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Why do you have "That"?

My job is in retail. I work for a reptile specific pet store. I carry an Uncle Henry 153 UH by Schrade. I am often asked by some of the youngsters that see my knife hanging on my belt "Why do you have that?" or "What is that?". I tell them that it's a knife and I use it for work. "Just in case an animal attacks you?". No. I don't use it on animals. I'm an animal lover of all kinds and won't kill anything unless it was a life or death situation. Even then I'm likely to kill. (I realize that many of you on here are probably hunters and may see me as a weenie but I'm okay with that, it's just my belief in all life is worthy). So what do I use it for? Boxes mainly, opening and breaking them down. But also I use it to prep food for some of the critters I look after. But that's only at work. I carry my knife all the time and have many times needed it where most people wouldn't have thought to bring one or have one on them. I often tell these youngsters that I've carried a knife most of my life because it's a useful tool to have. I've been asked so often in the last two months since I've started carrying this knife it's got me thinking. What happened to the days when every boy got a pocket knife from their father or grandfather? I mean, sure it's maybe not safe for them to have one at school these days but after school and weekends should be fine as long as they are taught right and wrong with them.

Has anyone else been asked what they use their knife for? And have you had an answer that didn't sound lame when you carry such a nice knife for no real reason except you've always carried one? I know one thing for sure. I'm only 32 and I have no kids yet but when I do have kids they will get a pocket knife from me when they are old enough to know how to be responsible with it. That being said I plan on actually teaching my kids first hand and not relying on some dummy with a degree to follow an underfunded and outdated guideline from a broken system.

I long to see a change to simpler times. I'd like to see those times brought about by a new generation of kids that will step outside the technology and go outside and see the world around them.

I just don't understand when it became socially unacceptable to carry a knife. And why everyone became afraid to offend anyone by stepping out of the ordinary to live the way they feel is right for them.

Anyway, this is just a rambling from a mind living in a time that has long past.

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Featured Comment by Craig Henry on December 9, 2012 at 17:06: LOL! Same with guns!

"I have never seen a knife hurt anyone, just lay it on the table and see if it attacks"

Comment by David Omalley on December 9, 2012 at 12:50: This was a nice post to see as a first time user/New member to the site..It also is a total bummer that it even exists. Just another sign post of a very changing society and not for the better for sure. Columb Bine 9/11 Dark Knight Massacre ,and so on and so on. Now if things were going the way they should be these would be reasons to see many more people carrying visible weapons and or tools on their belts. And if it was 50 years ago and these events were happening thats exactly what You would have got. But today not so much, in todays greener,cleaner,and well lubed government controlled "We the people" ,its just the oppisite.

I am a Truck driver and that alone is enough reason to have a small hardware store on my belt at all times. Oh sorry let me explain I have been a driver for 20 years now and grew up in the industry, so I am not a driver who You will see wearing bermuda shorts and flip flops on the job, I actually dress the part weather I am pulling a box of rubber dog bones or a flat of bridge steel, its always Boots, Belt, and general work clothing. I do have to be fair and admit this is also my every day dress too. And yes there is always at least 2 tools strapped to my waste. I often get questions and or comments by people of all ages as to why I would need such things ...To me it only makes sense to have at a minimum something to cut and pry on my body at all times. I am sure everyone here reading this understands and i am getting off point, ..What You are representing by carrying things like this on Your belt is Freedom, Freedom of the first and oldest kind, these freedoms have been under attack for many moons and unfortunately it's working. The fact that You even posted such concerns is proof in the pudding,.and the days of see Your rights are being taken away are gone, they are winning and You and I have lost rights and are loosing more and more by the minute.

We are in a time in this country that we are NOT! safe from threat Domestic or Foreign, so wouldnt it make sense to see more and more belt hangars being toted around ,weather fire arm to defend or tool to breach cut or rescue in the event of Mayhem. But instead society is choosing to sheep it out, and follow instructions as given. Not the USA our forefathers had imagined for us I think. Imagine taking William S Parsons to Your kids soccer game and trying to explain why they don't keep score.

I guess all I had to write was the last sentence,

Sorry for being long winded.

Comment by Tom Radde on December 8, 2012 at 18:19: In North America, things didn't change much for about 300 years.

Since the mid 60's, they have changed a lot. (40 years).

