Innocuous/discreet carry knives

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DangerZone98

Joined
Dec 7, 2019
Messages
3,481
As much as we dislike it, one reality we have to deal with in this hobby are knife allergic folk. Yes I know, we’re free to carry what we want (within the confines of the local law). Sometimes however, it’s not worth expending the energy explaining to another that what you have is primarily a cutting tool and not a weapon.

That being said, what would you say are the most innocuous or discreet blades that you can carry on a daily basis? Feel free to mention brands or specific models. Some I can think of right now:

- Opinels
- Most Moras (particularly the Eldris)
- ESEE Izula (particularly the bright colored ones)
- Spyderco Dragonfly
- higonokami

No means suggesting to limit ourselves to these blades. It’s just nice to have a list of options that won’t draw as much attention as their bigger, tactical peers, but still do hard work for you.
 
Any SAK (you're going to hear that one a lot!), followed by any other slipjoint, but after that it's probably my Bugout.

It's not large, and the coated blade makes it look even smaller than it is. That plus the handle not being black (mine is OD) seems to put it in the "not scary" category for most folks.
 
Anything that meets the following criteria is generally going to be considered innocuous:
- small
- without a tip that could be used for stabbing (e.g., sheepsfoot)
- not blacked out
 
Karl H said:
- not blacked out
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Paradoxically, I think a coated blade often comes off as more discreet. It's not A BIG SHINY KNIFE, so it seems smaller than it is.

Knife knuts associate coatings with tactical knives for high-speed, low-drag operators (;)), but I don't think that carries over to the average non-knife person.
 
It's NOT the knife necessarily, but rather, HOW you carry it.
Of course, I cheat a bit, as I live in Florida, and the t-shirt is always un-tucked.
Shown here is a Bradford G3, one of many that I've owned, and one of the best.
However, I can equally carry a 4" Busse cross-draw if desired.


cross-draw carry.jpg
 
My personal approach is just as always , to carry CONCEALED . :)

What is well hidden cannot be disapproved . Because it is not revealed .

I never want to make a display , so concealed means just that .

I don't generally look or act aggressive or threatening in any way .

I don't normally need to cut anything in public , but when I do , I keep it low key and just do the work with no fanfare or fuss .

Mostly , if you just do what's necessary and don't even look around , nobody will notice or give a crap .

YMMV . ;)
 
Dadpool said:
Paradoxically, I think a coated blade often comes off as more discreet. It's not A BIG SHINY KNIFE, so it seems smaller than it is.

Knife knuts associate coatings with tactical knives for high-speed, low-drag operators (;)), but I don't think that carries over to the average non-knife person.
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I guess stonewash works too then. Not as shiny as a polished finish, but doesn’t scream high speed low drag tactical either. Don’t get me wrong though, I love tactical stuff as long as they’re functional.
 
SwissCards
Pioneer Harvester, Rambler, etc
Böker Plus SubCom Ti VG10
Böker Plus Urban Trapper Ti
Spyderco Natives in cheerful handle colors
Spyderco Chaparral, Dragonfly, Manbug, Ladybug
Spyderco Sage, McBee, UKPK, Pochi, Cricket, etc, too many to list
Any small neck knife, dog tag knife
Bark River PSK and any model with a "Mini" prefix
Opinel #6 #7 #8
 
What I carry on my key chain currently is a Vic Pioneer. No one at work has fainted or soiled themselves over its presence. And I suppose that my Izula 2's are drop in pocket discrete. But I've lived long enough, and had enough sketch experiences, that I'll pack the big stuff discretely also when need be.
 
DocJD said:
My personal approach is just as always , to carry CONCEALED . :)

What is well hidden cannot be disapproved . Because it is not revealed .

I never want to make a display , so concealed means just that .

I don't generally look or act aggressive or threatening in any way .

I don't normally need to cut anything in public , but when I do , I keep it low key and just do the work with no fanfare or fuss .

Mostly , if you just do what's necessary and don't even look around , nobody will notice or give a crap .

YMMV . ;)
Click to expand...


I agree with everything.
I remove the pocket clips from my smaller EDC knives so they stay undetected at the bottom of my pocket. And in urban environments I carry a large full tang in my backpack, not on my person.
 
DocJD said:
My personal approach is just as always , to carry CONCEALED . :)

What is well hidden cannot be disapproved . Because it is not revealed .

I never want to make a display , so concealed means just that .

I don't generally look or act aggressive or threatening in any way .

I don't normally need to cut anything in public , but when I do , I keep it low key and just do the work with no fanfare or fuss .

Mostly , if you just do what's necessary and don't even look around , nobody will notice or give a crap .

YMMV . ;)
Click to expand...
As kobold said, I agree too. When you’re quick and efficient about it, nobody usually notices that the box is already open (or the cake is cut into eight slices before they could blink!).

This is easier to pull off with small blades though. The Izula’s great since my hand actually covers most of the knife lol.
 
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