Is a Pocket Knife a Weapon or a Tool?

There are many different types of pocket knives on the market. They look cool and are pretty popular among people who carry them regularly. However, there is a lot of debate regarding these knives.

The most common point of debate is whether or not a pocket knife is a weapon. It is essential to find the answer to this question. This is because it will help you to buy one suitable for your particular use.

Is a Pocket Knife a Weapon or a Tool?

Considering the significance of this debate, we are here to share our viewpoint. It will not be only about whether it is a weapon or a tool.

Instead, we will share a thorough guideline about it. As you go through the content, you will get the answer to this question: “Is it a weapon or a tool?”

Pocket Knife-Definition and Meaning

As the name suggests, a pocket knife is made for carrying in a pocket. Its design meets the user’s needs.

Overall, pocket knives are tiny compared to the usual knives. They have a small blade that folds into the handle structure.

It further reduces the knife’s size. It does not help to cut solid materials like wood, but it is convenient for delicate items like vegetables, ropes, etc.

Types of Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are of different types, such as:

Every day, folding knives.
Army/military folding pocket knives.
Multi-tool pocket knives.
Fine/elegant pocket knives.
Stylish pocket knives.
Classic hunter pocket knives.
Traveler pocket knives.
Mini-pocket knives.
Wine-lover’s pocket knives.

There are many more categories of this type of knife, but these are the most prominent. All of them have different uses in different situations.

Today, many new pocket knives with innovative designs, colors, uses, and structures are being produced.

Pocket Knife as A Weapon

In a survey of the statistical Research Department in 2019, the participation of 2,652 respondents was made sure.

According to the results, almost 9 percent of males and 6 percent of females carry pocket knives for self-defense. You can find further details about the survey here.

This means that its use as a weapon is not very popular, but it’s there. Maybe this is because many new weapons are being made, and human beings are relying more on them right now. However, they are still in use to some extent.

It has two main uses as a weapon: combat and self-defense. Let us learn whether these two uses justify the pocket knife’s existence as a weapon.

For Combat

Unlike the special knives that work for combat, pocket knives have very small blades. The cut and stab with them would be very light if you tried to use them for combat.

This is because they are made for cutting light materials only. Stabbing or thrusting is not something they are made to do.

For Self-Defence

In an emergency, pocket knives always come to the rescue when you feel under attack. However, remember that it is only for an emergency when you use it to deal with the attacker briefly.

It can sometimes give your self-defense services, but we cannot declare their weapons on his basis.

Pocket Knife as A Tool

From the information given in the above section, we are sure that a pocket knife is not a weapon. So, what is it? Well, it is a simple tool. Here are the reasons why we say with conviction:

Utility Tool

A pocket knife is a utility tool. This means you must use it at home or in the office. For instance, you can keep it in your kitchen to peel the fruit and cutting of different vegetables. Other than this, you can also use it in the garden.

You can simply cut unnecessary branches of trees and outgrown grass in your backyard. Overall, it is no more than a tool that helps you with regular chores at home or in the office. Sometimes, it is also known as an EDC tool.

Camping Tool

You can do so much at a camping site if you have a pocket knife with you. For instance, you can cut meat, fruits, and vegetables.

Besides this, you can clear the space to create shelter by using this tool. It will help you remove branches and twigs to clear the space.

Also, if you hunt while camping, you can use it to remove animal skins and fish scales. So, all in all, it is a great tool for camping.

Emergency Tool

In emergencies like accidents, you can cut the seat belt to get out of the car quickly. Also, you can fend off the attacking animals at the camping site. In other situations, if someone attacks you, it can be a good option to deal with the problem until the police arrive.

You can also use it to open bottle caps and break glass where you need to. If you do not have matchsticks, you can use them to start the fire. So, it is a great emergency tool that can greatly help you.

Conclusion

We are sure that you will get the answer to the most commonly debated question: Is a pocket knife a weapon or a tool? Based on the discussion above, we conclude that a pocket knife is more of a tool than a weapon.

The purpose of manufacturing is not to stab someone; rather, it is made for everyday use for cutting. So, we cannot declare it a weapon for its occasional use in combat and self-defense.

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