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Choosing a knife is a very personal thing. Functionally, different users can have very different intended applications for their knives and must select a blade style, steel, edge configuration, and lock mechanism that best suits their performance needs. As we all know, the laws governing knife possession and carry vary tremendously from place to place, so responsible knife owners must also choose a knife that is consistent with the laws in the areas where they live, work, and travel.

The knife you carry must also be consistent with how you dress—both functionally and from a standpoint of your image and professional demeanor. A ranch hand in blue jeans and cowboy boots will probably choose a different knife than a businessman who works in a suit-and-tie office environment.

As you become more experienced as a knife user, you will also find that no single knife does every job well. In time, you may invest in multiple knives that provide the attributes and performance you need for specific applications.

Finally, knives—especially high-quality knives—are special objects that transcend their function as mere cutting tools. They are genuine works of art and can carry with them tremendous pride of ownership and sentimental value. To this end, many users prefer investing in exceptionally crafted knives and those that feature premium materials.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all knife, so how do you make the right choice? Education. The more you learn about knives and the options available, the better equipped you’ll be to choose one that best meets your needs. And to help you in that process, Spyderco has produced a short video that guides you step-by-step through the many choices available. Along the way, it helps you consider and define your personal needs so you can choose the knife that’s right for you. We hope you enjoy it.

Father’s Day is coming soon. If your father is lucky (or you are a lucky father) you may be receiving a knife as a gift. Superstitions surrounding knives is plentiful. Superstition is the belief that an event can lead to the cause of another event, or a number of events. Here are a few superstitious dos and don’ts surrounding knives that may keep you the giver, or the recipient on the safe side of superstition.

When you are given a knife, it is appropriate (some believe required) to respond by giving a penny or the smallest coin in your wallet to the person giving you the knife. This act is cross cultural and practiced throughout Europe and Asia. The penny serves several purposes. It becomes a symbolic transaction, making the passing of the knife a purchase rather than a gift. It is believed the exchange of money eliminates bad omens and keeps the friendship between giver and receiver from ever being cut or severed. Some also believe the penny protects the owner from ever cutting themselves, or at least, from ever cutting themselves badly.

Some knife superstitions which may surprise you:

• Receiving a knife as a gift from a lover, or gifting a knife to a newlywed couple, means that the love will soon end.

• A knife placed under the bed during childbirth some say, eases the pain of labor.

• Fights and disagreements will happen if knives are crossed at the table.

• Always hand a knife back the person who handed it to you, in the same manner. If it is handed to you open, return it open, if you receive it closed- return it closed. Doing otherwise is bad luck.

• Stirring powder or liquids with a knife causes problems. There is a an old rhyme which says, "Stir with a knife, stir up strife".

• Some cultures believe a knife doesn’t belong to you until it has bitten you, or drawn blood. Believers in this superstition have been known to intentionally prick a finger on the blade rather than risk a later, accidental cut. It’s also thought that the knife will stay sharp longer and is less likely to accidentally cut its owner once it has tasted his or her blood.

• In some parts of America, it is considered bad luck to sharpen a knife, or any blade, after dark.

Determining if knife superstition is fact or fiction is really up to you. Let’s hope whatever your conclusion, it is right.