Well, I’m a day late on this one, and it’s the first in a few weeks, but better late than never! I was sick and unable to record for a while (and ran out of pre-recorded videos) so I also haven’t posted any videos for longer than I’d like. But have no fear, I was Thinking Knife Thoughts the whole time!
If you’re a knife enthusiast, you likely know of Blade HQ. They’re one of the most popular knife dealers out there. They also have a strong presence on YouTube, and I always especially appreciate their coverage of BLADE and SHOT show. So I was excited when they reached out to ask if I would like to become an affiliate. That means that if you decide to buy a knife from Blade HQ you can show them that you Think Knife Thoughts (and you can help support Knife Thoughts) by using my link below. And, of course, it doesn’t cost you anything. They also have a big 23rd anniversary sale going on now, check it out at the link below!
Knives have been an integral tool for humans since the dark depths of prehistory, so it’s no surprise that superstitions around them persist. While there are various types of superstitions surrounding knives, some of the most widespread center on the gifting of knives.
Two knives my wife has given me, a Spyderco Ouroboros and Spyderco Roadie
Across several cultures, gifting a knife carries a connotation of separation or severance. Since a knife’s use is to cut, the gift is seen as “cutting” the ties of the relationship. This belief shows up in the UK, Germany, and China, among others. In order to avoid this, some cultures expect that the recipient of a knife give a coin to the giver. The coin does not have to be of equal value, as it is purely a symbolic gesture to transform the gift into a “transaction”. Sometimes the giver of the knife will even also give a coin to the recipient for this purpose. This tradition is carried on even today among some knife enthusiasts.
A Great Eastern Cutlery Special Factory Assembly given to me by my father
However, this is not a tradition that I encountered until I dove into the world of the online knife community. I grew up in a family that enjoyed and used knives, and saw many knives given as gifts without any hint of superstition. In fact, I would call my dad a prolific giver of knives. I remember him giving me knives when he’d come home from trips, and giving Swiss Army style knives with his business info engraved on them to clients. My brothers and I have also given each other many knives throughout the years, with some of them being among the most prized in my collection. I gave engraved knives to my groomsmen for my wedding. My wife has given me knives that I adore. All this, and no supernatural cutting of ties that I’ve noticed!
A wedding gift from one of my brothers
That said, I think there is room for superstition and ritual in today’s overly grounded world. While I might not observe this particular ritual, I respect it. I just really enjoy sharing my love of knives, and don’t feel the need for anything in return beyond the satisfaction of knowing the recipient will appreciate the gift.
A gift from the maker, Sean Yaw.
Are there any superstitions you hold or rituals you observe surrounding knives? I’d love to hear about them! Reach out through the form below and let me know.
I recently posted an article outlining 4 things a modern knife enthusiast should know before purchasing their first slipjoint, but that begs the question ‘Why choose a slipjoint in the first place?’. I think this question probably deserves its own full article, and in a way this recent article on Fountain Pens and Traditional Knives goes into depth on one reason. That said, here I want to give you two other good reasons why it’s worth owning, carrying, and using a slip joint knife.
The sad fact is that some places have laws against locking knives. Several nations in Europe and even some localities in the United States ban locking knives. Slipjoints are both legal to carry and seen as less threatening in many places.
Walk & Talk
There’s nothing quite like the “walk and talk” of a good slipjoint. Walk and talk is the sound and feel of the knife opening and closing. Of course, modern knives have their own sounds and action, but there’s something particularly satisfying about the experience of opening and closing a good old fashioned back spring slipjoint.
Why Do YOU Choose to Carry a Slipjoint?
Reach out below to let me know!
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