From the time I was a young boy, I have always carried a small pocketknife. I can even remember carrying one in my pocket every day of school. To this day, it is rare to find me without one. I have owned only a few in my lifetime, as I treat them as respectfully as I do my wallet and car keys.
My first pocketknives were given to me by my father and grandfather while I was in elementary school. Both knives were used, but had good blades with lots of life remaining. Later, my Uncle John gave me a new one for my birthday. Most have been worked hard and seen their share of nicks over the years, but all have served me well.
While it is still not uncommon for men to carry a pocketknife in rural parts of our country, I have been told that it is not as prevalent in today’s suburban and urban areas. Even though I have worn a suit and tie most of my adult life, there is always a small folding knife in my pants pocket. I find it to be an essential part of my trade. In the newspaper and magazine production business, there are always straps and boxes to be cut. The only time I am without a pocketknife is when I am traveling by air or entering a government building such as a courthouse.
I have always lived by the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared. To this day I carry a shovel, hatchet, blanket, toolbox, duct tape, zip ties, and bungie straps in the trunk of my vehicle. My wife finds this all very amusing and has some dark humor names for my emergency kit. There is also a Leatherman multipurpose tool handy. In most cases, these items will allow me to safely overcome all but the most severe roadside challenges. Back when you could still repair your car along the roadside, this kit also included electrical tape, hose clamps, old nylons (to temporarily replace a damaged belt), and copper wire. However, today’s cars are simply too complicated for me to attempt on-the-spot belt and hose repairs.
Growing up in a steel mill town, you learn quickly how to overcome most obstacles. Maybe this is all a carryover from life lessons learned by the men of my family who lived through the Great Depression and World War II. They taught me to be self-reliant and innovative.
Over the years, I have carried and relied upon pocketknives by Buck, Camillus, and Case. My current knife is a 25-year-old, three-blade Stockman-style by Buck, with the center blade cleanly broken off. That blade now serves as a straight screwdriver. Not recommended, but it works.
I know some people today frown on carrying knives. I do not consider a pocketknife a weapon, but rather a tool. It is no different than a hammer or screwdriver. Every day, I place it in my pocket along with my wallet and keys. It has been a part of my daily life for as long as I can remember, and it will continue to be. I simply cannot imagine leaving home without one.
Bernard A. Oravec
Publisher
boravec@barashmedia.com
