Folk omens
Giving a knife as a gift: why not?
knife as a present superstition · knife gift coin
- knife
- gift
- quarrel
- coin
- superstition
In folk belief giving a knife as a gift brings a quarrel or cuts the relationship. So a knife is not given, it is symbolically sold for a coin.
Why don't people give knives?
A cutting object symbolises cutting a bond. A gifted knife is said to cut a friendship or bring disagreement into a family.
What if you still want to give a knife?
Folk tradition has a simple fix: the person receiving the knife gives the giver a coin in return. That way the knife is bought, not gifted, and the superstition no longer applies.
- Receive it and give a coin back
- The same rule applies to scissors
- A good set of kitchen knives is still a great gift
Is it the same in other countries?
Yes, similar beliefs exist in many countries and the coin trick is widespread. It is one of the superstitions many people still take seriously today.