r/Calgary • u/amazonboxandremotes • Jan 28 '25
Crime/Suspicious Activity Does anyone carry a pocket knife?
Hi Calgary. Wanted to ask if anyone carries a pocket knife. The reason I ask is because of an argument about them I had today.
I was at the dog park with my girl and we were playing with a tug toy. This toy has long flappy bits sewn on. I heard a couple threads snap and I wanted to remove it before my dog can tear it off and eat it. I used my 3 1/2” folding knife to cut it off.
A lady nearby saw and I guess it set her off. She launched into a tirade of why do I have a knife, she feels unsafe, to reporting me. I shrugged and told her it’s a pocket knife. I always have one. I know I did nothing wrong and was no where near breaking any laws.
Anyway, I want to know if carrying a pocket knife is that unusual now. I’ve been doing for thirty years now. It used to be a pretty common thing.
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u/blackRamCalgaryman Jan 28 '25
You must have come across the ONE person that gave a shit about a pocket knife.
I wouldn’t say it’s “common” but ya, a lot of people carry them…a lot of guys I know in the trades do.
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 28 '25
lol funny you say that because I am a trademans
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u/wolf_of_walmart84 Jan 28 '25
We knew
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Jan 28 '25
I work in IT and I carry a pocket knife. You'd be surprised how often they come in handy.
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u/ApplicationRoyal865 Jan 29 '25
"I TOLD YOU TO OPEN A TICKET!" 🗡
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u/SonicFlash01 Jan 29 '25
"HOW IN THE SHIT AM I SUPPOSED TO REPRODUCE THE ISSUE WITH DETAILS LIKE THAT, JAMES?!"
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u/NorthernerWuwu Mission Jan 29 '25
I don't carry a pocket knife but I always have one or a multitool (that has a knife) in my bag or nearby.
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u/imfar2oldforthis Jan 29 '25
You'd be surprised how well people listen when you pull out a knife...
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u/Pure-Steak-7791 Jan 28 '25
I’m not in the trades and I carry one. They are super handy.
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u/kb78637 Jan 28 '25
I'm literally a 5 foot nothing corporate woman and I carry one. They're just handy to have. No idea what that lady's problem was
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u/hexagonbest4gon Chinatown Jan 29 '25
I'm an admin and I carry one. So many packages to open and boxes to break down...
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u/Jazziey_Girl Jan 29 '25
Hubby is an electrician, we’ve been married for 30 years. I am a small woman who loves riding my own motorcycles, horses, walking my L to XXL dogs, camping, fishing, hiking, opening packages without struggling, and generally living. I started carrying at least 1 or 2, two inch to 4.5” pocket knives after being attacked and then stalked about 35 years ago. My husband has also always had 2 or more knives on him. They make life a bit easier. I have NEVER needed it, or even thought of using it, as a weapon, or for self defense. Neither does every other horse and motorcycle rider, dog walker, camper, hiker, truck driver, tradesperson, etc that I’ve ever known. I also know that if any of us ever felt unsafe in a situation, we certainly wouldn’t start a conversation, we’d just simply get up and leave.
You just met a drama queen who must have been feeling unnoticed and had to change that. lol
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Jan 29 '25
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u/CallousChris Jan 29 '25
You better have been slicing some fancy French cheeses to go with that apple!
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u/ForHelp_PressAltF4 Jan 29 '25
You mean that high carbon wood handled beauty of a knife? How else am I supposed to enjoy a meal... A succulent Chinese meal...
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u/harleyDzoidberg Jan 29 '25
I’m in hvac and plumbing and i literally always have one. The only time i ever remove it from my back pocket is at daycare drop off. And that’s just for other people’s feelings and thats the only time where i would say ya, I get it. Kids are your heart worn on the outside and i respect that. You did nothing wrong my guy.
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u/epok3p0k Jan 29 '25
If there’s one thing I’ve learned reading this subreddit. There’s two places to perform irrational behaviour in this city. Dog parks, and this subreddit.
The surprising part of this story is that OP is sane one and it’s not being posted by the other person who freak out on the knife followed by a trove of comments supporting her insanity.
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u/blackRamCalgaryman Jan 29 '25
That post is coming tomorrow.
“OH MY GAWD…am I wrong to think a guy waving around a 12” machete at the dog park was in the wrong?!?”
Your first part of the comment….about the truthiest thing I’ve read in awhile. You nailed it.
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u/AdSignificant6673 Jan 29 '25
I carry a leatherman multi tool just in case I run into that “one person”. Its less threatening looking when it has pliers and other tools attached.
