To give or not to give a coin with knives?

[Kara1231]

I've heard that when you give a knife (or knives) as a gift, you're suppose to attach a NEW shiny coin.........(especially a penny).....anyone have any ideas on that? Thanks.....=) :RuNew:

[Antoninus]

**Blank stare of confusion**

[Jenett]

I've heard that when you give a knife (or knives) as a gift, you're suppose to attach a NEW shiny coin.........(especially a penny).....anyone have any ideas on that? Thanks.....=) :RuNew:


Actually, the way I've always heard it is that there's a piece of folklore that giving a knife (or scissors) as a gift can cut the friendship. The folklore runs that you give the person the knife, they give you a penny in token 'payment' (so it's no longer a gift, technically) and that that averts any bad luck or damage to the friendship.

I suspect that attaching the coin was just someone's idea of how to make that easy for the recipient.

[Witchzee1]

Actually, the way I've always heard it is that there's a piece of folklore that giving a knife (or scissors) as a gift can cut the friendship. The folklore runs that you give the person the knife, they give you a penny in token 'payment' (so it's no longer a gift, technically) and that that averts any bad luck or damage to the friendship.

I suspect that attaching the coin was just someone's idea of how to make that easy for the recipient.
Hmmmm ... I'd never heard that before. But it makes sense.

[banondraig]

Actually, the way I've always heard it is that there's a piece of folklore that giving a knife (or scissors) as a gift can cut the friendship. The folklore runs that you give the person the knife, they give you a penny in token 'payment' (so it's no longer a gift, technically) and that that averts any bad luck or damage to the friendship.

I suspect that attaching the coin was just someone's idea of how to make that easy for the recipient.

that's what i heard, barring the scissors part. your idea about attaching the coin makes sense. there's some caribbean ones i've heard of, as well, although i think they may refer more specifically to a love relationship. for instance, giving a watch means you are marking time until you leave, and giving shoes means you are going to walk out.

[Witchzee1]

Hmmm ... really makes you think about a gift before you give it!

[Witchzee1]

LOL looks like I'm "hmmmmm-ing" a lot. LOL Sorry!

[Purrcatnip]

:foh:

[MystIc_WolF]

The only time I've heard that this is appropriate is when you're giving an Athame or Boline as a gift, but I could be wrong. Something about unless you make it yourself these tools have to be payed for or something.

[youngrose]

I worked with my dad in a small buissness that sold medevil style weapons and we charge a penny for every thing sharp even if it a small uetelaty knife, so as not to sever the relationship :graduate:

[Eudaimonia]

My family does exactly what Jenett said. Wow! I never knew anyone has heard of this, but we've been doing it for as long as I can remember. It's always worked. Wow! Shock!

[kblackthorne]

Yes, I'm considered weird out here because (due to long family tradition), I will not give a knife, only sell it. (Again, so as not to sever the tie.)

Likewise, I was taught you must never give an empty purse/wallet: It must have money in it, so it will draw money to the recipient.

This really confused my sister-in-law when I gave her an evening bag for her prom, and it had a quarter in it! She thought I'd forgotten to take it out!


(Hm... Perhaps someone confused/comflated the two customs?)