Show us your knives

[vanordinaire]

When I was a kid and my Grandad gave me his old army knife, he also gave me a piece of advice.

'Always keep a knife, a bit of string, and a shilling in your pocket and you'll be ready for anything'

The shilling has grown due to inflation, but his advice still rings true.

[deckster]

gregs656 said:

Most Leatherman tools and multi tools in general are illegal to carry without good reason in the UK because of the locking blades - they are actually offensive weapons where no good reason exists. Some Swiss Army knives would face the same problem. My knife which you quoted is a sub 3" non-locking penknife which is perfectly legal to carry without any reason at all.

That you don't find them useful doesn't mean they aren't useful per se - I use mine most days.

Quite agree...we all have different needs. I'm not arguing about legality mind, which is totally different.

I am however genuinely intrigued about what you find to do with a knife 'most days' that means you have to carry one about with you everywhere.

[matthias73]

Thanks Deckster, you put my point across where I wasn't able to.

[gregs656]

deckster said:

Quite agree...we all have different needs. I'm not arguing about legality mind, which is totally different.

I am however genuinely intrigued about what you find to do with a knife 'most days' that means you have to carry one about with you everywhere.

Excellent.

Intentionally or not you are making a legal point - you (and Matthias) have Swiss army knives and multitools in one camp and then, essentially, weapons in the other.

There is no legal basis for that distinction. Practically I personally wouldn't carry a Swiss Army knife or a (non-locking) multitool because they are heavy and contain tools I don't use regularly. I wouldn't carry a single bladed Swiss Army knife due to the tendency for all Swiss Army knives to close on fingers, and because they snap shut they can easily cut through to the bone.

I suspect that what ever I said would not be enough, moreover even if I used it for nothing at all this week I still wouldn't be doing anything wrong. You are coming at this from the angle that knives are weapons, where as I am just picking the best (most practical, safest, best materials + design etc) tool.

Edited by gregs656 on Monday 29th February 20:28

[TheJimi]

deckster said:

Knives as in 'keys, wallet, deadly weapon'...less so.

That says more about you than anything else, imo.

[V8RX7]

matthias73 said:

Who the fk needs a carry knife in the UK? Why do you want one?

I've always carried one - but I grew up on a farm, work on cars and now buildings.

I sometimes find myself in a shop and realise it's slightly visible as it's clipped in my pocket so I'll hide it.

I'd never take one on a night out but in my daily life I'm lost without it - used at least 4 times a day, carried for 30+ years without incident.

[deckster]

TheJimi said:

deckster said:

Knives as in 'keys, wallet, deadly weapon'...less so.

That says more about you than anything else, imo.

Charmed I'm sure, but I rather suspect that a straw poll of people who aren't reading a 'Show us your knives' thread on a car forum known for its above-average population of wonks would show that I am in the majority on this one.

[matthias73]

gregs656 said:

Excellent.

Intentionally or not you are making a legal point - you (and Matthias) have Swiss army knives and multitools in one camp and then, essentially, weapons in the other.

There is no legal basis for that distinction. Practically I personally wouldn't carry a Swiss Army knife or a (non-locking) multitool because they are heavy and contain tools I don't use regularly. I wouldn't carry a single bladed Swiss Army knife due to the tendency for all Swiss Army knives to close on fingers, and because they snap shut they can easily cut through to the bone.

I suspect that what ever I said would not be enough, moreover even if I used it for nothing at all this week I still wouldn't be doing anything wrong. You are coming at this from the angle that knives are weapons, where as I am just picking the best (most practical, safest, best materials + design etc) tool.

Edited by gregs656 on Monday 29th February 20:28

You know what. It was actually the phrase "carry knife" that offends me.
Because it's the same phrase that americans use when they describe the pistol they carry around for no good reason. Basically people who go around their daily business carrying weapons in the hope that one day they can use them and be a hero.

If someone on this forum turned round and said they were genuinely threatened and felt like they needed a knife to protect themselves I would actually be okay with that.

But similarly, what are you using this knife for every day that warrants needing it? I'm asking out of curiosity, not malice.

