It seems like everyone I’ve ever known has carried around pocket knives. Papaw and daddy always had one in their pocket. Papaw whipped his out for everything from opening packages to slicing up apples. Even my mama carries one. She’s had a Swiss Army knife for as far back as I can remember.

Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of knives. My favorite is the little Colt Brandon gave me when we were dating, though. I’ve carried that knife around for 20 years now.

The girls both got their first pocket knives over the last few months. I made Belle pay Brandon a penny after she unwrapped hers on Christmas. The penny turned the gift into a purchase, which prevents bad luck, or so I’ve heard.

Belle looked at me like I had three heads when I made her hand the penny over, but I grew up on this lore. Did anybody else grow up on this superstition? If not, have you heard any of these?

Superstitions About Pocket Knives

• It’s bad luck to give a knife as a gift.
• Placing a knife under the birthing bed will cut the pain in half.
• Never cross knives at the dinner table.
• The one who opened the knife must be the one who closes it.
• Always cut bread rather than breaking it with your hands.
• If you drop a knife, a visitor will show up.
• Never hand a knife directly to another person.
• Stir with a knife, stir up strife.