

something slender is good if u do not want the attention.

this is a bit big already, but the bladeshape
tells everyone it is not a "dagger"

http://i13.ebayimg.com/01/i/001/03/88/d7c9_1.JPG

Q: Why do you carry a knife?

A: I´ve found spoons to not be sharp enuff for cutting things.

[Okiecruffler]

I get asked that all the time, my answer is always the same. "nope"

[AirForceShooter]

I carry a switchblade.
I'm orginally from NYC.
And yes, in Florida it's legal with my CCW

AFS

[Sharpdogs]

All the time as long as it's legal. As for scaring the sheeple, everything scares them. I have had my LM Squirt called a switchblade and some other idiot think I was from the "ghettoo" because of my small Douk Douk. I carry a knife as tool and avoid doing Spydie drops around the sheeple.

[Zip7]

I carry an old case 3 7/8" long stockman. It's so common around here nobody asks. Had a guy tell me it was illegal, though...

[rantingredneck]

When I get the "You carry a knife?" question, my response is usually, "It's not a matter of if I carry a knife, it's a matter of how many am I carrying".

I love messing with the blissninnies I work with. :D.

[JesseKM]

I carry a Smith and Wesson HRT MG non serrated. It deploys as fast as a switchblade due to the way you can flick the guard. I've gotten a few reactions. What was more fun was last night. My son was born about 5:15 pm yesterday in our home. My wife went through all the labor and was completely worn out. She was putting on a garment afterwards and noticed that there was a thread loose. She asked me for my knife, whipped it out one handed, cut the thread, closed it one handed, and gave it back to me. The nurse's eyes got huge. It was great.

[hso]

I work in a professional office setting or on project field sites and I actually don't remember getting that reaction. Perhaps it's because I always have a knife.

[TimboKhan]

No one ever seems to care that I carry a knife. Maybe that's because I fix every single person I meet with a murderous gaze and scream things like "FANDANGO!" at them randomly and for no reason, maybe not.

Seriously though, I have never had anyone care that I had a knife. I had a shop teacher in high school that chided the entire class for not ignoring the "no knife" rule and carrying a gentlemans knife with him. Past that, no one seems to care one way or the other.

[jahwarrior]

i don't get that question much in my line of work. more like "hey, nice knife." i carry spyderco knives mostly, and someone always needs something cut open.

[Pax Jordana]

I once offended someone's grandmother by carrying a 110. She told me I needed something less conspicuous. Go grandma.

I think half-serrations and a Tanto point. is your problem. The tanto point was designed to stab - even people that don't know that seem to get the hint.

I've carried bigger knives than my tanto point Blur, but they were all drop or clip or spearpoint blades. Admittedly, some of these others are AO, some aren't. Anyway, whenever the Blur came out, people seemed to take notice.

So when I busted it and Kershaw replaced it for free, I dug out my old schrade Stockman. The Blur rotates with a Spyderco rescue (for when I'm on the ambulance) and the stockman rotates with a Sodbuster JR.

Neither the spyderco nor the blur get used without due cause, leaving the soddie and the stockman all errant fingernail, thread and packing tape duties.

[kBob]

AIR FORCE SHOOTER!!!!

A Florida CWL DOES NOT grant you permission to carry an other wise outlawed or forbiddon weapon!

Persons using resiprosity CWLs are subject to FLorida Laws and interpitations as well.

The ONLY way I believe ( and I am not an attourny)a Switch blade is legal for carry is upon doctors orders if you are unable to use both hands.

Period Stop.

Don't trust me or anyone on this unless you would like to live near a Central Florida COmmunity named Starke.

Get a hold of the Statute booklet that came with your Florida CWL and read it again.

-Bob Hollingsworth

[kBob]

On days when I have looked as many as half the Dads that show up at my kids' gym have some sort of clip on or pouch knife.

Yes I have been asked if I "carry a knife" when I have one in hand doing some chore. I usually start out by asking if it is somesort of trick question.

When asked why I "carry a knife like that" I usually respond with saying it is so I can perform whtever chore I have it out for.

My Spyderco Endura gets that more often than anything else. I explain that many times when I need a knife, I need one I can open one handed while doing something else.

Beleive it or not I was asked "why in the world do you carry that thing" when I was carrying a Gerber Mark I on my web gear in the Army.....

Some folks just have some sort of problem with other folks having more steel than they feel they "need".