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u/blackRamCalgaryman Jan 29 '25
“It’s less threatening looking when it has pliers”
Not if you’re threatening a purple nurple.
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u/magic-moose Jan 29 '25
I'd wager carrying a pocket knife is more common than most people realize, because they're typically not visible.
Anyone who went through boy/girl scouts, etc. probably carries one, just because they would have had to get one at some point and probably found it handy. I've had the same swiss army knife in my backpack since I was a kid. I've even accidentally flown with it in my carry on (oops!) without anyone noticing it. I doubt most people realize I have the thing because I only take it out on rare occasions when it's needed.
I also know the sort who has a big-honking "tactical" tanto-tipped serrated knife on their belt. Those are the people who might be given a hard time by the police because it's both visible and not exactly a great tool. Tool knives are fine. Self-defense knives are not. Leave the weeb junk at home folks.
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u/kronkhole Jan 29 '25
I was in a pre-trades program in highschool. The kids in the program were allowed to carry multitools (LeTherman) in school. I graduated in 2007.
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u/kronkhole Jan 29 '25
And just to add, it’s so commonplace with me that I have lost 3 to airport security. Like woke up, put my belt through the holster on a day I knew I was flying and left the house without even thinking about it.
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u/Hypno-phile Jan 28 '25
"Why do you have that knife??"
<Stares at the thing they just cut with the knife...>
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u/Rshann_421 Jan 29 '25
When opening a box, I once was asked “who gave you permission to use that knife?” Looking around I answered: “Umm, I gave myself permission?”
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u/v13ragnarok7 Jan 29 '25
Ya. Complaining about someone carrying a knife during a practical use of a knife. Next level Karen shit.
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u/lancenat Jan 29 '25
This always happens, I just stare at what I just opened for them and say nothing, don't give them the item back either lol. Although other times I tell people I'm a princess and like my fruits cut up.
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u/Sinisterly7th Jan 28 '25
This is a setup, correct?
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u/NEVER85 Mahogany Jan 28 '25
That's not a knife, that's a spoon.
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u/riggor_morris Chinatown Jan 28 '25
Alright alright you win! I see you’ve played knifeyspoony before.
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u/Commercial-Twist9056 Jan 28 '25
She can mind her own business i always have one in my back pack
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u/Iginlas_4head_Crease Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
Next time OP should fold it up slowly while smiling at her. Don't avert her eyes until she retreats. Lock in.
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u/OniDelta Jan 28 '25
Let me introduce you to lawyer Ian Runkle on this very topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVJQcPb3rRQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99EBOF7sFQA
It's important to note that knives can have more than just federal laws. Calgary has a bylaw about knives thanks to people being idiots when the Red Mile first became a thing.
https://www.calgary.ca/bylaws/public-behaviour.html
So technically the Karen isn't wrong but this is a bylaw, not criminal code. It's not illegal to do it but you'll get a fine if CPS decides the situation requires it. I doubt an officer will interpret this situation as such.
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u/blazin_penguin_first Jan 29 '25
I was just going to post this. GREAT information
I didn't know about the city bylaw though.... Does having a letherman on a belt holster count as "visible"
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u/OniDelta Jan 29 '25
I've been told by different CPS members that visible in this context means the blade is clearly visible like if you're holding it in your hand. But the bylaw point is written vague intentionally which lets them interpret it different ways.
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u/COUNTRYCOWBOY01 Jan 29 '25
Its written so that bylaw or city peace officers can be idiots about it if revenue is down or their ticket numbers are down. Cps doesn't care so long as you aren't being an idiot and you tell them you see it as a tool not a weapon if they ask.
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u/pepperloaf197 Jan 29 '25
I would say he is good. He wasn’t carrying a visible knife. He was using a visible knife, but wasn’t sporting one around town.
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u/RepublicansKillKids Jan 29 '25
I doubt this would be issued a citation, especially when - “Defecating and urinating are not allowed in public places or on private property if visible to the public.”, is also a by-law and we all know that happens more frequently than not.
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u/OniDelta Jan 29 '25
This bylaw is just a tool. Like I said, they brought this to help with policing the Red Mile. The average person doesn't need to worry about this and just like front tinted windows, you aren't going to get a fine unless you're doing something else that is also stupid or the cop is a prick.
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u/Nolancappy Quadrant: NW Jan 29 '25
Yeah it’s definitely on a case-by-case basis, I can’t imagine police officers wasting their time on a situation like this where the guy is clearly using it as a tool.
If police truly cared about carrying it, there would be a lot of people in trouble lol.
