Knives: Are They Tools or Weapons?

The reason many people buy a knife is for self-defense, and knives can be great in this regard. However, it’s important to know the difference between tools and weapons, and to realize that almost all knives are tools, not weapons. As tools, knives are made to do jobs that would be much more difficult, or even impossible, to do without them.

When Tools become Weapons

A tool becomes a weapon when it has been modified in a way that makes it suited for combat. While knives that are meant to be tools can definitely be used as weapons, this is not their intended use. Once a tool has been adapted to be a weapon, it becomes useless as a tool. An example of this is a dagger, which has a double-edged blade that enables you to cut with either side. Obviously, if both sides of a blade are sharp, you are no longer able to put your hand on the back of the blade, which is generally a huge part of using it as a tool. Knives like these are intended for one use and one use only. Some knives are undeniably intended to be weapons, while others can be used as weapons if necessary.

When Should You Buy a Knife as a Weapon?

So, when is it appropriate to buy a knife that you intend to use for self-defense rather than as a tool? If you’re willing to get the proper training for using a tactical or combat knife, there is nothing wrong with buying one. The type of training necessary cannot be obtained through the internet, and it requires the guidance of an expert in the field. If you choose to carry a knife in the name of self-defense, learn what self-defense really is, so that you don’t end up doing something you will later regret.

The Responsibility of Being Polite When Armed

If you decide to carry a knife with you as a weapon, you carry a higher level of responsibility than someone who chooses not to. When you have direct access to something that can take or drastically change another person’s life, it’s not just about you, anymore. Your actions are far more likely to impact other people when you carry a weapon, and what you do with that weapon should not be taken lightly.

Being overly considerate of other people is a huge part of this newfound responsibility. This should be practiced daily, as taking other people into account consistently can help you avoid violent confrontations that are more likely to turn deadly when a weapon is involved. Not only can you or someone else get hurt if you aren’t mindful of other people; you can also get in serious trouble.

Choosing the Right Knife

There are some important dos and don’ts when you are deciding which knife is best for you. Don’t focus on the brand name or manufacturer. Don’t even focus on the shape, type of blade, or how stylish it is. Ignore whether it’s considered tactical or not.

Instead, choose a knife based on how it feels. There are countless factors to consider, because everyone has a different balance, handle, and weight preference. Some people prefer long and thin blades that have more weight in the front, while others prefer short and thick blades that carry more girth in the back. There is also the issue of the handle itself, with some people feeling more comfortable with finger grooves, and others desiring a smoother handle. The bottom line is: Choose a knife that feels good in your hands.

Getting a knife that feels good in your hands is the most important thing to consider in your search for the right knife, because a knife is, first and foremost, a tool. It’s meant to do a job faster and better than it could otherwise be done. That means you don’t necessarily need a tactical knife or even a large knife. It just has to work for your purposes, above all else.

In Conclusion

Getting anything for the wrong reasons is never a good idea, and, with a knife, or anything that can be used as a weapon, it’s an even worse idea. While it’s true that some knives are intended to be weapons, you should never use one unless you have been properly trained to use it. Whichever knife you end up choosing, a healthy dose of common sense will go a long ways toward keeping you out of trouble or preventing something even worse.