-Bob Hollingsworth

[bragood]

Ive gotten the horror look from plenty of folks and I usually carry an old buck. Nothing special just the classic buck knife. People are just getting weirder and weirder.:banghead:

[jahwarrior]

this thread makes me think of that KFC commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huixlozQTyI

[highorder]

The tanto point was designed to stab

The tanto point was designed to salvage broken katanas in Feudal Japan; more correctly, the tanto design allows a katana blade to keep a thick spine on a blade all the way to the tip.

[Pax Jordana]

that KFC commercial:

haha, love it!

the tanto design allows a katana blade to keep a thick spine on a blade all the way to the tip.

I'll grant that I'm no expert on feudal japan, so touche on the finer points of finer points. Still, the katana was a battle weapon. Grampaw's pocket knife was probably a clip or spear point, and the tanto point 'just looks different'.

Personally, I don't feel the tanto lends itself quite as well to utility cutting, but there is no accounting for taste (my own included :))

[highorder]

The biggest problem with tanto blades is that they tend to be "chisel ground" on one side.

It makes cutting into anything thick hard to do without the edge wandering.

And they scare the sheeple.

[Mike128]

Most of the time I get asked why I carry a knife it's because I'm cutting something. I give them the "Are you really that stupid look"

And almost always the next question is "How often do you really use that knife?" The are you stupid look comes in handy again. What else am I supposed to cut this with?

The best part is once people know I have a knife they will always ask to use it. And I always make them grovel a little. Remember when you ask me why I needed a knife? Here's your answer, people like you who don't carry a knife are always asking to use mine.

[coldblackwind]

smith and wesson HRT. Opens quickly one handed, just the legal side of length, works great, and makes people jump out of their skin when it clickes open and they aren't paying attention! Turns out though that ohio has a 2" limit....that was kind of awkward on one road trip...

[Claymore1500]

The question I get the most, "Do you have your knife on you?"

To which I respond, "Always".

[45Guy]

The question I get the most, "Do you have your knife on you?"


My girlfriend's brother asks me this EVERY time we are camping. Now I just laugh, and say " Still gotta ask, eh?"

[FourNineFoxtrot]

I'm a little surprised. I live in California, and I've never had somebody have an issue with my knife. No surprised looks, no "recoiling in horror", no stupid questions.

Maybe I just don't use my knife around people very often. That's probably it, actually.

[Kind of Blued]

It hasn't happened in a while, but the last time it did, it went like this:

"Is there a knife back here?"

*flip* "Here, I have one."

"You just keep this in your pocket?!?!"

Other co-worker: "What?! His POCKET knife?!"

Me: "He's got a point..."

Usually when I use it, I'm done and clipping it back into my pocket by the time anybody says anything. I just point at what I just needed to cut and raise an eyebrow.

[Mandirigma]

"Why do you need a knife like THAT?" I used to get that a lot. My answer "I don't need it, but it makes things so much faster."

my knives always tended to draw two people. People that liked knives and wanted to handle/inspect them (which I honestly don't mind) and people that were afraid, because I had a knife that looked like "that"
(balisongs, half serrated, auto folder, tanto, razel) Now I carry three, and its the third knife that conceals my other two.

Case sodbuster jr. is now my basic all round go to knife (Thank you SM). Its the one I let "the public" see. Its also the one that I'll let someone borrow. I can't tell you how many times the sight of it has started a conversation that begins "Oh thats like the one my **** used." I think its the distinctive color.

The others, a fixed bladed tanto and kerambit, generally don't see the light of day anymore, but that is alright with me their edges (Thanks to The Tourist) are a little more delicate than I'd like to use for utility work. I also got tired of telling people "I told you" when they've cut themselves inspected the edge with their fingers, AFTER I tell them the edge is stupid scary sharp.

[seeker_two]

As I work along a lot of PC-types, I mainly use my Leatherman Micra (esp. the scissiors) for most cutting jobs around the office. No eyebrows raised...and I've even had a few ask me where they can get a Micra....

I keep my "big knife" (CRKT Crawford/Kaspar Mini) IWB w/ the clip behind my belt for bigger cutting jobs. Unseen...but easily available....

I'm a big believer in "urban camoflage".... :D

[hso]

Note: Both AirForceShooter and kbob are incorrect in their switchblade information. FL treats switchblades as common pocket knives and does not restrict or limit them. As such, no carry permit is required to carry one while in FL. Each state has different laws about possession and carry of switchblades and you should be familiar with them if you intend to carry or own switchblades. Not every state is as enlightened as FL, AZ, AL and 27 other states.

