What in the world is a Gas Station Knife?
To answer this question, I want you to briefly imagine what the concept of a gas station knife should be. Is it cheap? Is it expensive? Is it well made? Is it gasoline themed?
I recently took a couple trips through the American South West, from California to New Mexico. Along route 66 there are quite a few gas stops and shopping opportunities with hundreds of billboards along the way practically begging you to stop at their store.
It was during this trip where I got the inspiration to write this post to share my thoughts on the “Gas Station Knife”. Every time I stumbled across a display of these knives I would literally whip out the phone, take a pic and share it with my friends in disbelief, “Why would anyone actually buy this stuff??”
Seriously... What is it!?
If you’re a knife enthusiast, you’re probably familiar with the term already. For those who still have their sanity, a “Gas Station Knife” is a term used to describe a knife typically sold at gas stations and rest stops that look… well let me show you…
Now that you have a pretty good idea of the kinds of knives that have earned the title of “Gas Station Knife” I want to take a few minutes to just get my thoughts out there on these bad boys since it’s been bugging me for a while.
The Designs
I think part of the “allure” of these knives is the wide array of designs to choose from. As you can tell there are plenty of different prints to pick, but if you look closely you can see there are even different blade shapes, deployment methods, and even unique form factors. One of my favorites is the “Gun shape”, definitely a good idea to carry around.
A lot of them carry the “Bad Ass” theme. Skulls, Flames, Bald Eagles, Punisher, etc… But there are the occasional “Mary J” themed blades, Ninjas, or even Viking themes.
What You’re Getting
Ultimately I think most rational people take one look at these things and think “Wow those look like toys” or “Wow those look absolutely stupid”. However, to those who are legitimately attracted to these bad boys, here is what you’re getting; A very cheaply made knife with terrible action, pot metal steel, with a goofy design printed on the scales and even blade. You’ll be lucky if the blade doesn’t chip on the first use.
Maybe it’s a good gift for your nephew if you’re the drunk uncle, but for the discerning uncles out there, maybe just give the kid some cash instead…
My Closing Thoughts
Gas Station Knives are over priced novelties strategically placed at rest stops and tourist traps to scam people out of their hard earned money. If you buy one for the novelty, I can accept that. But if you buy one expecting a great knife… Well, good luck my friend.