-
Website
http://artofmanliness.com -
Original page
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/04/01/every-man-should-carry-a-pocket-knife/ -
Subscribe
All Comments -
Community
-
-
Top Commenters
-
Popular Threads
All Comments
Kershaw's are my favorite, especially the assisted opening blades - American made
Gerber's are quality also
MTech's are the worst
Smith and Wesson's and Remington's are middle grade
Pocket knives have become one of life's pleasures for me.
A typical day sees me with a Gerber lock blade clipped to a pocket as well as carrying a Leatherman. Church, coffee shop, office, job site... everywhere!
And then some days I carry extra knives just because i like them.
My 9 yr. old son has about 7 pocket knives. Got his first one at age 5.
It's a real shame 'cause I used to use it all the time. I think it might be time for it to make a re-appearance (or even better - I can buy a new one!)
I don't have any collections right now that I'm working on, but I think I might start one for pocket knives now...
The only time I don't have a knife with me is when I know I am going somewhere they will want to confiscate it (concerts, etc) and then it gets thrown into the console of my truck next to the Leatherman I always keep there.
But, for a classic pocket knife, you can never beat a CASE XX as far as I am concerned!
Great post! Although I would add one thing... a man should always carry wallet, keys, pocket knife and a handkerchief!
A pocket knife is a truly manly thing and is a tradition.
You also forgot another seriously manly item when you listed wallet, keys, and knife. That would be the handkerchief. My father always has one with him and I have a few that my grandfather carried as well. I don't use those as they are keep sakes. That would be another good post for you.
Second the handkerchief thing. Very manly. Carried one when I proposed to my wife and pulled it out when she started crying (happy tears, I hope). She was impressed. Don't usually carry one around though. My runny nose would quickly get it pretty nasty.
Actually my wife told me to add a handkerchief, and then I forgot. And we have kicked around the idea of doing a post all about the handkerchief.....but I'm not sure if they can be resurrected. Wiping your nose multiple times with the same cloth is too off-putting for most men these days.
They're also easier to carry than a pocket knife, which can make your pants look bulky and funny if you're not careful. Definitely don't want that knife to be mistaken for...something else. (Still love my antique gold pen knife, though. Got it from my Grandpa.)
I've said this before on here, I think, but I'll say it again. I've never regularly read a blog, but this site touches on all things that I am or aim to be.
Onward, good sirs. Your work is much appreciated and enjoyed.
www.benchmade.com
Thanks for the fab post!
@ Andrew- I agree that younger generations might be freaked out by a man carrying a knife, but that's why we got to bring it back.
@Bernard- Thanks for your kind words. We're glad you read the site.
@ EnchantedApril- Wow! I'm glad to see your excitement about the pocket knife! That's cool your late husband carried and still carries his knife.
@ Kevin- Glad to see someone else appreciates the bad assery of eating an apple with your pocket knife
Especially when you need to open this new hermetically sealed, nobody but god himself and maybe luke skywalker....is going to open this....bad nasty packaging.
That and in the good old days (last week. lol) people used pocket knives to make themselves impromptu lunches. I can't tell ya how many times my female friends have been impressed when we'd stop and buy a fresh bread stick and i could cut it open and then proceed to make short work of the other items we'd bought for lunch to share and essentially made a killer sandwich for the both of us on the spot.
I've always been a huge fan of the Victorinox "Camper" knife. Its got scissors for things that need snipping, 2 knifeblade sizes, bottle opener and CAN opener...soo handy, tweezers...women love tweezers...and a corkscrew to defend the two of you should you ever be attacked by a bottle of wine.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Produ...
I also carry a Gerber Clutch. The smallest handiest mini multitool you can get...they're only $8 at Home Depot.
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Produ...
And finally...ONE thing that EVERY man should also carry with him at ALL times? A nice quality pair of nail clippers. Take care of your hands guys. Keep the claws neat and trimmed, women aren't the only ones who break a nail. And trust me, when they do, they so appreciate that you have nail clippers.
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1506
thats for the gerber clutch. Its sooo small, so useful. Get one, you'll love it.
In office clothes, dress pants or khakis...you won't even notice or feel it in your front pocket.
I also have a Gerber Suspension I keep at the house for odd jobs when I don't want to dig through my tools.
Last, a Kershaw Chive. I rarely take it from the house anymore, afraid that I'll forget and take it where it will be confiscated. I don't mind replacing a Mini or Clutch, but love that Chive and want to keep it around.
The handkerchief in the suit pocket is commonly called a pocket square to distinguish it from the handkerchief you keep in your pocket. The pocket square is definitely manly and suave. I'll being doing a post about how to properly fold one one of these days......