[deckster]

gregs656 said:

I suspect that what ever I said would not be enough, moreover even if I used it for nothing at all this week I still wouldn't be doing anything wrong. You are coming at this from the angle that knives are weapons, where as I am just picking the best (most practical, safest, best materials + design etc) tool.

Please don't get me wrong. I have a variety of knives that I use around the house, doing odd jobs, and they're indispensable when out camping in the wild. I love the craftsmanship of a good knife and they absolutely can be desirable objects in themselves - it's just that I struggle to see a regular use that would justify a 'daily carry'. And, as you bring it up, I have never implied that you are doing anything 'wrong' or in any way that would fall foul of the law.

On your first point - to be fair you haven't said anything yet that I could use as a basis for any opinion. I am genuinely interested in what you use a knife for on an everyday basis that means that you feel the need to carry one around with you; as I've said, I personally don't have any such need however that clearly doesn't mean that you don't either. Hence the question!

[TheJimi]

deckster said:

TheJimi said:

deckster said:

Knives as in 'keys, wallet, deadly weapon'...less so.

That says more about you than anything else, imo.

Charmed I'm sure, but I rather suspect that a straw poll of people who aren't reading a 'Show us your knives' thread on a car forum known for its above-average population of wonks would show that I am in the majority on this one.

Be charmed all you like.

The point remains that you choose to see a weapon, whereas most of us on this thread (I hope) see tools and interesting tactile objects. You and Matthias are being deliberately provocative to suit your own agendas here.

You know that to be the case, Matthias knows that to be the case and everyone reading your comments knows it to be the case.

Edited by TheJimi on Monday 29th February 22:59

[V8RX7]

matthias73 said:

You know what. It was actually the phrase "carry knife" that offends me.

Because it's the same phrase that americans use when they describe the pistol they carry around for no good reason. Basically people who go around their daily business carrying weapons in the hope that one day they can use them and be a hero.

Or because they don't want to be helpless or a victim.

Pretty much the same as the thousands in the UK who study martial arts, boxing etc

I think we should legalise stun guns / tazers / pepper spray - as they enable people to defend themselves against multiple / stronger attackers.

Equally if I were to be attacked I'd rather they use one of those weapons than a club, bottle or knife which may kill or change my life permanently.

[gregs656]

deckster said:

On your first point - to be fair you haven't said anything yet that I could use as a basis for any opinion. I am genuinely interested in what you use a knife for on an everyday basis that means that you feel the need to carry one around with you; as I've said, I personally don't have any such need however that clearly doesn't mean that you don't either. Hence the question!

I don't know if you wear a watch but I do - I am used to checking my watch to tell the time. Lots of other ways to tell the time, but I use my watch so 'warrant' or 'feel the need' to wear it because I use it, and i really notice when it's not there. Same with my pocket knife; it would never occur to me to use keys or scissors to open a package although they would work - just like I could tell the time on my phone - I choose to use my pocket knife.

It's unfortunate that so much has been read into the phrase 'carry knife', carrying on the above analogy it was meant in the tone of 'daily' watch.

Edited by gregs656 on Monday 29th February 23:31

[matthias73]

TheJimi said:

Be charmed all you like.

The point remains that you choose to see a weapon, whereas most of us on this thread (I hope) see tools and interesting tactile objects. You and Matthias are being deliberately provocative to suit your own agendas here.

You know that to be the case, Matthias knows that to be the case and everyone reading your comments knows it to be the case.

Edited by TheJimi on Monday 29th February 22:59

You know what you're right. When I see a flick knife I see a weapon because that's what it is. If there's no application for that knife other than stabbing people, then it needs to stay at home.

V8RX7 said:

Or because they don't want to be helpless or a victim.

Pretty much the same as the thousands in the UK who study martial arts, boxing etc

I think we should legalise stun guns / tazers / pepper spray - as they enable people to defend themselves against multiple / stronger attackers.

Equally if I were to be attacked I'd rather they use one of those weapons than a club, bottle or knife which may kill or change my life permanently.

