Knife of Utility

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Originally uploaded by jerobins.

The other day i was trying to remember when i started carrying a pocket knife. It had to be sometime in middle school as i do vividly remember my eighth grade math teacher asking to borrow it. Wow, have times changed.

I have carried many knives over the years. The first was a small Case Stockman series.

After a carving accident, which i still have the scar from, i learned the value of the lockback and have carried one ever since (i did try a frame-lock once, didn't feel as "secure").

I've lost (had to give it up) two knives, one at the airport (of course) and one at a concert at a local arena (sigh). To be fair, i could have kept both had i more time or felt like walking two miles to go put it in back in the car. Both were $12 knives and it wasn't worth jumping through hoops to keep'em. I'd feel a little differently now...and do my best to remember to avoid situations like those.

Today i carry a Spyderco Delica. By far the most expensive knife i've ever carried, but it is a real joy to use and maintain (just hone the blade a little when it feels a little dull).

I'm a little sad that my sons will not experience the same satisfaction of carrying such a useful tool with them...or introduce them to ceramics early?