I am afraid of knives....

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boredelmo

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No joke, I've had a traumatic experience related to owning a knife, so that wont do for EDC.

Now im looking for a sturdy metal pen that I could use to open the occasional package tape (main use would still be EDC pen as I am an avid exam taking college student), whats out there?

Links? Stainless steel is what i am considering, are there other options? Keep in mind that I am poor, stingy, and poor.
 
try the stationary section of your local X-mart. Back to school sales are coming soon so you will get to see all the new stuff.

In the mean time, you might want to look into the minor case of hoplophobia you have developed. It's a mental thing you can work through.
 
I saw a stainless body Zebra at Stables the other day.

As to being afraid of knives, they're pretty essential for food prep and serving so that must make life difficult.
 
The Parker Jotter is by far the best pen on the planet. It's about $5.00 at Wal-Mart, and I often use it for the exact purpose you stated (cutting package tape), so I can vouch that it is sturdy enough. You should definitely work through your knife issue, if you are willing, that is. I've got hardcore arachnophobia, and if someone told me to work through it I'd tell them to pound sand and piss off, so I can understand if you're unwilling. At least you recognize that it's a phobia and aren't calling for tougher knife control laws.
 
I use miter saws, circular saws, jig saws, etc with out a problem. Table saws on the other hand scare the you know what out of me---I know too many people that have lost fingers to them. Does this mean I avoid them? No. I just use extra caution when using one. It is when you lose respect for the tool that you get hurt.

I've been carrying those cheap plastic papermates for years. They work fine for popping packaging tape.
 
Re-Thinking EDC

Elmo, I believe I get where you're coming from, but I think there may be a way to have the tool you need rather than a funky compromise.

Assuming that there isn't some compelling external reason for you not to have an actual knife, I think you might consider a small knife. A really small knife. Laughably small.

I carry a Case Peanut. It's bordering on tiny. It's perfect for opening blister packs, packages of lunch meat, various sealed bags, and my mail. It's not the kind of knife over which one would ever become confused regarding its proper application and usefulness.

The Peanut is small, but it's not the smallest thing out there. I have smaller knives, and I've carried them. I have one knife whose blade isn't much longer than my thumbnail is wide. I don't use it much, but it still does those things I don't want to damage a pen doing.

I have a couple of Buck knives in that same size class. Right along the lines of tiny.

Like I said, as long as there isn't some compelling external reason not to (like campus regs and that sort of thing), a small-to-tiny folding knife would give you access to an appropriate tool without risk of usage confusion.

Since I don't know all the aspects of your current situation, I don't know how viable an idea this might be.

Anyway. Just an alternative that you might think about.
 
Power tools scare me. Especially table saws.

A good pen can be an effective improvised tool.
 
I can see that if someone had been arrested or detained for having a knife someplace they might be "frightened" of having a knife on them. Someone that does day to day carry for most of their life could very easily run afoul of weapons laws, like say a lawyer that seldom goes to court being tackled at the metal detector at a court house.

Not wanting to carry a knife is not a mental illness, it is sometimes just the most reasonable way of dealing with a real problem. THink about someone that might be disbarred and loose their livelyhood for instance for acciedentally having a knife on them.

Of course a convicted felon might also not want to have even a suggestion of a weapon on them as well.

I can think of lots of other reasons as well.

I liked the older ( I assume they still make them) Cross ball point pens or the Space Pens both with stainless or nickled finish. I tore much tape on packages with them when I worked somewhere they did not appreciate even my small SAK on my key chain at (they asked me not to bring it in).

Give him a break guys.

And yes, I still had a couple of knives on me at that work place that just never made their existance known, but that does not mean he HAS to to be a real man.

-Bob Hollingsworth
 
Multitools are a great for getting used to carrying a knife. Most do have a blade, yes. Most are carried in an external pouch, not "concealed." So, unless you're in a school or federal building, nobody really cares. A Swiss Army Knife can do the same - only the most aggressive anti-weapons policies even look for them. Again, schools and Feds.

The Zebra (?) F701 is out, all stainless, looks nice. Plus, most mini-maglites are considered the next step up from pens and use the same techniques. An EDC light is very helpful, I use mine almost as much as a knife, and in a choice between, I'd keep the light.

