Thread: Ask Me About Knives

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the misconception of knives that most people seem to have these days. A lot of people seem to believe that a knife's only use is as a weapon. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The knife is perhaps man's oldest, and most useful tool. Without a knife, early man would have found it exceedingly difficult to survive.

Today, I would find it hard to survive without my knives. So, feel free to ask anything you can think of that is knife-related, and I will do my best to answer your questions. I've built up quite a bit of knife-related knowledge over the last few years, and in my upbringing, and I'd like to share it. And in the event I don't know the answer to a question, I promise you that I will find out.


So, ask away! I'll answer as quickly and concisely as possible.

What's the most common use of knives outside of kitchen-related activities?

Reminds me... before even 9/11, I had a nail clipper in my purse and it was confiscated at the airport. Ah well... I guess that's one place where you can't take chances.

Originally Posted by Mes Tarrant

What's the most common use of knives outside of kitchen-related activities?

Reminds me... before even 9/11, I had a nail clipper in my purse and it was confiscated at the airport. Ah well... I guess that's one place where you can't take chances.

Yeah, they don't let you take those metal fingernail filers. My bro always has a pocket knife with him. I don't really have a question. My guess, opening things?

Hunting and woodworking, mostly, as well as bushcraft. Of course there are specially made carving knives for work such as Oneironaught does. But generally, knives are used for pretty much everything involving cutting.

I carry two pocket knives every day myself, a Swiss Army knife and a larger, locking folding knife. I use them for everything from whittling fuzz-sticks to opening boxes to cutting up fruit and vegetables to cutting stray threads. If I am without my knife, I feel naked. I know that sounds cliche, but it's true. I often carry a fixed-blade on my belt as well, especially if I'm at home.

Reminds me of Man Vs. Wild! Man, a knife can save your life.

You watch Man Vs. Wild? Awesome. I like you already...



Yup, a knife truly can save your life. Especially with the knowledge of how to most effectively utilize it.

Originally Posted by Man of Steel

You watch Man Vs. Wild? Awesome. I like you already...

Yeah, that's a cool show. Have you seen Survivor MAn? It's similar.

What do you think of knives as a phallic symbols and the implications of an infatuation with them?

Yep, Mike, he is.


Xaqaria, try as I might to take your question seriously (though I really doubt it was meant to be) I just can't. Sorry...

Originally Posted by Man of Steel

Yep, Mike, he is.


Xaqaria, try as I might to take your question seriously (though I really doubt it was meant to be) I just can't. Sorry...

wasn't meant to be, don't worry about it.

I don't know anything about Survivor Man, but here in the UK we have a guy called Ray Mears. He is amazing at bushcraft, I've seen an episode or two of Bear Grylls and Ray Mears beats him every time. Grylls seems to display a very rudimentary knowledge of bushcraft and just runs places like a headless chicken. Mears on the other hand always explains what he is doing and encourages protection of the environment. Frequently he travels around the world meeting indigenous people and learning their skills. Watch Ray Mears.

Have you ever had to cut someone?

gonna sound odd, but...how durable is a knife made of obsidian? Assume a five-inch blade.

Originally Posted by Mario92

gonna sound odd, but...how durable is a knife made of obsidian? Assume a five-inch blade.

I'm going to say it wouldn't be that strong, I'm pretty sure it's around a 5 on Moh's scale. Better off with quartz or sapphire(I've seen a sapphire knife before, sexy.)