What is it with

KNIVES these days; nearly every news item on the television each day mentions another knifing - not necessarily fatal, but "stabbing" is now so much of our vocabulary, whereas once upon a time it was virtually unknown. Why do folk carry knives? I have heard that it makes some people feel safe, but is it necessary to use them? Is the younger generation so much more frightened these days? Are they less tolerant? Are they looking for a fight?
Boy scouts were always encouraged to carry a knife - specially one for getting stones from horses hooves (that was a joke of course!), and my friend always had a heavy pocket knife which included one or two little gadgets for opening bottles and undoing screws. My dad had a penknife which he used to sharpen his pocket of pencils. I do not think any of these people would consider having a knife in order to keep them safe.