Don't feel confined to not having a utility blade for EDC, just choose where you may not feel comfortable carrying. You can always but it back in your pocket later in the day.
 
boredelmo,

I can understand why you feel the way you do, and I respect you.
You are not the first , nor will you be the last to feel as you do.
None of my business, just do understand I can understand from life experiences assisting others with concerns with knifes, guns, etc.

Some folks were traumatized by abusive folks that used knives, guns, ball bats...

It is tough to use some tools, some suggestions If I may that I and mine have used to assist with this:

Scissors.
There are number really nice small scissors on the market, that cut very well.
I mean good looking and tasteful.

Tweezers.

A.G. Russell has some very nice scissors and tweezers.

Ink Pen:
Seriously, the clear Bic Disposable is what I found to work best in opening packages.
I worked in the Main OR and shared this with others in the OR.
Yes, some used nice pens, still if a pen is dropped in Theatre, it stays dropped . If that case is HepB, HIV, or MRSA, you lost whatever you dropped.

Closed the pointy cap will open some items, and it pokes holes in packaging.
The cap itself, has a very nice firm clip, and it will really open a package, even tough ones.
So this pen is great with the cap on, off, or in use.
The writing part, is also very good at opening packages, and with the pen in use, one has two pointy ends.
If the clear plastic body "breaks" , it is really sharp.

-Pen-Light.
For a time, the 2 AAA penlights were used. Just like doctors and nurses use.

Ray-o-Vac has one I carry and recommend that is 1 AAA and it LED. $3, comes ready to use with battery. It looks like a metal ink pen.
Touch light, and I have used these during tornadoes and floods and all sorts of things.

-Small screwdriver.
Just 6", with simple handle and I prefer flat heads.
Great for boxes, society friendly and pretty nifty for all sorts of uses.

-SAK Classic SD.
Forget the blade.
Mess with the scissors, nail file, screwdriver, tweezers, and toothpick.

Tool use.
It just takes getting over the hump using some tools.

-Carton Cutter.
$2 for the one like grocery stores use.
It takes a single edge razor blade.
Push to open, push to close,
Very safe to use.
The blade gets dull or broken, slide out the inside, reverse the blade and use the other corner.

Now if you pull the insides out, remove blade, the blade fits into the handle stop.
This is scraper.
I keep one in my vehicle to get bugs off headlights and windshield, before I use the brush and water at the gas station.
Works great for removing decals, paint off windows and all sorts of things.


I have a SAK , new, I broke the main blade off on purpose.
I also have a Buck Deuce, the really small two blade pen knife that looks like the Lancer, I cut both blades off of on purpose as well.

These are those the next folks that need to take it one day at a time and, and just breath, putting one foot in front of the other.

Like I said, you are good in my book, have my respect, and I do understand.

It works if you work it.


s
 
In my line of work I sometimes require a knife. . . .

for cutting tape etc. on a letter or package and I really don't want to send one of my customers over the edge as I do so. Clearly something small, unobtrusive and non-threatening is called for so I always leave my Ochs shroud knife at home. Just about the cuest little thing ever is the Olfa Touchknife. Its about the size and thickness of a silver dollar and a button on the side of it allows you to deploy a spring loaded blade about 3/8" long. Release the button and the tiny blade retracts under spring pressure. I've had no luck keeping pens in my pocket as they invariariably get caught on a seat belt shoulder strap or break the pocket clip but I've never lost the touchknife. The only place it hasn't been welcomed is aboard a commercial aircraft. Even people who don't like knives seem to think this thing is cute. I got mine at an arts and crafts store for a dollar twenty nine plus tax.

http://flickr.com/photos/mrtea/277585128/
http://www.rexart.com/product1941.html
 
Funny, the company I work for has a safety policy that we are not allowed to carry knives.
They feel that we are not capable of using them in a safe manner.
This is actually a reason to be disciplined, possibly terminated.
Just about everybody still has at least one pocket knife around or on them.
I have two.:uhoh::uhoh::cool:
 
I would look at a small knife such as a Vic swiss army knife (Soldier Model). Every item that cuts efficiently and is not a knife per se is often more dangerous to the user than a knife. However, there are some excellent utility knives made these days that are safer with the blade that folds into the handle. I'm not crazy about utility knives. A linoleum knife might work as well. They kind of have a hooked shape.