[JR47]

When I worked for the Post Office, knives were pretty much forbidden. They were so worried about on-the-job injuries that they actually removed the standard style scissors for the safety design. Carriers, though, kept small pocket knives with them. The cutters we were issued were POS, and the magazines were arriving in plastic wrap or plastic corded bundles.

Once on the street, bundles of junk mail were still in their wrap or cords. Pocket knives were ignored until one became stupid with them.

I also worked in Fire/EMS, and knives were an everyday part of our tools.

Here in Georgia, knives are part and parcel of life.:D

[MiddleAgedKen]

Occasionally I carry a Schrade Old-Timer. It didn't cost me much, and it's unremarkable.

[kBob]

I have responded to hso via PM and I stand corrected.

I can not find a listing of switchblade, automatic knife or spring knife in current FLorida statutes.

Time marches on and I was Wr....wr....wrrrrr.......wrrrronnnn....
ill informed.

;-)

-Bob Hollingsworth

[Mp7]

"Oh my god - what do u need that for....?"

"eh, it´s my portable USB cardreading dildo-device. It´s also
great when u wanna make 1 thing become two things......"

(funny thread this is)

[mgregg85]

I always thought the knife was a rather innocous thing to carry. I've never had anyone comment on it when I pulled out a knife to use it to open a box or what not.

[Mike128]

Blister packs are the best thing for knife carriers. I pulled out my knife to cut a blister pack the other day and my friend's girlfriend gave that look of disgust and asked why do you need to carry that "thing" around for? I just gave her the blister pack and told her to open it. Which she quickly passed back.

[45Guy]

Are blister packs that sealed hard plastic that lots of stuff comes packed in?

[Harley Quinn]

I carry several knive's on me, all the time. I will have to talk to security at the school campus I go to while picking up my grandson, viewing the campus and taking a walk...I think the knives will have to stay in my truck:uhoh:

Don't carry hand gun either though I have the correct docs to be able at most locations, I believe a school is not one of them though in CA.

:uhoh:

[Mike128]

45Guy,
Yes it is. It's a security to prevent people from stealing small objects by making them big. In a non-threatening way. Without a knife or siccors they are tough to get into.

[hrgrisso]

Was a hoot at a work Christmas party when a buddy of mine gave me a SOG Twitch II and that has become my defacto office knife. Small, innocent, fast and an easy cutter. Of course it's still hard to cut hoagie with so out comes the bigger blades.

Actually had a coworker (not right in the head that one) get mad because my manager will ask me to open packages etc with my knife but he asked her to take all hers home. Probably the whole goth, death fetish working against her vs. my sunshiny personality. :neener: :D

[45Guy]

I hate blister pack with a passion!! Every time I don't fully cut open the package, say just cut it part of the way open then try to pull it open I cut myself.

I think that a pocket knife should be mandatory for every man to carry. I think that every man should be given a good pocket knife, sheath knife and set of firearms when they are born, but that's just me.

[snow]

From someone who just lost a client for carrying a swiss army spirit multi tool. I say that I carry that and a crkt m16-13m at all times. The incident involved a client of mine was doing some painting and forgot the little bottle opener looking tool used to open the paint cans and I offered to open it for her.(By the way I was doing home health as a part time job) my regular job is HVAC. Anyway she said okay and when I pulled out my SAK and opened the paint can using the flathead screwdriver, the next day I was called by the office and told that I was asked to be replace due to the fact that I brought a knife to the site and she was afraid for her life since no one else was around except the patient that I was working with who was disabled. This struck me as totally outlandish as it is a victorinox multitool, yes it has a knife on it but it is far from a weapon. This is the reason I choose to carry this tool no matter what because it is not normally mistaken as a weapon but as a useful tool.

[VegasOPM]

The cool thing about what I do is that carrying a multi tool, a flashlight and a knife is the norm. I carry every day- have since I was 11. At this point I don't even register it, so most folks sense that "well it must be okay". When I worked as Technical Director at a prior employer, they came down with a rule that noone was to carry "knives or other weapons". When I wrote up the essential tools section of the job requirements I included that ALL technicians were to have a crescent wrench, a multi tool, a flashlight and a folding knife whenever they were on the clock. I went to HR and mentioned that the new policy was in conflict with previous policy- so they added "unless authorized by your supervisor".

