As I was leaving to go out of town for an important training seminar, I asked a friend what he thought I should add next to my emergency kit. Without hesitation, he asked if I had a good knife in my kit. I bought a nice pocketknife on that trip as a souvenir, all stainless with a single locking blade and a clip. And I have used it a million times since.
When I was young (but not
too young, of course), I received my first pocketknife from my dad as a gift on a camping trip. I promptly lost it, but only because I insisted on carrying it
everywhere with me and eventually misplaced it. I still love that purple knife, and I'm certain someone on your list could love a pocketknife, too. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Penknife - Fitting easily in a pocket this tiny blade can handle delicate work. This knife was originally designed to sharpen a quill pen, giving its name. A penknife is one of many styles of slipjoint knives. Other styles have distinctive names like Barlow, Congress, and Stockman. Each having a specific number and style of blades and tools. A slip joint allows the blade to hold open for light use, only closing with moderate pressure but containing no locking mechanism.
Multi-tool - Most styles and uses of multi-tool knives are known by their brands and/or manufacturers. The
Victorinox Swiss Army or
Leatherman Super Tool are two popular brands and styles you may instantly recognize. But there are many brands and options available.
Specialty knives -These may contain special applications for a certain hobby (like a whittler) or job (like an electrician).
Concerns - In today's security conscious environment, I'm sure that some of you are surprised that I've even suggested a pocketknife as a gift. I say, Use common sense. Don't give a knife to someone who shouldn't have a knife. Don't give a knife to a child without their parent's prior approval. Don't take a knife where security is a concern. (For example, don't take a knife to a courthouse, any other government building, a concert, a ballgame, an airport, or a school.) Research and know the local rules. Sometimes blades over three inches or locking blades are restricted, but smaller blades are allowed as a tool.
Related Posts
Everyday Providence's Twelve Days of Christmas
Day 1 -
Flashlights and Batteries
Day 2 -
Water
Day 3 -
Pocketknife
Day 4 -
Smoke Detectors
Day 5 -
Generator
Day 6 -
Backpack
