Why Sharp Gifts Are Considered Bad Luck in Many Cultures

Giving knives, scissors, or other sharp objects as gifts is considered bad luck in many cultures, as it supposedly “cuts” the relationship between giver and receiver. The act of presenting a sharp item is thought to symbolically sever the emotional or social bond between the two individuals. If sharp items must be given, many traditions require the recipient to give a small payment (often a coin) in return, thereby symbolically purchasing the object and avoiding the unlucky implications of a gift.

This gift prohibition appears consistently across diverse cultures. In Chinese tradition, giving sharp objects symbolizes cutting ties with the recipient, which is especially avoided during weddings, New Year celebrations, or among close friends. European folklore warns that gifted knives can carry bad intentions or be used as tools for dark magic. Russian superstition similarly maintains that sharp gifts bring misfortune, ending love or friendship. In many Middle Eastern cultures, gifting knives or scissors is interpreted as a sign of concealed aggression or an impending dispute. The workaround—accepting a coin in return for the sharp object—appears in 19th-century etiquette guides and is still practiced in households that maintain traditional customs.

This superstition continues to influence gift-giving customs around the world. In Western contexts, knife manufacturers often include a small coin or token in boxed cutlery sets to preserve good fortune and acknowledge the tradition. Kitchen supply retailers sometimes provide printed cards encouraging the coin exchange. Wedding registries and cultural etiquette websites also advise guests to be mindful when selecting knife sets as gifts, often recommending symbolic payment from the couple to preserve the relationship. The enduring influence of this superstition shows how symbolic gestures can carry strong cultural significance across time and geography.