[TeamPrecisionIT]

I carry a rather inconspicuous Buck Parralex that's all black and is always on me now. I got it at Dick's Sporting Goods for $15 and it has been a great tool to have on me. I have pretty much used it everyday since I have had it in my possession.

Damian

[MedGrl]

I've been asked on many occasions (about my pocket knife and many other random things like tools that I have handy) "Why on earth do you have that?"

The conversation usually goes something like this:

Them: Why do you have (insert item here)?
Me: Did I just use it?
Them: Yes
Me: That's why I have it
Them: but how did you know you were going to need it?
Me: I didn't
Them: then why did you have it?

and the cycle restarts back at my initial "did I just use it?"

Its rather entertaining... usually.

[Sistema1927]

The only reason why anyone would recoil in horror and ask: "You carry a knife?" is due to the fact that the last 30 years has seen the emasculation of the American male.

I have carried a pocket knife almost every day since 3rd grade, and went through High School with a 4" Buck folder in a leather belt sheath. The only time that I do not have a knife in my possession is while in "victim disarmament' zones like airplanes, courthouses, correctional facilities (just visiting!), etc. The fact that kids today get suspended from school for having a plastic butter knife in their lunchbox due to zero tolerance (more like zero intelligence) rules is a crying shame.

[Aka Zero]

I have a little pocket pouch of things I might need, knives float separate because I use them a lot. Have pen, carpenter pencil, marker, different tools for different jobs. Have a little tool set, weighs a few ounces has about 10 different bits. little notepad for writing things down. Usb flash drive, 4gb. A little prybar (knives aren't for prying things) and a penlight. all this fits into any cargo pocket on khakis.

Left pocket has a knife, has been for a long time a crkt m21, 3". Simple color, nothing fancy, flipper for speed, sharpened really nice. It's what I use for detail work, envelopes, fingernail cleaning.

In my right pocket I carry things like. Frosts mora, messed with the sheath some so it hangs off the belt into the pocket. 4" of fixed blade simplicity. Ti-lite for a long time, was hooked on the pocket catch. Now for folders I have spyderco byrds, cheap, reliable, not scary, and with a little zip-tie/ rubber band you can give them a pocket catch. Or.... a saw, and some file work.

And since I got it now.... A razel. 3" ringed crkt. The kydex sheath isn't my favorite, would like a leather one. but this is a fun knife. and far more interesting than scary.

Also, the no carrying a knife policies... is just stupid, in school you have boxes full of pointy weapons, heavy bludgeoning objects. But you can't carry a tool.

I got questioned in school once, because I had an RC car battery... it said "rechargeable 7.2 volt" on it real big.... had to explain what it was, because it was shiny and black, and people were scared of it. People are scared of everything.

[DZL HOG]

Most of the time I get asked
"You gotta knife on ya?"
My reply "I got my pants on dont I?"

Ive been carrying a knife since I found one in the 6th grade. In high school a buddy of mine asked to borrow my knife to get a splinter out his hand while the teacher was out, of course the teacher came back bout the time he started diggin in with it. He took it, closed it, and asked whos it was. I told him, mine, he gave it back to me and said "Dont let me see it again" He was as an ex cop.
Ive had several ppl say something like, "thats a knife there!" I carry a Benchmade Griptillian for the most part. Its clipped in my front pocket, with Leatherman on my belt. But I can flick the Grip long before most folks can stick there hand in there pocket.
Why carry more than one?
I hate to loose anything, esp a knife, no matter the value. I feel naked if I dont have one on me, so its nice to have a backup.
I use my Grip to do everything, open boxes, cut shrink wrap, strip electrical wires, clean battery post, cut plastic bands on lumber, cut hay string, cut limbs, peel fruit. I even cut a small watermelon with it Thursday at work. No one else had a knife, I wiped it off on my shirt and stuck it in the melon. My boss came out to get him a slice. I had left the knife there for others to use. He said "I dont know where your knife has been but Im gonna use it anyway." I told him "He really didnt want to know!"
I agree that every man(or woman for that matter) should carry some sort of knife. It really makes my day much easier when I can reach in pocket for a tool rather than walking around trying to find a tool.

[Harlan]

Most of the time I get out of explaing to much If I just tell them that I made it.

Q: Why do you carry a knife like that?
A: For things that need cut!

Police Officer Q: Why are you carrying that knife?

My smart ass A: Why are you?