Give people with bad intentions and easy way of getting hold of tazers and then give them an excuse to have them in public. I understand your point of view but it just doesn't work in practise.


I still stand by my point. Nobody needs a knife in the UK in a situation that can't be easily explained to a policeman or anyone who asks, for that matter. I wouldn't bat my eyelid at a swiss army, opinel or leatherman.

I use this for work:



It's absolutely brilliant for what I need it for, but I'd have to be smoking serious crack to intentionally take it to the shops with me, or anywhere else for that matter.

gregs656 said:

It's unfortunate that so much has been read into the phrase 'carry knife', carrying on the above analogy it was meant in the tone of 'daily' watch.

Edited by gregs656 on Monday 29th February 23:31

You know what I apologise. The phrase "carry" doesn't sit well with me for reasons I've already mentioned and I assumed you were a weirdo.

Edited by matthias73 on Tuesday 1st March 00:03

[matthias73]

I believe it's a climbing knife.

Has a locking blade and can be opened and closed with one hand, albeit slowly.
I think I paid about 20 dollars for mine.

It's a great bit of kit just please don't take yours to the cinema!

[matthias73]

It's a remix folding clip knife.

If you get one, don't get the tactical one which has a completely useless squared off end. Make sure it's got a traditional rounded blade. I like the serrated bit for getting through wire and rope but it you want it for carving or sprouts you probably won't need that.

Mine often spends weeks completely soaked through and covered in grime and it still works just fine.

[gregs656]

matthias73 said:

You know what I apologise. The phrase "carry" doesn't sit well with me for reasons I've already mentioned and I assumed you were a weirdo.

I still stand by my point. Nobody needs a knife in the UK in a situation that can't be easily explained to a policeman or anyone who asks, for that matter. I wouldn't bat my eyelid at a swiss army, opinel or leatherman.

Thanks.

I don't wish to labour the legal point but there are knives which require no justification to the police, and those that would. Leathermans and Opinels mostly would, as they lock. As would your Gerber, so you're sensible not to take it to the cinema. It's really important to be on the right side of the law here, the punishments are severe.

I had another Spyderco with me today, the Pingo (Designed to comply with Danish knife laws)



Incidently, the previous Spyderco was the PITS. Designed to comply with UK knife laws, by a exceptionally nice guy called Mike Read. He designed a knife that was as safe as he could make it - so for example the chances of it closing accidentally are slim, it was his first design - subsequently picked up by Spyderco and it went into production. I have a custom one and a Spyderco one, here's the custom:

[matthias73]

Not trying to get the last word in here but my point isn't necessarily relating to the word of the law but rather what most people consider to be okay.

No policeman would take a leatherman off you unless you were waving it in someone's face!

[gregs656]

matthias73 said:

Not trying to get the last word in here but my point isn't necessarily relating to the word of the law but rather what most people consider to be okay.

No policeman would take a leatherman off you unless you were waving it in someone's face!

Unfortunately you are incorrect.

If you are found with a locking blade with out good reason (on a leatherman or not) then you are in possession of an offensive weapon. Minimum sentencing guidelines is a 6 month custodial sentence. This does happen, and I wouldn't want to be the unlucky one.

This has been written about in the papers, you should find a few articles with a google.

http://metro.co.uk/2006/11/20/brigadier-held-for-k...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3...

Edited by gregs656 on Tuesday 1st March 01:09

Edited by gregs656 on Tuesday 1st March 01:14

[SlimJim16v]

First, a knife, even a locking one, is still a knife. You will however be guilty, unless you have good reason, of possesion of a bladed article, section whatever it is. A knife will only become an offensive weapon if used as such, or you admit that is the reason for having it, ie self defence.

Your first link shows that the law and it's enforcers are asses. Although it doesn't say, I'm guessing it was probably a locking 5cm knife.

Your second link, he had a colapsible baton, an offensive weapon per se. Th Swiss army knnife is immaterial, unless it locked.

[cardigankid]

fk's sake boys.

I've got a few Swiss Army knives and a German Army pocket knife, but what on earth do you want with all these offensive weapons. And before anyone asks, no, I am not going to meet you round the back.