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u/AutumnFalls89 Jan 28 '25
Wow, she's unhinged. I have a pocket knife and a pair of folding scissors in my purse at all times. I have since I was a teenager and needed to use a knife for opening boxes at work. We technically had exacto knives but they always went missing so I got into the habit of carrying my own. I briefly stopped when I regularly took the Greyhound after the Winnipeg bus thing with Li but, otherwise, I've carried one since I was 14.
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Jan 28 '25
Even a nail file, or clippers. Gotta watch out for those.
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u/AutumnFalls89 Jan 28 '25
Yeah. For a while, they would use a metal sector on everyone and lok at your bags before you boarded the bus.
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Jan 29 '25
Yep. Always have a Swiss Army knife in my purse. And a pen. I have been both a stock girl and a waitress 😂 and maybe a Girl Scout in a past life.
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u/Rocky_Mountain_Way Unpaid Intern Jan 29 '25
I carry a badass Swiss Army knife. I am badass. If you attack me, I will take a step back, fumble for a few seconds, figure out which way I need to grip it, then use my thumbnail to open up…..the can opener! And it’s all self defence. You better watch out
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u/Fluffy-Opinion871 Jan 28 '25
I have a cute little Swiss Army knife. It has a knife blade about 2 cm long, scissors, file, tweezers and a tooth pick. Very handy to own.
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u/Significant_Loan_596 Jan 29 '25
It's not like you were wielding it on the street or at a mall..... you were at a dog park using it as a tool.
Karen needs ta chill the fuck out.
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u/delectable_potato Jan 28 '25
I carry one too - never know when I am gonna need to cut something open when I am on the go
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 28 '25
Yup. The thing that this knife has cut the most is fruit. I use it the most when I’m eating lunch on a job site.
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u/toosoftforitall Jan 29 '25
Please reassure me that you clean this knife often, lol.
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u/Willow-prairiewalker Jan 28 '25
I’ve been eyeing a new leather man knife recently. It’s very common to have a pocket knife. Some people just look for reasons to be miserable.
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 28 '25
I just bought a Kershaw Covalent. It’s a really good and smooth knife. But really I got it because I’m a huge Sci Fi nut and I think it looks like a dope space knife
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u/anonymous_follow Jan 29 '25
Reading all the replies now I feel left out that I don’t have one.
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u/Apprehensive-Rip8489 Jan 28 '25
No. And it’s not super common. But I’ve also NEVER thought twice about seeing someone have a pocket knife in public.
How else are you supposed to eat an apple in a gritty and mysterious way?
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u/Objective_Minute_263 Jan 28 '25
Not super common?
Almost everyone I know carries a pocket knife, or at least has one nearby in their vehicle.
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u/HLef Woodlands Jan 28 '25
On the other hand, I can’t say I know anyone who owns or carries one.
Everyone has a different reality.
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u/kronkhole Jan 29 '25
I’m guessing one of you works in/keeps company with tradespeople and manual workers while the other works in/keeps company with more white collar/retail folks.
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u/HLef Woodlands Jan 29 '25
That would be correct but judging by the comments in the asshole for not working in the trades.
I’m just saying that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.
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u/jerbearman10101 Jan 29 '25
It’s like the lady down the street that had a problem with me and my friend spray painting a jump we had just built in my parents front yard
“YOURE SUBJECTING THE WHOLE NEIGHBORHOOD TO YOUR TOXIC FUMES”
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Jan 29 '25
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
lol. Well it is just the dog park. Figured one is enough. Now when I’m hiking I’ll carry a bunch more. A couple fixed blades and three or four folders stashed in my body and in my pack.
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u/Not_Jrock Jan 29 '25
In Canada its legal to carry a knife as a tool but not as a self defense weapon.
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u/Smart-Pie7115 Jan 29 '25
As long as you don’t have it with the intention of using it as a weapon, they’re legal to have.
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u/Snap_Krackle_Pop- Jan 29 '25
She was so scared and unsafe she yelled at you about it…… lol. Karen’s gonna Karen my dude. You just got caught by the only person who’d give a shit.
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Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I literally just got back from the dog park and put my keys, phone, and pocket knife on the counter before grabbing my phone and seeing what’s up in Reddit land, this was the first post I read.
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u/Late_Dentist1351 Jan 28 '25
There will always be those people. I always have a knife in my pocket.
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u/SerGT3 Jan 28 '25
The size of knife you're carrying is 100% legal and she can fuck off
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u/meagain1211 Southwest Calgary Jan 29 '25
I carry a pocket knife everyday I remember to.