I actually carry an axe on my back pack all over portland on my bike with out a sheath just stuck through the PALS webbing on the back. You might have seen the axe I posted on here a while back its a bit intimidating in my opinion, but no one has ever asked why or what, sometimes just a "hey cool axe"

[Mongrel]

Q: Why do you carry a knife?

A: It's lighter than a sword...

:neener:

[Harley Quinn]

The only reason why anyone would recoil in horror and ask: "You carry a knife?" is due to the fact that the last 30 years has seen the emasculation of the American male.

I have carried a pocket knife almost every day since 3rd grade, and went through High School with a 4" Buck folder in a leather belt sheath. The only time that I do not have a knife in my possession is while in "victim disarmament' zones like airplanes, courthouses, correctional facilities (just visiting!), etc. The fact that kids today get suspended from school for having a plastic butter knife in their lunchbox due to zero tolerance (more like zero intelligence) rules is a crying shame.
__________________
Lew Wallace was an optimist.

I want my country back!

This is so true, we are truly on our way out as far as rights go, and the emasclation you are talking about.

Regards,:uhoh:

[JohnnyOrygun]

I have never had anyone ask if I am carrying a knife or ask why I am "carry that!" But then again in rural Oregon almost everyone does carry a knife. I have carried a knife since I was probably 11 or 12, even carried one everyday at school, but it was never a problem. Of course that was before political correctness ruined our lives. I carry a Leatherman Wave, Benchmade Griptillian and a micra or SAK executive model. If I don't have a knife with me, I feel naked! :what:I even have a Sunday go to meeting knife, a Spyderco Delica, its a little smaller then the Griptillian and doesn't seem too obtrusive... although I do miss my wave, but I guess for one day a week I can live with out it.

Little John

[Limeyfellow]

I once offended someone's grandmother by carrying a 110. She told me I needed something less conspicuous. Go grandma.

What is it with old people and the Buck 110? My mother in law gave me the speech because she wanted me to cut out a young sapling, that was too close to the fence and so I did and she seems in wonder at the size of it. It isn't like I pulled out my kurkri.

[thebaldguy]

I always have a serrated blade lock blade knife; I also have a small flashlight, small sewing kit, and a small Leatherman style mini tool in my briefcase.

The first time someone saw the knife, they were like "You carry a knife like that?" Now they say, "Need a knife or screwdriver? Ask thebaldguy; he's got a knife, flashlight, sewing kit and a mini-tool!

I try and encourage people to be prepared.

[Brian Dale]

I'll post this story again because it strikes me as a pleasant contrast to the OP's experience:

When I was learning to run a gas chromatograph / mass spectrometer system, the fellow who showed me the ropes the first day instructed me, "now, remove the injection port septum with your knife..."

Me: "Ummm, I didn't bring it today." :o {I'd been around co-workers in a few places who felt that knives were scawwwy}

He handed me his pocket knife and said, "Can't be a chemist without a knife."

Me: "I'll have it with me tomorrow." :D

I carried a Gerber LST in my pocket for the rest of my time at that lab. The gentleman had given me a quick, remedial course in adult behavior.

[Geronimo45]

Haven't had a problem with it... and I've worn a 4" fixed blade in one of the more upscale parts of Dallas. Openly.

Folks at my most recent workplace used my knife from time to time to hack open packages. A few others I know of had their own. I used mine (tactical, evil serrated edge) in their presence to cut tape sticking boxes together on a pallet. I cut my food up with it. Ate lunch with it twice... yeah, I remembered the fork the second time, but I sold it to a more forgetful employee. :p

[22-rimfire]

Of course I carry a knife or two. I absolutely feel naked without one. I feel the same way about a watch. I use my knife every single day for something.

[mio]

i live in a rural area and work in an auto parts factory so pocket knives of various types arent real uncommon. at work most of the knives you see are designed for opening boxes. i have carried various styles of box openers since i hired in 9yrs ago however since we have really cut back manpower i find myself doing multiple jobs and sometimes i need a larger knife.

what i carry now is a smith and wesson borderguard if youre not familiar with it its a large folder half serrated and its an evil black knife. ive had a few comments on it here and there when someone needs a knife and i offer mine they go like this.

lady "wow i wouldnt want to get cut with that knife"
me "i dont want to get cut period"

different lady "what do you use that for"
me "what did you just use it for"

guy "wow thats sharp"
me "thx i sharpen it myself"

plant manager "what do you need that thing for here"
me "serrations make cutting the nylon rope easier"

ive never had anybody ask a second question about it and ive never seen anybody actually look scared when i use it.

