July 15, 2020, 06:09 PM
ffipsEtiquette of gifting a knife?
Based on what I have learned here, I understand the tradition/lore/myth of giving a coin when gifting a knife. For those wondering what I am talking about, more details are discussed
here.
I like the idea of carying on traditions, but also realize this might not be a well known one. So, my question is, when one gifts a knife and includes a coin, is the recipient supposed to know what to do with the coin? Is it gauche to explain it, or would it simply be better to see if they ask about it?
Guys, again, I understand the myth part, but want to carry on the tradition. Too many things are lost over time through the generations. In the end, I figured I would toss it to the forum to get the see what others thought and perhaps even show someone something new.
Thanks in advance.
July 15, 2020, 07:41 PM
braillediverIf someone gave me a knife and a coin they'd have to explain why.
July 15, 2020, 08:07 PM
jhe888Give the coin so they buy the knife. You wouldn't want to risk a gift knife cutting the friendship. If they don't know, they'll ask.
July 15, 2020, 10:02 PM
Nickelsig229I always give the coin separate from the knife. When they know they usually pocket the coin and give me one of their own.
When they don't know they ask, if they don't ask I explain to them what the intent of the coin is and they are usually happy to learn the tradition.
July 17, 2020, 06:15 PM
ffipsWrapped the knife and put the coin in the card. He opened the knife and loved it (thanks Dozer) thenn came back later after he opened the card and asked what the coin was for. I explained the tradition and he thought it was cool.
Success.
July 17, 2020, 07:25 PM
djpaintlesI'm Curious as to what this tradition is? I've gifted several dozens of knives and honestly have no clue whatsoever about the coin. What's the deal??
July 17, 2020, 07:32 PM
ffipsSuperstition suggests that it is bad luck or will sever a friendship if a knife is given as a gift. A cheat to get around this is to "sell" the knife to the recipient. Providing the coin guarantees payment is available.
Again, simply a fun tradition and an attempt to hold onto simpler times.
August 17, 2020, 01:54 PM
dewhorseFirst time I heard of this was with my FIL, I gave him a spyderco police and he handed me a ruble coin
August 17, 2020, 02:12 PM
parabellumI don't give them the coin. If I do, that's not payment when they give it back, at least not as far as I'm concerned. They have to pony up a coin. Any denomination will do, but it has to come from them, not from me.
August 18, 2020, 08:08 PM
ffipsIf you don't give it, do you tell them about the tradition?