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Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: Valkie on February 01, 2019, 04:21:06 AM

Title: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Valkie on February 01, 2019, 04:21:06 AM
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 sharp
The 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.

Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: gerleatherberman on February 01, 2019, 04:33:57 AM
Great musings and stories, Valkie! Thank you for sharing them. :salute:

It is sad that some places are so crazy about utility knife/tool carrying. Most stabbings and such are done with kitchen knives from what I have read. It is rare to hear anything about SAKs and MTs being used to hurt anyone other than oneself(accidentally of course. Ouch).

Maybe the fear and paranoia will subside one day and you'll be able to carry your tools without fear of police intervention.  :multi:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Mizedog on February 01, 2019, 04:41:15 AM
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 sharp
The 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.
Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge. I've learned to listen to those who have experience.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Aloha on February 01, 2019, 06:18:27 AM
What a good read.  Thanks for posting this.  It is a shame that you have to carry in fear.  Its a shame that bad apples always seem to spoil it for everyone.  Be safe and keep them sharp  :salute:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: gregozedobe on February 01, 2019, 11:02:02 AM
Thanks for the story  :tu:

I carry a Squirt P4 as my EDC, if I ever show it to anyone I always show the pliers first, most people just think it is a "cute" tool rather than a dangerous "weapon". 

If I am ever asked by the police to show what's in my pockets I'll do the same (and hope common sense prevails), but to be fair in all my 67 years I've never had that sort of encounter with the police.  These days it is usually at an RBT so a polite request to blow in the machine to see if I have been drinking and show my licence, so zero drama there.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Max Stone on February 01, 2019, 11:22:51 AM
Great read gregozedobe  :like:

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?
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Poncho65 on February 01, 2019, 12:11:02 PM
Great read with the history of you and your knives and tools, Valkie :salute: Sorry to hear in the last years that the laws have tightened down so much :-\ :cheers:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Huntsman on February 01, 2019, 12:20:40 PM
Nice stories and thoughts Valkie - SAKs and LMs are the best!!
So they really took your Dad to the cop shop for carrying a BO with a blade - Unbelievable

@Max - Nope the rules are state-wide - I think the Tasmania rules are worse - They explicitly mention multitools with blades as illegal.
Although you can carry if you have 'good reason' - And I guess killing crocodiles in the outback could be a good reason

As another NSW resident I do always slightly worry about the SAK I am carrying in my pocket and the PST I usually have in my bag!

Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: gregozedobe on February 01, 2019, 02:58:19 PM
Great read gregozedobe  :like:

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  :tu:

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).
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Max Stone on February 01, 2019, 03:15:41 PM
Makes sense! Just don’t go waving your squirt around in public  :)
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: KBM3 on February 01, 2019, 03:50:36 PM
Such a great post that highlights how different countries view knives. Even here in the US, every state has different laws when it comes to knives. While some states are very lenient to knife laws, some are downright harsh. My home state of Texas just legalized Bowie knives a couple of years ago.  I was always astonished that you could not carry a Bowie knife in Texas. At least we rectified that wrong.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Alan K. on February 01, 2019, 10:57:15 PM
Thanks for the interesting read. I always enjoy your posts. :cheers:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Butch on February 01, 2019, 11:23:05 PM
Great read but it does highlight the unalterable truth, If you want something messed up royally, let government do it.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Valkie on February 02, 2019, 04:56:30 AM
Thanks for the posts guys.

It wasn't intended as a cop bash, many cops are quite OK.
Yes my dad was arrested.
It was stupid, and totally unnecessary.
I think the cop was having a bad day.
Dad was upset, I was furious, and I walked into the police station with my phone on record SHOUKD it get to court.

Had a need to use my tool yesterday.
My damn office chair fell apart, the screws in the backrest came loose.
Had to take the back off, flat screwdriver
Find the screws, after the fell out and decided to go in four different directions
Screw them back in with the Phillips head screwdriver.
Re-attach the back and all done in less than 10 min

Had I gone downstairs to the workshop, grabbed the necessary tools, fixed the chair and returned the tools, it woukd have been 3/4 hour job.

Love my tools
Love having them on hand.

Cheers guys.


Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: gerleatherberman on February 02, 2019, 05:05:49 AM
 :cheers:

Not much like the feeling of having what you need when you need it. MTs save my butt at least 20 times a week. Sometimes hundreds of times a week. Every job I've had involves the employer wondering how I do my work so quickly and effectively. The secret? Not running to my tool box everytime I need a simple tool. :)
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Greg Jones on February 02, 2019, 02:49:38 PM
Great read, thanks for sharing  :tu:
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Old man Chris on February 05, 2019, 01:25:34 AM
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
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Valkie on February 06, 2019, 02:53:18 AM
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

I 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.

Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Valkie on February 06, 2019, 03:16:46 AM
Great read gregozedobe  :like:

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  :tu:

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).

I agree.
I volunteer in a rescue organisation in Australia and always carry a leatherman when working.
Open carry, belt sheath always ready to be grabbed at any time.

Every serious volunteer in our organisation, also carries a knife of some sort always seriously sharp, and leatherman tools are often the tool of choice.

In uniform, I have walked around everywhere, even with police, and never been even so much as looked at.
I also carry a tool on my belt at work every day, again, when in my fluros I have never been questioned.

But on the street in Civvies, I still carry in my pocket for fear of arrest.
As a scout, we always carried our knives openly and were expected to have them on hand at all times.

But I disagree a little about your opinion of the bush.
having travelled everywhere around our great land, I have come across many nasty things that seem to want to bite me.

Damn ants up to 30mm long, nasty things.
Grubs that have some seriously nasty hair, that was a hospital trip after six hours pf driving through the bush.
Some nasty snakes, brown don't like people, and the fierce snake in Qld will go out of its way to have a go.
Most spiders are OK, even the huge ones, but the damn Sydney funnelweb is a nasty piece of work, I live where they damn things breed.

Kangas are also not the nice friendly little things some people make them out to be.
A big red in central Qld killed my dog with one kick, the dog flew about 10 metres, the roo was at least 7 feet tall and not friendly.
I keep my distance from mud guppies, the salties are generally unfriendly and smart.
I saw one 3 miles off shore once, what the hell it was doing out there I have no idea.
Goannas have a bad rep, but keep your distance and don't annoy them and they are quite nice.

In the water, I keep away from some of the places where nasties live.
Never swim where the stingers live, and I avoid areas where stone fish habitate, even so , I always keep my feet off the rocks if I dont have shoes..

Finally, the prettiest little octopus there is lives in rock pools around where I live.
Tiny things an inch or two with their legs out, and the most beautiful blue rings when you annoy them.
They kill you in about 5 min if they bite you.

I have been to many countries in the world, they have their own dangers, but generally larger and fewer.
We have sneaky little beggars, small enough to disregard, but with more than enough toxin to give you something to think about.

Its still a beautiful country.
and the more I see, the more I want to travel.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Max Stone on February 06, 2019, 06:54:46 AM
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.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Valkie on February 09, 2019, 10:28:12 AM
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.

To be honest, the only cassowary I have ever seen was in the zoo.
Didn't look like much to me, but they do have a rep.

We have these beautiful spiders, golden orb web
They reach around 6 to 7 inches fully grown, but they are virtually harmless.
I've seen small birds caught in the web's, tough things they are.
And we have these pretty striped huntsmen spiders, the size of a small dinner plate.
Again harmless, but they will give you a nasty bite if you play with them.

My wife had a whistling spider for a pet for a while.
It was a gift from my daughter.
About the size of a saucer, but it was young and had some growing to do.
It's what's known as a new world spider,
Unlike old world spiders, you can't handle them, they bite.
This one apparently makes you seriously sick for a couple of days, but won't kill you.
They move like lightening, watching it chase the cockroaches we fed it was terrifying.

It died when the heater in the terrarium died.
It's a tropical spider, and the winter was too much for it.

I like spiders, never kill them (except funnel webs) and let them live.
I catch them and take them outside,
Every creature has it's place.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Aloha on February 09, 2019, 04:31:57 PM
I also catch and release non harmful spiders.  :tu:.  My kids would call me to kill a spider and run when I caught it only to take it outside.  I told them the spider is ok it'll take care of other insects inside the home. 
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Huntsman on February 09, 2019, 10:30:56 PM
Yep - Me too - Catch em and take em outside - Even Red Backs

I try and never kill anything
Apart from bloodsuckers eg mosquitos or horse flies - As those guys do hurt you!
Althought if there is an ant infestation - eg swarming around a peice of dropped food on the floor - Sometimes they do get killed ion the clean up
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: gregozedobe on February 10, 2019, 01:21:34 AM
Yep - Mee too Ctach em and take em outside - Even Red Backs

I'm less tolerant than you, I kill Redbacks and White Spots on sight if they are inside.

Other large spiders get evicted to try their luck outside, while Daddy Longlegs and Jumping Jacks get to continue catching insects inside.
Title: Re: a 60 year old reminisces
Post by: Old man Chris on February 12, 2019, 01:15:17 AM
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

I 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.

Agreed , totally . But sometimes you are short on choices , and use what you got . I totally prefer situational avoidence , if possible ,but in gravest extreme ,all bets are off . Objects are tools , the weapon is between the ears .

Chris