And, it's really damn cool to be able to whip it out when everyone else is standing around trying to open a package/cut sandwich/remove splinter/etc...
http://www.bullmancutlery.com/catalog/sog/produ...
My wife gave me a look when I ordered it, but the thing is like sharp as can be and I use it all the time. It's one of the better investments I've made.
Wouldn't be without and I definitely feel naked without it in my pocket when flying.
Chris
http://www.brusletto.no/index.php?artikkelID=12...
I also like the scissors. But have never understood why most Swiss Army knives include a nail file. A nail file??? How manly is that?
Unfortunately knives have received a sort of social stigma about them that make them less and less popular to use. Pulling it out to open a box or letter causes people to just freak out.
Asking any of my circle of friends whether they have their knife on them or not is an insult. "I'm a man... why -wouldn't- I have my knife?"
Carrying anything of a useful length here is against the law...how pathetic. A Leatherman isn't even allowed!
I've never understood scissors myself. It's a knife, what can you cut with scissors that you can't cut with the blade?
As far as a nail file. The first time you come to the rescue of a damsel in distress (by which I mean a hangnail when she's in evening dress) with your nail file you'll understand just how manly it is.
I rotate several but I often carry my old Buck Stockman penknife (bought 30 years ago). It won't intimidate anyone, and the ladies are usually impressed that you are ready and able to come to their assistance while every other guy around (usually) stands there with a sheepish look on his face.
On the rare day when I forget to carry mine I never fail to have several instances where I still reach for it to do some task or another.
And if I have a moment where I'm alone and bored to tears, I can take it out and play with it until I knick myself!
On weekends when I am out in the woods with the Boy Scouts, I usually carry either a Buck or Boker whittling knife and leave the Gerber and the Swiss in my pack.
Caution: If traveling to England, do NOT bring your knife. Double edged blades, blades over 3 inches, and (absurdly) any LOCKING blades are illegal. The Nanny State took a really nice HK benchmade from me and failed to mail it back to me as they promised.
Carrying a pocketknife is right up there with shaking a man's hand. These are signs of a boy becoming something more than just a boy.
Danged ol' TSA is really screwing with my Chi though. I've flown to another city, so I'm without my pocketknife. I feel naked. I may have to buy a new knife just so I can feel that familiar, comfortable slight bit of weight in my left pants pocket while I'm here...
My only regret is that I have to leave them home when I fly places for work. I feel naked without them. I usually end up buying a small pocket knife when I have to travel for work.
So, follow -up with a good "How To Sharpen" article.
I found a man at a local flea market that puts an edge on a blade like no other, and I make a point of carrying along a few on every trip.
And remember to just leave it in your vehicle when going into Federal buildings, Courthouses, and Airports, lest you lose it to the fear police.
My leatherman wave and my cell phone got me out of a jam after a radiator hose burst while driving down the interstate. My wife picked up the parts and brought them to me, and I replaced the hose with my leatherman and I was back on the road again in less than an hour.
Everyone who knows me knows I have some form of cutlery in my pocket. My 11 yr old daughter and my 6 yr old son have taken an interest in my collection. I plan to train them up right with some of the older traditions that have been lost to the IPOD and XBox. Websites like these are great for keeping the history alive.
i have a small swiss army (victorinox) one that i carry on my keychain (NEVER without this one) a full sized one (camper configuration, wish it had a philips on it) and my Buck folding knife, with a hole at the end of the blade for opening one handed.
the only time im not carry the 2 larger ones is whenever im in school or some other building thats anal about them. then i just leave them in my car, or if i forget, just dont show it to anyone.
I live in the South, and Southerners seem to be particularly enamored with a good knife.
There have been times during gatherings of men in my life(weddings, barbecues, picnics), where we all stopped and pulled out our knives, to see who was carrying, and what they had!
There are many good knives out there. My favorites are old fashioned American, two- bladed jack knives with high carbon steel blades. I have several knives by Schrade, Bear & Son, Camillus, Case, Utica, and Ka-bar.
If you are worried about legal repercussions, learn the laws for your state. They all differ considerably.
I also agree on the utility of the handkerchief. I usually carry two, and always keep the clean one for someone else to use. It has served as hanky, towel, mop, bandage... the list goes on.
Keep up the good work!
Given the general coolness of this website, an article on knife sharpening seems useful. Dull knives are both boring and dangerous.
I've carried a knife my entire life, where and when I can and wouldn't be without one.
http://img114.imageshack.us/my.php?image=brenda... as shown in this scene.
It needs to be twisted and turned (which can be done with one hand using some swinging motion) to open or close.
Anyone know where I can find it?
