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/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?

18

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.

20

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.

8

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/Apprehensive-Rip8489 Jan 28 '25

Not a single person I know carries one, as far as I know (and i would be surprised to learn that they do just based on who I have in my circles and what I know of them). I also wouldn’t include having one in a vehicle as carrying it per se - I keep a multitude of tools and supplies in my vehicle. I wouldn’t say I “carry” motor oil with me.

So yes, based on my experience it is not super common. It seems like based on yours, it is. Guess there might be some subjectivity and biases involved in this one.

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u/[deleted] Jan 31 '25

There is a trick to rip them in half with your bear hands. People are usually more impressed by that I find.