A pen just does not quite get it for me. An ice pick which is quite useful, is dangerous to carry but okay to keep in your desk for opening letters and so forth.

SOG makes a model called the Access Card which is fairly cool. A new version should be coming out just any time Access Card II which I think is pretty nice. But it is still a small knife.
 
Tread lightly please.

There is a difference in one being Traumatized and having a legitimate fear of knives and Tyranny using fear to control the masses.

All any of us can truly share are our experiences and observations. THRs Mission Statement includes, still is not limited to, responsible firearm ownership.


boredelmo, posted in a public forum a fear.
That takes a lot of guts to do, and I for one respect this member for doing so.
THR is accessed via Internet, and Internet is Global.

One never knows whom is going to hear, see, or read something they do, and the affect it will have on someone else.
What one says, and how they say it - what one does, and how they do it - and one what one writes , and how it is read, affects persons.

Someone else might have a fear of knives, that lives on your street, or in another country that has been through a trauma where a knife was used.

Being a responsible firearm owner, extends past owning guns, and knives and any other physical object discussed here on THR.


We have an opportunity to assist others with a fear of knives.

Tread lightly please, as I have no problem hitting the "report to mod" button.

Evil is evil.
Evil will traumatize.
Evil is the intent and whiskey, knives, guns, baseball bats, tire tools fists, scrap piece of wood, toy trucks, framed pictures, whistling tea kettles, chairs, lamps, belts, switches (hedge), brooms, coat hangers, the dark, screams, crying, sobs, puppy and kittens being kicked, doors slamming, ...

It is none of my business what the reason is a person is afraid of something that traumatized them.
It is my responsibility to be respectful of them and their fears.
If asked to assist them, it is my responsibility to be respectful as I assist.


If one were to get brutally honest with themselves, they too have something that causes them fear.

Everyone has something that they had to work past.
Riding a bike without training wheels, walking to school all by themselves, driving home with snow on the ground, getting lost in a department store, being in car wreck, ....
 
A multi-tool might be useful. Most contain a small knife blade that could probably be ground off or ignored.
 
I can respect where you are coming from. We all have fears... I know for me sometimes the are rational, sometimes they aren't.

Someday if you decide to try and work through this just ask and I will be happy to recommend some small, but useful knives that are very non-threatening.

For now lets look at your needs...

My first thought was a good pair of folding scissors. Maybe a Swiss Army Knife with the blade removed? Lots of useful tools on one of those.. IF you decide to do this let me know... I might be able to help!:D

The new tactical pen from Benchmade is another option if you want a pen. Its pretty pointy and metal... don't think its going to do too good against fiberglass packing tape though.

Here is another thought... how about a key with the tip modified slightly to "tear" through packing tape...?? Just trying to think outside the box.

One of the fold up nail clippers that A.G. Russel sells might be what you are looking for...

Hope that helps and if you ever need help finding a very small non-aggressive knife we will be here for you then also!

Tom
 
Thanks for all the well thought out replies, esp sm.

I will admit that I am afraid of knives, slightly by the memories that are brought on upon them but mainly, I am afraid of people who are afraid of knives.

I am a young kid but I stock shelves to get by, so that Olfa touchknife looks absolutely perfect. Just have to figure out how to attach a clip to that thing.

Thanks a lot again guys, I have read every word posted.
 
Normally I wouldn't jump into a thread like this, but an idea occurred to me while reading. Probably a stupid one, but that's about par for my course.

Boredelmo, assuming that your traumatic experience involved a knife injury, and that being cut by a knife is the reason you wouldn't like carrying one all the time, perhaps taping it closed might give you some peace of mind. Just a small knife, like ArfinGreebly suggested, taped closed when you aren't using it.

Sorry to interject; just a thought.

Edit: Doesn't seem that fear of injury is the cause, so just pretend I minded my own business the way I probably should have...
 
boredelmo,

It is I that thanks you!

You are assisting a lot more folks than you realize.
Seriously!

I took a look at your location after I read where you shared :
I will admit that I am afraid of knives, slightly by the memories that are brought on upon them but mainly, I am afraid of people who are afraid of knives.
Click to expand...