That looks like a Balisong knife, but I would need a better picture.
I get them wherever, Walmart, Canadian Tire, almost everyone has a knockoff version. I keep one in my messenger bag for work, one in my camera bag, one in the glove box, one in the fishing vest, and I usually wear cargo pants or shorts when I'm slacking with the kids, so I have ample room to pack one there too.
For years now, I've carried a Spyderco Ladybug. I prefer the non-serrated model, which I usually have to order.
JUG...boy did that bring back memories.
I currently carry a Smith and Wesson "Homeland Security" knife. It's a bit large and bulky for my personal tastes, but it was the cheapest one in the shop with a serrated edge. I also keep a lighter on me "just in case." It comes from being a smoker for many years, and has come in handy lighting ladies smokes at a bar.
What annoys me is now how paranoid people and society have become (and I use 'paranoid' in its correct meaning—an irrational fear). Pull out a knife or even say you carry a knife and people look nervous.
Society is becoming scared and insecure.
Though for the love of god, don't use it for any food prep... nothing is more unmanly than getting sick from using a contaminated surface for food prep. Especially if you use it for any other purpose listed above (mail is just loaded with bacteria if your lucky.... and anthax if your unlucky). At a minimum take some alcohol and sanitize it first. Even your pocket is a pretty unsanitary place (since people keep their dirty hands in there all the time).
I would recommend carrying one on a plane. The TSA recommends you sow it to the inside of your clothing prior to boarding a plane. If anyone asks you about it... just deny ;-) . Ok I'm kidding. But seriously, they don't believe in "accidents" so make sure you don't have one when boarding a plane... if they don't like your face, your spending the night in jail. Same with many sporting events, schools, etc. I recall someone in high school getting busted for accidentally carrying a knife from fishing over the weekend. 0 tolerance is just that.
May also want to disclose if your pulled over and asked to get out of the car... should the cop find one, intent or not... it can be big trouble depending on your state.
I also passed on to my son, the same Swiss Army knife I carried while I was stationed in Germany in the late 70's. I upgraded by getting a Leatherman multi tool later on when I needed some thing better suited for the demands of being out in the field.
There is one unwritten rule that left unstated, and the being, NEVER lend your knife to anyone. Like a good book, you are bound to lose it by letting someone "barrow" it. I have lost a couple that way.
As a side note, my Multi-Tool is one of two knives I carry on my person at all times. The Multi-Tool is in it's holster at my right hip, and I use it for larger, more tool-oriented tasks (i.e. as a box-cutter, for the various handyman tasks I do around the house and car every day, etc.) and in my pants pocket, with my keys, is a single bladed pen-knife that I have carried for nearly two decades of my life. It is the third pen-knife I have owned, and I learned at my grandfather's knee how to sharpen it the old-fashioned way, on a whetstone, by hand. It's an Old-Timer brand (a division of Schrade) with a 120T high-carbon steel blade. I find that stainless steel knives just don't take as nice of an edge, or keep it for as long. My pen-knife is kept at as close to razor sharp as I can get, because a sharp knife is a safe knife! ProTip: Best way to razor sharpen your knife, if you don't shave with a Straight razor and therefore don't have a professional stropping block; Take off your Real Leather belt (has to be real 100% leather...) and loop it around your dominant foot through the buckle, holding belt taut by the free end in your non-dominant hand, and strop the knife against the underside of the belt. 10-12 strokes later (if you've sharpened your knife well...) and you'll be shaving with your pocketknife in no time.
A comment about pocketknives being a concealed weapon: Obviously you should consult with your local police if in doubt, but the rule of thumb I've always been told is that it is not a concealed weapon if the blade of the open knife is 4" or shorter, or the width of your palm or shorter. Most common pen- and jack-knives fall into this category. There may also be rules defining folding knives as a tool, rather than a weapon.
I've actually seen the opposite reaction from women.
A couple of weeks ago, I was in sudden need of a new belt when my old one decided it didn't want to stay together much longer. Went into JC Penny, paid for a $20 belt at the register, and flipped out the Kershaw given to me by a close friend to cut the plastic clip off.
The reaction by the two girls at the register? "Well, that's handy!"
I still have an old pocket knife from Cub Scouts (didn't stay through long enough to make it to boy scouts), though the blade is too dull to be useful for much more than opening envelopes. Aside from that, I've had a few pocket knives throughout the years, but they've all been, sadly, sold at auction in Alabama (which is, if I'm correct, what happens to all the stuff they confiscate at the airport).