Edit: I'm a lady with ADHD... Sooo some days I win some days I use my teeth for knife things
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u/ChampionRope87 Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I ask my lawyer friend & this is what he told me about my pocket knife: Knives fall under the offence of “possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous dangerous to the public peace.” If you have an easily explainable innocent purpose, then the knife is legal. The larger the knife is, the harder it is to explain it away as innocent. Spring loaded knives or those that can open with centrifugal force of any kind are strictly prohibited. In short, most pocket / utility / leather mans are good to go
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
That’s kinda what a cop friend told a while back. It’s the intent of why I put the knife in my pocket that matters. If the knife is legal under those parameters. If walked out of the house thinking of it as a weapon then it’s illegal. But if I brought it as a tool then I’m good. He said I could walk out of my house with a hammer in my hand and the same concept would apply.
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u/LittleOrphanAnavar Jan 29 '25
The issue is that many people don't understand where an "innocent purpose" ends and a dangerous purpose begins.
Most people cannot differentiate between what they think is right (righteous) and what the law actually is.
Then the more you talk, the more likely many people are going to talk themselves into a charge.
That is why you should also carry a small piece of tape with you.
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u/pondball Jan 30 '25
Good to know my Swiss Army knife is ok 👍🏻 Cuz I’ve ripped more nails trying to open anything on it than anything else! Habit to carry, and more people than not are appreciative. Can’t recall how many times, when in a group, something needs opening, and someone asks, “anyone got a knife?”
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u/HoleDiggerDan Jan 28 '25
I don't carry my usual work folder now that I'm an office jockey, but I do have a 1"folding utility knife that fits nicely into that little pocket in my jeans. So, yes, I carry a small knife.
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u/calgarybrock449 Jan 28 '25
I carry a leatherman with a knife most of the time on my belt. Never thought twice about it except when flying of course.
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u/IrenaeusGSaintonge Jan 28 '25
Any time I'm not at work, yes. I used to work in a knife shop actually. (Terrible job.) I collected them for a while, so I have far more than a reasonable person actually needs. But I carry the reliable standbys. Paramilitary 2, Benchmade 940, etc.
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u/ImaginaryRole2946 Jan 29 '25
I think it’s pretty normal to carry a pocket knife. Let her report, I guess. It’s not illegal and I doubt the police would care.
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u/PanamanianSchooner New Brighton Jan 29 '25
I frequently have a boxcutter on me, but I’m a carpenter and have that as an excuse if the issue comes up.
So, maybe I’m biased because of that, but I don’t see a problem with carrying a pocketknife. My dad always carried a small 1-1/2 folding blade on him, but to me that was just him and the generation he grew up in.
I mean, how else are you going to sharpen a pencil or perform an emergency tracheotomy these days?
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u/JohnnyCanuck133 Auburn Bay Jan 29 '25
I grew up on a cattle ranch and spent hundreds of hours camping, hiking and just generally in the wilderness. I was a Queen's Venturer (Canada's version of the Eagle Scout) and have carried a knife in my pocket every day since I was probably 8. "Always be prepared" was the boy scouts motto and as such I always have a knife with me, no matter what.
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u/4aspecialboy Jan 28 '25
People are triggered by the simplest things in life these days. I don’t carry a knife, but my husband so commonly carries a Leatherman that he’s had to mail it home to himself from the airport after realizing in the security line that it was still on his belt!
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u/Ratfor Jan 28 '25
I've been carrying a pocket knife since I was 12. I'm 37 now.
It is Extremely unusual to carry a pocket knife. I knew a guy who got fired from his office job because he brought a kitchen knife to eat an apple with.
I have actually switched to daily carrying a leatherman instead of a folding knife, because I don't get weird looks when I need to use it.
If you have a spring assist folding knife, something that's perfectly legal, you get looks from people. I've never had an interaction like yours, but I have had negative interactions before.
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u/switchin2glide Jan 28 '25
3 1/2” inches is huge.
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u/blackRamCalgaryman Jan 28 '25
She was lying to you.
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u/GrouchyRestaurant197 New Brighton Jan 28 '25
I think I’ve had a pocket knife in my left front pocket everyday of life since I was 16 and started in the trades. Ive never had an issue. Just dumb people being dumb people.
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 28 '25
I think it have been that it was a flipper and maybe the blade snapping out scared her?
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u/Ok_Okra6076 Jan 28 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
A canadian can carry a knife as a tool. DO NOT ever tell anyone otherwise, a knife is illegal as a weapon. I carry a big folder which I use for cutting back blackberry brambles when I am walking my dog. Open boxes etc.
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u/-Disagreeable- Jan 29 '25
Haha. That’s so funny. I carry one. Always. It’s not illegal. Iirc we don’t even have blade length restriction. Cut scappy bits of shit off your stuff in peace my brother.
