Personal Knives, anyone have the facts?

I've never had a comfort issue with my work blade, but I carried mine lower on my leg, to make it easier to pull it when I needed to cut a strap or something. I generally prefer to wear my work blade closer to where my hand hangs naturally, so I don't have to lift my hand up before I can get to my blade. Think of where professional gunfighters would set their gun holsters, and you get the correct general idea. As far as pocket knives go, I'm sure they work for some people, but I hate carrying them in my pocket. I find them truly uncomfortable. And since I wear black pants, and both the handle and sheath of my work blade are black, it's not actually all that noticeable. And again, I've never had a problem carrying a blade of that size. Indeed, I think a combination of my blade and my general size, appearance, and the fact that I pay attention to my area may have prevented the types of difficulties that may lead to my needing the blade as a method of protection. I've had problems when I left my blade in my truck, but never when I carried it. I personally like to think that it's more the fact that I'm 6'2" and wieghed around 240lbs. of mostly good muscle when I was driving, and that the prescence of the blade helped stilt the odds just a little bit further in my favor. But the most important thing I did, in my opinion, is pay attention to my surroundings, and tried to keep myself out of situations where defense might be needed.

 

Foodmojo, I always wore mine on my left leg, since I'm left handed. the added benefit was that when the DOT or LEO opened my door, it was right there in plain sight. Only twice have I been asked to remove it by LEO. I was fully cooperative both times, as I see absolutely no reason to create any problems between myself and law enforcement. Other than that, and the few docks mentioned earlier, noone has even noticed my work blade. But that has just been my personal experience.

 

in Nevada it is nothing over 4 inches but all states and enforcement agencys are different. I always go with my leatherman

 

I think everyone should have a good quality knife (no matter the length) but there are some states where 5 inches (blade) it is illegal so before you enter that state with a knife on your side at least check out where you can and cant get away with it, in case you run into some over zealous authority figure with nothing better to do than hassle you because your knife is too long

 

That knife stays in the drawer until it's time to do some grilling.....


I have a combat knife as well....that does come out from time to time.....as a tool.......

 

It's good to keep one somewhere on your body, or in a pocket, in case you get wrapped up in your seat belt during a wreck and your truck catches on fire. You may need to cut that seat belt off.

 

I can't imagine working without a decent size pocket knife. In fact, I can't imagine being dressed without have one on me. I carry a 3 1/2" folding knife that fits in the change pocket of my trousers. I carry it with the folding side up where it opens up forward. The thumb studs are right there when it comes out of the pocket, and by the time the knife is in position to use, the blade is open.

I inadvertently scarred the hell out of a receiving clerk at a Home Depot Store with that knife once. I had delivered a load of appliances, and one of the boxes was a bit damaged. The receiving clerk has to verify whether or not there is damage to the actual appliance, before they can sign the bills.

This guy was struggling with a box cutter, trying to open this heavy cardboard box. I was in a bit of a hurry, and without thinking about it, said "get back," as I pulled the knife, opened it as it was coming up and then sliced right through the cardboard. Didn't even think about it, until I heard this guy give a sort of gasp. I looked over at him and he had retreated half way across the receiving area, and was white as a ghost.

I apologized profusely, and we both had a good laugh about it.

The knife to a gun fight bit makes a good joke, and a good story. But I know one guy that if he had a knife, and I had a gun, and we were trying to "do" each other, I would not want to be within a minimum of fifty feet away from him. He is just that good. Of course he is into a lot of martial arts. . .

Shouldn't be a problem, unless you get stupid with it. If you are minding your own bar-b-que, as it were, nobody should think twice about it.

 

A truck is a very deadly weapon... Avoiding trouble works better than any weapon and the first thing you should try to do is distance yourself from the perk. Always be alert to your surroundings. Those who walk away, leave to fight another day.