Giving a knife or edged tool as a gift symbolizes friendship and respect. In Native American culture, knives represent strength and power, so giving a knife is seen as a way of sharing that strength with the recipient. This gift is often seen as a sign of trust and a way of showing that the giver values the recipient's friendship. Knives are also seen as tools of survival and protection, so this gift is often seen as a way of wishing the recipient well on their journey.