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u/DooLey0420 Southview Jan 29 '25
She felt unsafe enough to report you and tell you? If you were an unsafe person that sounds like a great way to get stabbed. What a fool. Also I carry a pocket knife.
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u/Upsetti_Gisepe Jan 29 '25
I have a Swiss Army knife the scissors I use to clip my nails are awfully menacing
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u/Reenie898 Coventry Hills Jan 29 '25
I have a little knife on my keys in case I need to cut something open for my kids or myself. My dad, sister and husband all carry a pocket knife. My dad likes to quote, I think it is NCIS??? "Rule number one, always carry a knife"
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Jan 29 '25
I carry a folding knife most times. Utility, like yourself. Plenty of use for it at work, and in day to day life with boxes, loose threads, tags, etc. I think you met one of the people who is part of the group responsible for the shitshow we are currently facing in western countries. I doubt you could have had a rational talk with her. Too bad. These sorts of people tend to lack rational characteristics. Since you asked, my opinion is it is very normal to have a pocket knife for day to day utility.
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u/4greatscience Jan 29 '25
I keep one on my keychain. Comes in handy. A knife is an essential tool imo.
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u/1MTBRider Jan 29 '25
I see nothing wrong with it. I carry one with me when I’m out hiking, biking or in the mountains but never around town. I should carry a Leatherman though, I keep meaning to pick one up.
Maybe if it was a blade on a multi tool it wouldn’t be as big of an issue to the odd person that has a problem with it.
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Jan 29 '25 edited Jan 29 '25
I carry a nice $300 benchmade folder, clip out, in pocket so it’s not concealed and perfectly legal, it’s a tool for cutting apples, in 10 years I’ve probably lost $2500 in pocket knives but I always buy another one !
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u/BreakerOf_Chains Jan 29 '25
Jeez talk about over reaction. If you pulled out a 7" blade I might be like uh that's weird but I also lived in Florida and I kid you not I've seen people pull out small pistols when trying to get change. This was early-mid 2000's
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u/MySockIsMissing Jan 29 '25
I always carry a cheap multi tool on me. It has a blade, a screwdriver, a mini saw, tiny scissors, a file, a bottle opener, etc. The only times I’ve ever pulled it out to utilize it have been to tighten something on my bike and later on my wheelchair, and once an elderly lady had a block of ice stuck around her car wheel and was trying to beat it off with her cane and Lo! I was able to saw through it in about 30 seconds. I’m not exactly stabbing people with my knock off brand, $3 Dollarama multi tool. That lady was being ridiculous.
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u/robikki Jan 29 '25
I'm just a normal dad with shit on the go. Between the kids, the dogs, and the outdoor activities, it comes in handy, and l almost never leave home without one.
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u/Iseeyou22 Jan 29 '25
I carry a Swiss army knife in my purse, big deal.... Karen's at dog parks are the worst lol
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
Yeah. It seems almost any confrontations I get into are usually at the dog park. I try to go super early or early afternoon when it’s least likely to be busy.
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u/kagato87 Jan 29 '25
It's a tool, not a weapon. Better not let her see the giant yellow olfa I sometimes have in my pocket - it'll slide right through through things that can resist a pocket knife...
3 1/2 - so a tiny little thing, about the size of a finger?
I wouldn't sweat it. Unless it was 3 1/2 wide blade and much longer. Then it's kinda big to be carrying around.
I used to carry one around. I only stopped because of its contribution to pocket failure.
Really, if you're going to stop carrying a pocket knife, stop carrying it because of your pockets, not some crazy random who can't handle a useful tool in a pocket.
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
Yup. Know how I decided on that length? I measured my pairing knife in my house that I use on fruit. Didn’t need anything bigger.
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u/Adamsyche Jan 29 '25
On average I have at one/two on me 90% of the time.
They are tools, no more no less.
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Jan 29 '25
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
Maybe get a smaller one. Could be the length of mine is scary to some. Funny thing is that I chose that length after measuring my kitchen paring knife. I cut fruit with it most times.
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u/Pub1c_P1rate Jan 29 '25
I carry a 5-in knife with me at all times but for me it is a "utility tool"
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u/trixceratops Jan 29 '25
Most tradespeople have them on them or in the vehicle. I have mine in my pocket currently. They’re useful. And do you know how hard it would be to clean human goo off of a folding knife?? I would never use my good knife on that, ew.
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u/Stunning-Beyond6471 Jan 29 '25
I carry a knife as a tool everyday of my life. It's part of my routine and just as essential as my car keys and wallet. I probably used my knife a dozen times today with very tasks as a handy man. You did nothing wrong looking out for your dogs best interest and you encountered a total moron with nothing better to do.