One other note. If a cop stops and asks you why you have a knife on you the correct answer is "it's a tool" and then go on to explain that it is for opening boxes, cutting rope etc. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use the word "weapon" or "self-defense" as this gives them grounds to consider laying a weapons charge. Sure you could get off the charge but is it work the night in jail, $20k bail/bond and $20k lawyers fees and mark on your permanent record?
http://www.colonellittleton.com/index.php?p=pro...
But now I carry a Smith and Wesson Cuttin' Horse everywhere, then I keep a real small multi-tool in my gun bag, as well as a bigger multi tool in my fishing bag.
Hate flying as it makes me not get to have my knife. That and with getting wanded at concerts these days has me keeping the knife at home as they have started to wand my boots as well.
Also, the "pen knife" in the illustration is not technically a pen knife, but a "stockman" pattern.
Got my pants on, got my knife.
I enjoy carrying Spyderco lock knives and Victorinox multitools myself. I keep a Victorinox Classic on my keychain, and carry a large, locking Spyderco for everything from opening packages, cutting my food and doing camp chores when I'm in the woods. Usually it's a carbon fiber Military. I also bring a Spyderco Cricket with me everywhere I go, the tip on it is so useful.
I work at a university. My department employes a number of student workers. I came into the office one morning with a stack of campus papers that were at the door all banded up. I popped open my knife and cut the band on papers and dropped them in the rack.
About that time a Pakistani that works for us ask me "Why do you Americans carry knives?" First I was so dumbfounded I didn't know what to say. He added "Do you carry them for protection?" After gaining my senses back I chuckled and said - no we carry them as a tool. I've carried one as long as I can remember. Besides this little thing wouldn't do anyone much harm."
Thanks for the good work here. This blog is one of my regular online haunts.
I still don't understand, since the kitchen was full of other, more dangerous knives anyway.
He was a brakeman for the railroad at the time and was walking along side the end car to couple up another when he slipped and was hung up on the car by the strap of his overalls. He reached into his pocket, pulled out his knife and cut himself out of those overalls just before the cars came crashing together.
From that day on he always made sure he had a pocket knife on him and that the blades were razor sharp.
I carry one just like his, an Uncle Henry, to honor him. Unfortunately the company that made Uncle Henry knives, Schrade, has gone out of business.
They also made another fine knife called the Sharp Finger.
___________
PS this site is great, more guys need to read this stuff and just man up.
I've had a few run ins with people afraid of them. When I was in my early 20's whenever someone would ask me why I carried a "weapon" my response was always; well I could kill you just as easily with a pencil, but like the pen in your pocket, this knife is just a tool (I was a tad confrontational when I was younger).
I cannot imagine not having a knife. I truly do feel naked without one. My circle of friends has always been of the same mindset.
This is America. Your grandfathers (maybe great grandfathers now) carried pistols and rifles like you carry cell phones and laptops. Society was a lot more polite then, why do you suppose that is?
I have been carrying CRKT knives for a few years, and love them. They are inexpensive, hold a good edge for quite a while, and endure abuse pretty good. I just retired my CRKT model Ryan that I picked before I went to Iraq in 2003 with the CRKT Mt. Rainier that my wife got me for Christmas. I love it, and for the most part use it every day.
I honestly thought that I was a member of a dying breed that carried a pocket knife daily. I get the wide eyed looks at work sometime when I pull it out for some job. People tend to think you are some kind of wierdo for carrying one. But, I love my pocketknife, and it is the most useful general purpose tool ever.
A great gentlemen knife, and one of many to add to your collection. A note about Swiss Amry knifes, the blades are stainless and require a little special attention to sharpen properly.
Now I've got my eye on a small, single-blade Leatherman. For me, all that's necessary is the one blade. Too many attachments and gizmos only get in the way. I use my knife almost every day for all the reasons listed in the article.
Except "weapon". Thankfully, it hasn't come to that yet.
While not as rugged as a pocket knife, I have found my Swiss Army Card invaluable. It is a thin piece of plastic that fits in one of your wallet's card pockets and holds tools you would find on a multi-purpose knife. The three tools I use most often are the knife, pen and scissors. Of course, the blade is small and can't do heavy duty work, but for most smaller cutting tasks it is very convenient. Having this item in your wallet is a great back-up to a regular pocket knife!
I can barely believe my luck in stumbling across AOM, and reading about the kind of stuff I thought to be a lost arts. I carry a pocket knife just because previous generations of my male family have, so it's heartening to read of like minded folk.
My grandfather always carried a Nutmeg in each jacket too. I never understood this, and never asked whilst he was alive, so the answer was lost to me. Can anyone shine a light on this mystery for me?
Thanks for a great read, this Saturday morning. It's a pleasure to be among such schooled, and manly men. My first post, first of many I hope.
Steve Gad. Nottingham. England.