Giving a knife as a gift is believed to sever friendship unless it is ‘paid’ for, even symbolically.

Why Giving a Knife as a Gift Can 'Cut' Friendship

Details

The belief holds that gifting a sharp object such as a knife, scissors, or sword to a friend or loved one will symbolically ‘cut’ the relationship. This superstitious fear has led to a common workaround: the recipient gives a small coin, often a penny, in exchange for the item—thus turning the transaction into a purchase rather than a gift. This token ‘payment’ neutralizes the symbolic severing, preserving the friendship. This practice may occur during birthdays, weddings, or other celebratory times when gifts are exchanged. Some individuals even include a coin with the knife when gifting it, allowing the recipient to immediately ‘pay’ for it, maintaining tradition and avoiding harm to the relationship.

Historical Context

This superstition likely traces back to Medieval Europe, where knives and other blades symbolized both protection and violence. Gifting a blade without any exchange was believed to potentially signify aggression or distrust. The symbolic ‘cutting’ of ties became part of popular belief, particularly in Europe and then in North America through cultural transmission. The act of including a coin to ‘purchase’ the blade emerged as a socially acceptable form of appeasement or friendship preservation. Since relationships were central to communal survival during this time, protecting them from bad omens was considered crucial. This practice further spread through oral tradition and was reinforced in multiple cultures over centuries.

Modern Relevance

The superstition about gifting knives persists in many cultures today, especially in Western countries, East Asia, and parts of the Middle East. It’s common among wedding guests, culinary professionals, and collectors to include or request a symbolic coin when knives are exchanged. Some retailers and knife manufacturers include a small coin with the purchase of a knife to honor the tradition. On social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit, young generations discuss this superstition, often labeling it as quirky but still following the token payment practice. Despite increasing secularism, the emotional importance of preserving relationships keeps the ritual alive.

Sources

Brunvand, Jan Harold. Encyclopedia of Urban Legends. ABC-CLIO, 2001.

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