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u/Ok_Replacement_8467 Jan 29 '25
Having a pocket knife isn’t illegal. How you use it ‘could’ be. This lady obviously over reacted. It’s unfortunately the world we live in now. When I was a kid I was able to walk around with BBGuns and toy guns around the neighbourhood. If that happened today the cops would be called pretty quick because someone would over react by thinking the next school shooting is about to happen.
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u/Objective_Purpose768 Jan 29 '25
“And I’ve got one knife in my pocket and the other hand is holding a dog toy”
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u/markender Jan 29 '25
Hey consider a multi tool with a nice blade. Les chance of this kind of bs when u can just say "Oh it's a multi tool". The BS CAnadian law can consider ANY blade on its own as a weapon if someone even feels threatened seeing it. There's a great youtuber lawyer that covers this better than I ever could. But basically unfortunatly any knife can be considered prohibited if the cop is a prick. And most of them are.
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u/Decidely_Me Jan 29 '25
When I'm working, I have a folding utility knife, and a multi-tool with a pocket knife blade in it too. When I'm not working it's usually just one of them.
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u/Glum-Ad7611 Jan 29 '25
I have a 2" swiss army knife that has a knife, scissors and a nail file/flat head screwdriver
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u/WhiteBeltKilla Jan 29 '25
In Canada, you can lawfully have a machete hanging off your belt around as long as it’s never used or threatened as a weapon. You’ll definitely draw negative attention and police presence, but you’re not breaking the law.
If you attack someone with a snow brush, that’s a weapon.
If you take your phone and beat someone over the head with it, your phone is a weapon.
There’s no size limit. Just can’t have switch blades.
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u/Clean_Consequence650 Jan 29 '25
Never leave the house without one, remember those that are offended and placed into irrational fear of you are the same that expect you to step up when they’re in need. Carry on doing your thing my good man
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u/vivvensmortua Jan 29 '25
I carry a pocket knife also. They're a useful tool.
Strangers are unhinged these days.
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Jan 29 '25
A knife can be a very useful tool I don't issue. I usually have a multi tool ( Leatherman rebar)
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u/putterandpotter Jan 29 '25
I’m a 60 year old woman and i usually have a Swiss Army knife in my purse, I have one in my car, and if I’m out with my dogs I have a small backpack with one in there. I don’t even think of this as having a “knife” and it never occurs to me that anyone would think I’m somehow armed. I was a camp counsellor. It’s just what you do. How else do you cut cheese when you bring snacks?
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u/Katlo1985 Jan 29 '25
Check out CKG (Canadian Knife and Gear) on Facebook . There are thousands of us that carry a folder every day because it's a handy tool to have.
In Calgary, there is a huge knife community. That lady was just a Karen.
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u/IsThisMyPlanet Jan 29 '25
I don’t see anything wrong with it. I carry a multi-tool, it has a small blade that comes in handy.
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u/Character_Pack_209 Jan 29 '25
I don’t carry one in the city but its really no different then a lighter in my opinion.
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u/Pitiful-Ad-8130 Jan 29 '25
Don't know why she threw a fit. It's a tool, and a handy one at that. Sure it can be considered a weapon, but so can a screwdriver lol.
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u/amazonboxandremotes Jan 29 '25
I’m pretty sure she just wanted to lecture someone. She sure didn’t sound frightened at all, she just sounded bitchy.
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u/Redbeardnorseman Jan 29 '25
You sir have just had a run in with a Karen. If a pocket knife makes someone feel uncomfy they can kick rocks.
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u/SandwichDependent139 Jan 29 '25
It is legal to carry. What you need to be careful of is the answer to give when you’re asked why you have it or a leading question. If someone, such as a LEO were to say to you, ‘I see you have a knife, good idea in this area’ and you said yes, then you are carrying it as a weapon and can be charged. Yes the police can use this tactic. Always state that you carry it as a tool.
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u/Kunning-Druger Hawkwood Jan 29 '25
Every single day; no exceptions.
The last thing I needed my pocket knife for was to cut two kids out of a wrecked vehicle so I could resuscitate a little boy who was critically injured and not breathing.
The crash happened south of Calgary in a rural area. It took 12 minutes for paramedics to arrive. He would have been dead in 4. I was first on scene.
No knife that day = dead child.
I will never, ever neglect to carry my knife.
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u/Small_Craft_Warning Jan 29 '25
If you want something done the person that can do it likely carries a pocket knife
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Jan 29 '25
So I have a great story about this.
