Kind of off but a little on topic... I used to tease my husband about carrying his pocketknife everywhere. Over Thanksgiving we went to NYC, and they wouldn't let him in a museum with the knife. I wanted to just leave but he didn't want to disappoint the kids. So he "stashed" his knife in a hiding spot outside the building. Of course, there are eyes everywhere in the city and the knife was gone when we came out of the museum.

The point is, since he's lost the knife, we've already needed it for one thing or another about 5 times! Getting him a new one is priority now.

"leatherman/gerber/knife" and my answer to that person is you'll need one sooner or later...........

I bought Leatherman Waves for all of my groomsmen in my wedding party. Of course I got one for myself and my father-in-law.

My father-in-law uses it on an almost daily basis at work. My nephew and brother are never without it while camping.

As for the topic question, I don't hear it much anymore. The in-laws just know that I have whatever I need on hand for most part and they are impressed that I'm so prepared. Makes them feel that their daughter and grandson are well looked after.

Well, I got asked I didn't have something today.

I don't keep superglue in my bag of tricks- if something goes wrong, I've got a tricky brick, which isn't so useful.

While Leathermans are great multi tools, I would submit that we knife aficionados can do better than such a pedestrian gift, especially for special occasions like wedding parties.

I submit to you the Case Sodbuster Jr. one of the most historically American blades out there. There is a rich history and classic style of this single blade that demands carry for special occasions.

Groomsmen at my wedding 23 years ago all received nice knives as gifts, we called them "Dress Knives" and they probably still carry them for that purpose. Mike

I simply say, "Doesn't everybody?" Seems to stop the process after that.

I am always leery of giving a knife as a give. In Chinese culture (in fact many cultures), it symbolizes cutting the relationship bonds. You give a knife to indicate that you are no longer friends. A fact that was pointed out when I mistakenly gave my father a pocket knife for Christmas to replace a worn out SAK that he had.
Can you say - "Oops!"

Interesting. My culture must be one of those that does not adopt this symbolism. Knife gifts are happily accepted. I would be totally tickled to death to get a Leatherman Wave.

I too have given knives for Christmas and have always received a big thanks. One just needs to be aware of cultural practices and norms of others, just as they should be respectful of yours.

Pete