Those looking to give the gift of a new knife to a friend or loved one have a lot of options, but also a lot of important factors to consider.

While responsible knife owners see knives as a tool, the law in most places view them as a weapon and they have the laws and regulations to prove it.

And the law represents just one factor to consider. So while you heart is in the right place in wanting to give a knife as a gift, think about the following before making your decision.

A Knife’s Purpose

These days, specialists – such as KRUDO Knives – have many, many different varieties of knives for sale. All would make a great gift, but before you make the purchase, know why your gift recipient wants a knife.

Options include folding knives, fixed blades, compliance tools, tactical pens and even tomahawks and hatchets. Consider these general categories before moving forward.

Self-defense. For those looking for a knife that can provide them protection in a dangerous situation, most people research folding knives first. They have the advantage of being easy to conceal and quick to deploy if the need arises. Pain compliance tools – which do not have a cutting edge – are good both for knife practice and for use in subduing an opponent.

Hunting. Although a fixed blade knife works well in self-defense, typically many people buy them for use to hunt. Sturdy and versatile, fixed blades come in a wide variety of sizes and are an essential part of any camping, hunting or survivalist experience.

Tactical specialties. Of course, people use many kinds of knives for tactical purposes, but here we refer to special tools. For example, the Krubaton tactical pen from KRUDO Knives functions as a baton, glass breaker and, of course, as a refillable ink pen.

Hatchets and Tomahawks. The tomahawk or hatchet has gained popularity as the number of tomahawk-throwing competitions have grown across the country. However, even those not designed for throwing prove useful. They can cut, chop and, if used in camping, can replace a number of other tools. Not to mention looking much cooler.

Laws and Regulations

For buyers, especially those buying for someone else, it is critical to become familiar with the laws and regulations regarding knives in the area where the recipient lives.

Knife owners consider knives a tool. However, the government regards them as weapons in many locations. Of course, anything can be a weapon, from ink pens to a set of keys, not to mention a common kitchen knife. But that’s an argument you will lose with law enforcement.

Generally speaking, you can never carry a knife into any government-run facility – schools, courthouses, etc. Also, even in places you can carry a knife, wise owners keep the blade to less than 2 ½ inches. Anything longer than that is illegal in many places.

From there, you must check local laws. Some places (Los Angeles, for example) require that you don’t carry knives in plain view. Others (Arizona and Arkansas, among others) allow pretty much anything, but in some cases you must tell law enforcement you carry one. In short, a hodgepodge of laws exist around knives across the country. You benefit yourself and your gift recipient knowing them.

Those are some of the considerations to think over before buying a knife. A knife is a great gift for the right person. However, buyers will find it essential to know what your friend or loved one wants, how they will use the knife and the laws surrounding knife use in their area.