Being old and grey, i was recently thinking of the knives I have had.My first was a beat up old folder of unknown make and quite ugly, I was 7 years old. The blade broke one day when I tried to open something, I threw it away.When I joined the scouts I bought several cheap knives, many broke, some I lost, none were memorable.Until I was given my first SAK, it was a hand me down that I kept for many years.Worn and broken, chips out of the blade and the scale was damaged and glued together, but for a kid with little money and parents with less, it was wonderful.It was a sad loss when I went to use it one day and it had fallen out of my pocket, through a hole.When I started work I bought my first SAK, its now beat up and worn, it was well used, I lost or misplaced it years ago.I was given several SAKs over the next 20 years, some small, some medium sized.Some were broken or damaged beyond use, some were I have no idea what happened them.None had any real "Tools" they were simple 2 blade and can opener and screwdriver knives.I bought knives regularly over the next few years, some Boker, some other makes, none were particularly memorable.I preferred a simple single bladed knife, one hand opening and very sharp.I still have some of them, discarded when I found a better, nicer, prettier knife, they were simply put in a drawer and left.They are now being found, cleaned and placed into my collection.As I entered my 40s I started looking for a utility knife.I was given or bought several crappy multitools, some were semi-functional, some were complete and utter crap.I was given a small SAK one day and became interested in them again.And for a while I was given several SAKs from various companies and suppliers.Some I used to death, some I gave away, some I simply lost.One I did keep though, it was a simple one that is still used on all the rough stuff to this day.The white scales are worn and damaged, the knives small and large are worn and bent, but its still the grab knife for anything that requires cutting.I bought my first leatherman at around 50 years of age and found the tool I was looking for.It was a Wave, great tool, but not as comfortable or as easy to carry as some knives.Then I purchased a simple Wingman, loved it so much I bought several as gifts, carry it often.I also have a love of Damascus knives.I have several, they hold an edge really well and all are razor sharp.Cant carry them much though, they rust because of the blades and the cops would have a coronary if they searched me and found one of these things. A while ago, at a market I saw an old Craftsman sitting in a box with several other Victornox knives.It was sticky, dirty, and opening the blade quite hard, but something about it appealed to me.I purchased it for a piddly $25 or $30.It cleaned up beautifully, it was unused, just dirty.This was my first real Swiss Army Knife, with more than just a couple of blades, it had tools and things for all manner of stuff.I now have a Hercules, its a tool to me, to be used and abused.So, over 53 years of knife ownership what have I learned?well....You get what you pay for, cheap knives are......cheap knives.The same for multitools.Knives also need to be sharpThe few times I have cut myself have been with blunt knives.In 53 years I have never used a knife as a weapon in earnest.I say that because I trained in martial arts and we fought with Karambit knives (rubber) and learned to use them well.I have a couple of real karambits as well, but knowing what they can do, I would have to be really desperate to actually fight with one and seriously mean to harm someone.I have also learned that life without a knife is a pain.When I don't have one in my pocket or belt, I always seem to need it for something.Even the wife, daughter, some and friends will ask me to cut, fix mend or adjust something at any time and any where knowing I have my tool.They know I always carry. Its horrible when its just not there, its like an extension of my hand.That brings me to my last musing.In 53 years I have used and enjoyed carrying my knives.My father did likewise for over 75 years.We have never considered using them as weapons...ever.And yet, more and more, I'm beginning to feel self conscious about carrying my tool for fear that the cops will charge me.The nanny state of NSW Australia take no excuses, even the micro Victornox is considered a weapon.My father barely got off a charge for carrying a bottle opener with a 1 inch blade, he was 82 years old at the time.I can just see an 82 year old attacking someone with a 1 inch bladed bottle opener, bloody stupid constabulary.If the Seargent at the cop shop had been as idiotic as the officers, he could have ended up in gaol.So now I must always consider where I am going and if the chances of being searched is a possibility.Its sad when a most useful tool is not allowed, simply because some fools have created a problem with their stupidity.Hopefully some will find it interesting.
Great read gregozedobe As the home to Crocodile Dundee (who can forget that knife?), and the great ‘outback’ with its share of nasties, it’s really surprising how draconian the rules are. Are these rules just for the city?
I’m 67 , carried something since I was six or seven .First good knife was a Vic SAK , when I was11 . Always carried some bladed articlel ever since . I learned not to buy cheap stuff too , at a very early age . In 1967 , got my first locking folder , a Buck 110 , always schleped a folder ever since . Of late ( since 1984, and a Leartherman PST ) , a multi has been part of the mix . Have only used one once in a SD context , a Buck 110 , used as a fist load , pure self defence , and a measured level of force . I can’t tell you how many I’ve owned , of late the herd has been thinned ,good stuff , I no longer carry , has been gifted to others , and hopefully found good homes . Chris
Quote from: Max Stone on February 01, 2019, 11:22:51 AMGreat read gregozedobe As the home to Crocodile Dundee (who can forget that knife?), and the great ‘outback’ with its share of nasties, it’s really surprising how draconian the rules are. Are these rules just for the city?Thanks There aren't really that many nasties in Oz (the media often likes to hype it up a lot for more impact and newsworthiness). In fact crocodiles are the only thing that actively hunts humans to kill (most shark attacks are believed to be a case of mistaken identity).Out in the real bush there are hardly any people, let alone police, so unless you are being stupid you are unlikely to get in trouble for having knife, and if you are preparing/eating your own food then you will need a knife. Firearms are possibly more likely to lead to a po-chat, depending on the circumstances. If you have a licence and are sensible then again, probably no drama. In my experiences most police are just like us, they don't want any drama (and especially the extra paper-work involved).
Interesting post Valkie, and don’t forget the cassowarie, considered the most dangerous bird in the world (along with the ostrich) with documented human fatalities.
Yep - Mee too Ctach em and take em outside - Even Red Backs
Quote from: Old man Chris on February 05, 2019, 01:25:34 AMI’m 67 , carried something since I was six or seven .First good knife was a Vic SAK , when I was11 . Always carried some bladed articlel ever since . I learned not to buy cheap stuff too , at a very early age . In 1967 , got my first locking folder , a Buck 110 , always schleped a folder ever since . Of late ( since 1984, and a Leartherman PST ) , a multi has been part of the mix . Have only used one once in a SD context , a Buck 110 , used as a fist load , pure self defence , and a measured level of force . I can’t tell you how many I’ve owned , of late the herd has been thinned ,good stuff , I no longer carry , has been gifted to others , and hopefully found good homes . ChrisI don't think Id ever consider using a knife for self defence.It takes too long to get out and, having trained in martial arts for many years, I know how easy it is to get it off someone.On the other hand, if I was seriously considering using a knife on any individual.It would be my Karambit, but its not the sort of knife you can use a "measured" level of force.They are designed to do serious damage, and my training was all about finishing off my target.After many years of personal abuse, my old body is carrying some baggage.My knees are less than perfect, the old back is as strong as a paper straw and the hips go out more than a prom queen.For these reasons I use a cane or sometimes a 5 foot long walking stick.For self defence these are my weapons of choice, I can use "measured" force and simply hurt, injure, disable or seriously wound my opponent at will.But, in all honesty, Id rather walk away (or limp away in my case).I have nothing to prove, and I really don't like hurting people, even stupid people.Besides, my little woman doesn't like violence.She wouldn't even attend my tournaments when I fought.No, Knives are tools to me.