He doesn't mean to appear intimidating at all. He's just trimming a cigar, after all, when he has his claws out.

But he's also not ashamed of them, or trying to hide them. Not really. So when she comments, he just shrugs. "Anyone else could just as easily stab you with a knife." He's not dangerous at all, as long as you're not coming for him or his people. "James."