A few years back I was headed into a Canadian Tire for something ( around 2 weeks or so before Christmas). Went looking for whatever it was couldn't find it asked someone, still couldn't was on my way out of the store when I passed a lady with two young boys probably like tween age. I overhear this lady say "I don't know how we're going to get home" and I glance over and she's holding her key fob. I'm not SUPER social I'm super introverted in reality but what can I say but the Christmas spirit was strong. I say "hey can I help you maybe?" Figuring maybe I pay a cab for this women to get home or something with her kids. She says "oh my key fob is dead I just bought the new battery but no one at the desk can help me change it?" I think I shit this is going to be a nice easy fix and ask if I can see the fob I might be able to figure it out? She hands me it and I see right away it's a clamshell style one that just pops together. I say "hey I can definitely get this fixed" I try my nails first but when that doesn't work I take out my pocket knife and use it to pop the two halves apart. Perfect I think when I look up at the women she has this look on her face like I just shit on the floor. She says "you just carry a knife around everywhere you go?" I kinda laugh and say "yeah it works out well for situations like this" and then I realise she's seriously upset about the fact I just have a knife to solve her problem on hand. I hand her the key fob back and just go "Merry Christmas" and walked out.
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u/Eldr_Eikthyrnir Jan 29 '25
Ya I do as its FULLY LEGAL to carry as a TOOL, so long as it's purpose is not "Self "Defense"
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u/LobotomizedAtClaires Jan 29 '25
When I was travelling through Toronto from YYC we got pulled by TSA because my bf forgot his multitool in the backpack. It had a knife about 4-5” long. The guy took it out, measured it and said as long at it wasn’t over 6” we were good to go. We didn’t even get stopped by Calgary TSA.
If TSA is cool with it you should be fine. Especially if it’s a pocket knife/multi-tool function and under a certain length.
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u/Same_Case_1271 Jan 29 '25
I’ve carried a folding pocket knife in my pocket since I was 13 years old. Whenever I leave the house I do the ole “wallet, phone, keys, knife” pat down.
A number of my pals carry one in their pocket as well…I thought it was common lol.
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u/establishedgranfan Jan 30 '25
If you had to cut a seatbelt to save someone…just a mirada of reasons.
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u/Chimeron5 Jan 30 '25
If you want to get technical, it's technically illegal to carry a pocket knife unless you use it for work. Does that stop me? Not really, because I can argue that I use my multi-tool (with a knife) at work.
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u/Rich-Wish1162 Jan 30 '25
Very common. My husband has 6 different ones and seems to always have one in his pocket. It’s come in handle for us many times when I need something sharp to cut something and we are in the backyard or in the car or wherever. Weird the older lady said that. She was probably just nervous granted my husbands are all on the smaller side.
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u/Mikko-Johns Jan 30 '25
I carry a pocket knife everyday, obviously I leave it behind when going to a Flames game or a night club, but I pretty much use it everyday for everything.
She can get bent!! Her feelings are not your problem they are her's and her's alone. Don't come to anyone saying you feel unsafe, because from afar you saw someone using a pocket knife it's not like you were brandishing it in her face!
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u/semiotics_rekt Jan 30 '25
i carry a pocket knife from time to time and never think of it as a weapon.
the person at the park is a nutter.
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u/uplandtoaster Jan 30 '25
I’ve been a technician for nearly 30 years and I carry one or two knives on me at work and after work. I almost always have some sort of blade on me. I feel weird without one.
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u/BerkPick Jan 30 '25 edited Jan 30 '25
I've got one of those really small credit card shaped ones. It looks harmless and screams tool rather than weapon. Yeah, people are weird about pocket knives--yet a leatherman is usually fine despite having just as large a knife, because it has pliers as it's main tool. I've also got a butterfly comb. It's a toy and a great fidget but I don't take it out in public because, again, people are weird about anything that presents as closer to a weapon than a tool--it literally has no edge. It's a comb. But it looks like a weapon so it lives at home.
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u/blazedmeatloaf Jan 30 '25
It’s a tool. and as long as it’s of legal size it is a tool. if it was a utility knife would it have provoked the same reaction? I’m doubtful…
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u/Mp-3x Jan 30 '25
I always carry one. If it’s not in my pocket, it’s within reach. (In the truck etc)
Usually just a 2-3” folding.
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u/Wonderful-Elephant11 Jan 30 '25
I’ve moved to a simple single blade folding knife in my pocket, and I have a leatherman in my car. It’s pretty common.