Here is how I read the room.
This "room" reminds me a lot of "rooms" in the UK, and of Restrictive workplaces and campuses in the USA.
"
Houston has been near the top of the list of crime statistics more than once, including murder, and more near the top at times more so than others.

Austin has had "societal attitude" changes over the years as well. Some "say" this has something to do with political leanings .
[We are not going there, I am just being polite].

When one hears nothing but negative all the time, it wears one down. Everyone is going on about crime, murder, and whatever else, and wanting to put the blame on something.
People holler at one another, including elected officials , for a fix.

If you blame a "thing" you can shift the blame, have a band-aid fix, scapegoat, ...whatever one wants to call it, or needs to have to rationalize and qualify what actions are taken, or not taken.

i.e. Kids do not like broccoli
Just mention to a kid the word "broccoli" and they hate it.
They have no idea what this broccoli is, what it looks like it, what one is supposed to do with it, or not do with it, - except - hate it.

Why?
Because they have heard bigger kids go on and on about "hating broccoli".
Whatever this broccoli stuff is, it is bad, nasty, the most awfullest stuff and it needs to be banned!

"MoOM, what are these small green round thingies on my plate?
"Broccoli"

"Oh noooo! Not that!"
A kid can scoot a chair back, hop down and set a world record running for cover.

I tell kids broccoli is a very expensive, special veggie, and they cannot have any, as they have to be so tall to appreciate and enjoy it.
My hand is always shown above the height than the kid asking.
This of course means a kid wants some.
This green round ball looking thingie, is "expensive", "special" and "and one has to be so tall".

I get these kids looks, as they know me , and I tell them, it is broccoli.
They don't have to like it, just take a bite.
They do, some like it 'okay' , some not at all, and some like it better with cheese.
Heck kids would eat worms if you put enough cheese on them.
This is the part I mention the book "How to eat worms" and another mentoring dealie with that book...

My point is, some folks have no frigging idea why crime is what it is, so they blame a object as that is what everyone else is blaming.

Switchblades were designed with ladies in mind.
Now switchblades are banned in a lot of places as some punks acted as punks and "switch blades did this, so it must be the switchblades fault".

We don't have switchblades legal in many areas, we still have punks.

I mean it is one thing to be afraid of a switchblade because one was cut, or it was used to get a door open and items stolen...heck half the folks blaming and wanting switchblades "banned" had no idea what one looked like until shown.

boredelmo,
Suggestions.

You stock shelves you say. Fine, try one of the carton cutters I mentioned.
Grocery Stores when I was coming up, used these all the time. Companies gave them to Grocery Stores.
Maxwell House Coffee, Gerber Baby Food, Campbell's Soup, Coca-Cola, Alpo Dog Food, ...etc., had these company products and logo's on these carton cutters they gave to grocery stores as advertising , and employees were given these to use.

Tom Krein is a nice guy.
PM him and ask him about a Victorinox Paring Knife he and I talked about.
Get one of these to use at home.
You can always toss it in a box and put it up.
Still, I trust Tom and I betcha, this Vic Paring knife might assist in getting past some things.

You have a right to your fears, I am not discounting these.
I respect you too much to do so.

Reading the room if you will, you are around a lot of folks with the "Broccoli Syndrome" when it comes to objects and crime, and knife is the object.

D.C. has a Broccoli Syndrome with Guns...

Get a carton cutter, paring knife, and big order of cheese dip.
Pig out on the cheese dip and see if the knives are more palatable.

Hey , if nothing else, you got to pig out on cheese dip...
 
I really agree with steve's idea about the screwdriver.

I carry one now...I have a plastic Garcia y Vega cigar tube, with a cork shoved down in, that I use to carry the screwdriver in.

LOTS of uses.

D.C. has a Broccoli Syndrome with Guns...
Click to expand...

LOL
 
As for a tool to open packages that is not a "real" knife:

Today in the grocery store I noticed on one of the plus sale racks a device from Scotch (the tape folks) that has a teenie tiny section of razor blade tucked well back into a handle so it can not be seen or touched.

Have not tried one but if some someone is afraid of knives, it may be a psycolgically safe box opener or mail packe openner.

Have not tried goiong on the net to look for one, you might.

-Bob Hollingsworth
 
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