Why do people stare at someone wearing a multitool or a knife??

umm, he could have been trying to figure out what model..........But you said it was in a sheath so I somewhat doubt it. Maybe he was just staring into space, and it was coincidentally in your direction. I've done it before, and probably creeped a couple people out. No one's paid any attention to my clipped knife, or belted, and sheathed multitool.
 
I noticed when I was working a summer maintenance job I wore a Motorola radio on my belt and a keyring. A lot of people stared at it out of curiosity.
 
Perhaps the guy was lost in thought wondering what you were carrying. Thats what I do when I see someone with a MT or a knife.
 
Open carrying of firearms became legal in Oklahoma last November. I've been doing so and really not caught anyone openly starting at me. Maybe behind my back, if so I do not care. I open carry a Kimber CDP II 1911 in .45 ACP. I usually have at least two knives clipped to my pockets, a lefty and a righty Spyderco Military are my current favorites. Also usually have a Leatherman Charge clipped to one of my back pockets.

Let em stare.

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Like some of the others, if I look it's usually just because I'm admiring, or curious as to what model/type, etc., a person is carrying. If it's more of a personal setting, I'll often comment and start a conversation about the topic.
 
I think people are afraid you're going to stab or shoot them. That's fine. It keeps the jerks at bay.
 
Maybe I'm use to being stared at. It's quite possible. I've never noticed anyone looking at my mt, flashlight or knife. I use to carry a fixed blade on my hip (open carry only) and never noticed anyone worried about that either, and I live in California.

I DO get a reaction to motorcycle gear, but only once was it negative and that was from a stupid 1%er so no big surprise.

I wouldn't worry about it man. Just take a deep breath and let it go. :thumbup:
 
My experience has been that people generally don't care about or pay attention to multi-tools (even in administrative office settings). It's the one-handed opening modern-style folders that tends to make people nervous (even if the blade is smaller than what you might find on a larger multi-tool).
 
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Like others have said, it might have had nothing to do with your sheath. The guy might've had some kind of condition or maybe he was just diggin' yer style? ;) Heck, some older folks feel they've lived long enough to gawk a bit when they want. If it really bugs you, stare back.

'Round these parts, no one bats an eye at multitools or knives in pockets or sheaths. They're pretty common. If someone's staring at my backside, I'd have my doubts they're looking at my belt. :p
 
What's even worse is if you call them out on it...


"You looking at something, friend?" will usually be taken as some kind of implicit threat... even thought you used the word "friend"...

:confused:
 
Goosey said:
What's even worse is if you call them out on it...


"You looking at something, friend?" will usually be taken as some kind of implicit threat... even thought you used the word "friend"...

:confused:
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In all fairness, referring to someone as "friend" before you've had any sort of amicable interaction whatsoever is usually interpreted as sarcasm, at the very least.
 
killgar said:
Perhaps you're being overly sensitive and defensive. I would have assumed that he was admiring it or trying to figure out what model it is.

Personally, as long as the people around me aren't acting suspiciously, I just ignore them. I ride a motorcycle and depending on what gear I'm wearing I may look a bit rough, I also openly carry a fixed-blade. It's certainly possible that people are staring at me, but I couldn't care less.

You can't control what people think, you can't control what they do, and trying to conform your life to accomodate everyone else is a losing proposition. So I say do your own thing and to hell with what others think about it.
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Ohhh sing it brother! :D
 
I wouldn't give it much thought. If I see someone carrying I'll typically glance to see if I can ID it out of my own interest but I won't look long as I don't want to be that guy staring. However, some people are just like that and as long as they aren't getting in your face about it just go about your day and ignore it.
 
Why do people stare at someone wearing a multitool or a knife??
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Don't know. The more important question is: Do I care if some pansy gets their undies in a bunch because I'm carrying a knife/gun/tuba/wearing pink sweatpants? The answer is no. If some guy is weirded out by it I just carry on minding my own business. If someone asks me why I carry what I carry I just ask them why they don't, using the exact same it's-kinda-weird-that-you-do-that tone that they use.
 
I stare to try and figure out what they're carrying, and if I recognize it try and strike up a conversation.
 
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