[TimboKhan]

I can only repeat that I have never had anyone question my knife, but if it ever were to happen, my new job would be the place.

I just took a job with Weld County, and on my first day I opted to carry my discreet little Gerber. Literally 5 minutes after showing up for work on the first day, I was sitting with my new boss, and he was cutting up an apple with his little stainless Buck. I said "Hey, is that a Buck?" and he ended up giving me a lecture on why he loved that particular model of knife. I showed him my Gerber and said "Is it OK if I carry my normal knife?" He said "Sure", so now I carry (and frequently use) my big Predator II around the office. He even came in the other day and said "Hey, get that pocket sword of yours out and see if you can get this open" in reference to a box of new textbooks that had like 10 nylon straps around it. I did, and I did.

"Pocket sword" kind of made me laugh, but my new boss is kind of a cut-up anyway, no pun intended...

[Pax Jordana]

What is it with old people and the Buck 110? My mother in law gave me the speech because she wanted me to cut out a young sapling, that was too close to the fence and so I did and she seems in wonder at the size of it. It isn't like I pulled out my kurkri.

Haha! Well, the 110's kinda big as far as pocket knives go. Because really it's a belt-sheathed folder. Follow the bouncing logic..

I think people watch too much TV crime drama. To know that you walk around with a knife all day like it's no big deal makes them wonder what else you're prepared for. It's a little scary, and can make one feel dangerously ignorant.

[Beskytte]

I carry a couple knives on me. A Caracara Byrd on my right, a Pazoda CRKT on my left because its small enough to take anywhere, and a Czech bayonet on my front when I can. No comments about any knives yet and I can't conceal the bayonet. My friend said it looked like a cell phone case. Be getting a M21 and 3" ringed Razel soon. Don't really have a good fixed blade to carry.

[hignhappy00]

Q-"You carry a knife?!?"
A-"You don't?!?"
....

[GrizzlyGraves]

During one of my criminal justice classes in college a kid was doing a demo and asks, "Does anybody have a knife on them?" I responded by holding up my folded Camilus BSA lockblade. There was a subtle intake of breath across the class and the kid kinda raised his eyebrows as I pass the knife towards the front.

He proceeded to explain that "this is the most common knife used in stabbings in Spokane. Hmm. 'Official knife of the Boy Scouts of America.' Well, maybe not this knife."

Later I bought a S&W folder. I was in a watercolor class and my classmates needed to cut some paper. I kindly offered the S&W for them to use. There were a couple "you carry that to class" and "why do you need that thing?"
Funny, every day there'd be someone asking to use it.

If I get grief about one of them I just say "hey, it could be my kukhri."

[Loomis]

3 blade stockman for me. but I've been thinking about getting something like this instead.

http://www.knivesplus.com/bokerknifewharcom-bk-bo588.html

[plumberroy]

Q. you carry a knife
A. doesn't every man?

[phoglund]

I've had some reactions that frankly surprise me. I do live in Montana after all. I do work at a university though and perhaps that is the problem. Some of the reactions are more to the size of the knife (Benchmade 710 in D2 3.0" blade) The greatest reaction was from a member of the faculty from England. He exhibited big eyes and a bit of a step back. (Probably soiled himself too) "Wow, what is that for?" "Whatever I need it for."

[SageMonkey]

I've never had anyone react offended or surprised by my knife and I carry a CRKT M16-14 which looks pretty nasty. I've pulled it out dozens of times to help friends cut open our society's now ubiquitous anti-theft packaging, a purpose for which this tool truly excels with its tanto point.

I did, once, have a security guard at a local concert venue ask me to go put it in the car, but he did so in a polite enough fashion I didn't feel too bad about it.

I wonder if reactions vary upon locale. Around northern NM having a knife, and even a firearm, about is normal- whereas near Chicago some people may think it makes you evil and dangerous.

[Griff]

I usually have an SAK Rambler with a micro light fob for sheeple friendly / office use. Kinda highlights the whole "tool" aspect. They really don't need to know what's in the other pocket(s), do they? Give yourself options.

[rantingredneck]

I just bought a new SAK tonight at Target. They had a set on sale with a Tinker and a classic with a belt case for the Tinker. 15 bucks for the whole set.

I keep a mechanic in the change tray of the truck. This one might take over as my carry knife some days. Probably looks less scary than my Leatherman C301 and certainly less so than my CRKT crawford falcon.