I always liken the change to: A Conservative Don't like something, they just don't do it. A Liberal don't like something, they don't want ANY BODY else to do it!

Have been teaching, 'Firearms Safety Training" (vis the State's DNR volunteer program) for about 30 years now.

This thread, gives me a idea, in the 'survival' part of class, will now talk a bit about, 'knives'.

Thanks for the idea ! I guess, I always took, " Caring a Pocket Knife" for granted.

For all of you, who, teach your States, FST, Think about adding a section on knives.

But I suppose, if you live where all you see is concrete and tar, carrying a knife, to do, 'stuff' with, seems a bit off. Perhaps if all of us who teach FST, do a little bit. Things might change, (Or at least not go backwards as fast)

Comment by Luke on December 6, 2012 at 20:47: Thanks again for all the feedback everyone. Brad I agree it is simpler times that are missing in today's world. I have to say though watching shows like Duck Dynasty gives me a little hope. They teach their kids the outdoors and respect for their elders and such. They are big on family and are godly folk. I think if people take that from the shows and apply it to their own lives there may be hope yet.

Comment by Brad T. on December 5, 2012 at 10:51: "Simpler times...Back in the day.. & When I was a kid..." All this terminology relates to a world that had more common sense than technology. Back when after school, you changed into your play clothes and went OUTSIDE to play.
With the advent of Video game consoles, the internet and the ever present "know-it-all teenager", common sense has ceased to be experienced.
Common sense can't be learned playing World of Warcraft or by watching Viral videos. It is a process that involves a lifetime of trial and error, it can't be taught it must be experienced daily. But with the fear of children being gunned down in the streets and dealers pushing drugs into the schools, parents are reluctant to let their children out of their cages.
I am glad that I spent the first 12 years of my life in the Southeastern U.S., I was privy to the niceties of the southern ways of behavior. Respect your elders. Respect women. Responsibilities before fun. When you were told to do something you did it without delay. Today's children don't get it and they aren't expected to by their parents sadly.

I don't think it is so much a fear of parents letting their children learn about and carry knives, but ignorance & distrust in their children's ability to grasp the concept of self reliance and responsibility.

You know what? I think I just rattled on to another subject. But, I will end with a few of my favorite quotes on the subject.

"The price of greatness is responsibility."
Winston Churchill

"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something."
Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

In Memoriam Comment by Robert Burris on December 3, 2012 at 14:45: Luke, I got my grand girls a pocket knife when they were 10 years old. I give young hunters, around where I hunt, pocket knives to help keep their interest in hunting. A knife is a tool and learning to use one is very helpful in life. I am a big hunter and I don't think you are a weenie because you don't hunt. I respect your opinion, I am a animal lover also and do alot for their conservation. Going camping in the great outdoors, a knife is a must, and the young ones love to camp. It's a good way to introduce them, to art of useing a knife.

Featured Comment by Craig Henry on December 3, 2012 at 0:33: I use my pocket knife for all kinds of stuff, and have always had a knife since I was a kid a LONG time ago - I'm 63.

Both of my sons (now 44 and 41) carry knives, and have since they were kids....I made sure of that! LOL!

My oldest grandkid is now being taught by his father, and me, about knives! The rest of the grandkids will get indoctrinated when it's their time. LOL!

Comment by J.J. Smith III on December 2, 2012 at 21:55: In the distant past, our ansestors carried clubs.
More recently they carried their trusty brown bess. Boys had to carry knives to sharpen their quills. As late as the 60's and early 70's pocket knives were still seen in schools.
Let someone slipup and it's over for the rest of us.
"Civilization" has a tendency of limiting what is socially acceptable to carry.

Comment by Steven Matthew on December 2, 2012 at 21:35: Good post. I have three daughters, the oldest (15) is getting a new pocket Knife shortly. My middle daughter (13) has a very nice machete in her room, put away of course. My youngest (10) knows Knife safety,can use one, But does not have one yet. Education is the key. Respect in the tool and what it usis for. My father taught me and I taught my daughters. Children now days seem to be so detached from anything resembling the past. That is sad to me

Comment by Stanley May on December 2, 2012 at 19:42: This is a great blog. Your job is great. I have a lot of the same questions thay you have about carrying knives. I like this.