A Gift That Lasts: The Tradition and Meaning Behind Gifting Knives
Knives might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a gift — especially if you’ve heard the old saying that it’s bad luck to give one. But here’s the truth: a well-made knife is one of the most thoughtful, practical, and lasting gifts you can give someone. Whether it’s for a milestone birthday, Christmas, or just to say, “I value you,” a knife — especially one that’s been crafted by hand — hits the mark in a way few things can.
Why People Give Knives as Presents
I’ve lost count of how many customers I’ve spoken to at the Nelson Market who are buying knives for someone special. It might be for a milestone birthday, a work leaving gift, a wedding, or for Christmas. A good knife is useful every day, and it becomes part of someone’s routine, their work, their cooking, their adventures – and if it is a kitchen knife a partner gets to use it too!
What people are really doing when they gift a knife is saying: “I want you to have something that lasts. Something you’ll actually use.” That kind of thinking never goes out of style.
The Superstition: Is It Bad Luck to Gift a Knife?
Let’s tackle this head-on. There’s an old wives’ tale that giving someone a knife is bad luck — that it’ll “cut the friendship” or bring conflict. It’s a belief that goes way back in European folklore, and you still hear it pop up now and then.
But like most superstitions, people have found a way around it: when someone gives a knife, the person receiving it gives a coin in return — even just ten cents — to “buy” it. That small exchange breaks the spell, so to speak.
Knives as Gifts Around the World
Here’s the interesting bit: in many cultures, giving a knife isn’t just acceptable — it’s a sign of respect.
In France, it’s completely normal to give knives to family members, often as part of a family tradition.
In Japan, gifting a high-quality kitchen knife shows deep regard. It's about giving someone a tool for life.
In the Nordic countries, traditional puukko knives are given as rites of passage — marking manhood, independence, or honour.
In many Pacific cultures, knives and blades are more than tools — they’re treasured items, passed down, maintained, remembered.
So while some people might see a knife as a strange thing to wrap up with a bow, in many parts of the world, it’s a deeply meaningful gesture.
Why a Handcrafted Knife is One of the Best Gifts You Can Give
When you give someone a mass-produced knife from a chain store, it’s just another common object. But when you give someone a handcrafted knife — you’re giving them something far more valuable.
I’ve had people come back to me and say, “That knife you made for my brother? He uses it every day — reckons it’s the best gift he’s ever had.”
That’s what it’s all about.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about giving a knife as a gift, don’t let old superstitions get in your way. What really matters is that the knife is given with good intent and built to last.
A knife is personal. It’s useful. It carries meaning. And in a world full of throwaway gifts and cheap gadgets, a handcrafted knife stands out. It’s something that says: “I thought about this. I chose something worth having.”
And that, to me, is what a great gift should be.