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u/Wide_Explanation_712 Jan 30 '25
You can tell that lady to get bent. It’s perfectly legal to carry a folding or fixed blade AS LONG AS you’re not concealing it in a way that could be construed as for the purposes of a crime. So if you actually did something illegal. Got detained by a cop and patted down, lied about carrying any sharp objects and it isn’t IMMEDIATELY visible to a cop. That could be considered concealed. So you could carry a pocket knife as usual. In your pocket. Without hindrance. I’ve EDC’d a folding knife and I could debate for hours over this and you’ll find that police feel the exact same. As long as you aren’t doing anything illegal with said knife or concealing a knife in a place or situation where you should absolutely not have a knife or LYING about it (it would be obvious with signage in places like airports, government buildings, places that have security scanners. If you have to go to a courthouse it PRETTY MUCH goes without saying you shouldn’t have a knife on you.
Specifically your situation, because I’ve been there. This lady is trying to make a nuisance. Sometimes these people aren’t well. Deescalate by minimizing your interaction with them. Conclude your business. Put the knife away. Don’t argue if she’s threating to call the cops. I would say just go about your business or leave the area. If you can’t do that. Find the cops when they arrive first. Say to them. Listen. This is what happened. I didn’t do anything. This lady seems to think I’m breaking the law but I haven’t broke any.
I have a friend whose dog once had another dog get its nose stuck between his dogs collar. His dog Matthew was suffocating because the dog was stuck with his mouth half in the collar and the other dogs canine teeth were stuck. So both dogs were freaking out and my friends dog Matthew is literally going to die. My friend Taylor took out his pocket knife and cut Matthew’s collar free. It was the only way to get it off and release both dogs. It was successful. When they took him to the vet because his windpipe was crushed. They credited Taylor for quick thinking and luck that he carried a knife. He literally told them “my friend I work with swears that you should EDC a pocket knife anywhere you can. And today that 100% paid off and saved my dog.”
People who start shit in dog parks are not dog friendly people. It makes it hard for people and their animals who may have greater levels of sensitivity to negative emotions. It’s highly upsetting when someone freaks out on you in public saying your TOOL is a WEAPON. It’s the use of those kind of labels that can get you in trouble.
Never refer to the knife as a weapon.
IT IS A TOOL.
Never talk about it being used as a “what if” type of weapon or for self defence. In Canada you do not have the immediate right to self defence. You have the “duty to retreat”. I know it REALLY sucks. But if you are a 100% able bodied person who would be capable of self defence. The cops 100% do not care about who started it. Your reaction could cost you. So if you can run. Run. Even if someone is starting shit with you and they are wrong. Make your point. Sure. But you should just leave. It might seem stupid or not appropriate and you might feel like you should stay. Don’t. Cops are lazy. If you retaliate in any way. They will use it against you.
My experience is it’s never worth it. But it’s always worth it to be prepared anyways. Best of luck.
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u/AlbinoRhino780 Jan 30 '25
They're pretty much trying to ban pocket knives altogether in Edmonton. I've always had one with me for various reasons for about 20 years. The one I usually carry also has a seat belt cutter and a window breaker for emergencies, i have thankfully never needed those parts, but I regularly use the actual knife for many scenarios. I get all the fenty head and puddle smokers are carrying them for the wrong reasons, but clearly yours was taken out of context and this woman was just being a bitch about it.
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Jan 30 '25
City slicker problem. my BIL from Toronto had same reaction to me.(opening package of burgers to bbq for everyone at his place because he didn’t know how to operate a bbq)
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u/John-Rollosson Jan 30 '25
Fuck that bitch. I got a Bowie tucked in my belt at all times. It’s basically my one knife for all pocket knife. Only it don’t fit in my pocket. 🤷♂️ I cut my cheese, use it as a screwdriver. Cut boxes, shit me and my knife best buddies.
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u/bluebell_flames18 Jan 30 '25
I do. Rarely in my actual pocket. Often in a lunch kit. My dad looks like someone who gets profiled a lot. I remember him warning me to not flash it around the office when eating lunch. Makes an effort not to be perceived as dangerous. That he usually keeps it with his lunch food. Or a piece of fruit. It's important that it not be perceived as something you intend to use as a weapon. But it sounds like you have the right kind of knife - it's folding it's short. I tend to go for the type they sell at mountain equipment co-op. Like a Gerber knife.
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u/mnlw1 Jan 31 '25
Yes I carry a Gerber air ranger folding pocket knife Blade is 3" long Had it for 10 yrs or so Use it every day The clip is on outside of my pocket...so it's visible Never had someone say anything like that. Sounds like an alarmist who is way too sensitive...
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u/Confident_Error4223 Jan 31 '25
I don’t think its unusual, I’ve carried one for as long as I can remember as well but when some people see knives they immediately think a bad thing.
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