Rule #9

 A way of life:

Browning Model 807 Knife: photo by Cliff Hutson

Some, of not most, readers may find it strange when I say that unless I am going through airport security, entering some some government office buildings , or the occasional sports venue, I will have some sort of blade on my person.  But, I am not the only one whom has this habit.

Viewers of NCIS should be familiar with Gibbs' Rule #9 - "Never go anywhere without a knife.” Members of my family, of a certain age, will recall Aunt Dagmar's aphorism - “A man without a knife, is a man without a life.” 

Those who are in to everyday carry (EDC) will have usually have a knife amongst their collection of useful items that are consistently carried on person every day, as a knife, by far, is one of the most useful tools known to man. You can cut, slice,  pry (not always recommended), and open boxes, among other uses.

A small sampling:

Spyderco Squeak: photo by Cliff Hutson

If someone were to ask me the question, "What things do you own too many of?", the answer would be easy.  It is hats, jackets, and knives. Two of those knives are about 50 years old. One is a carbon steel Opinel No. 8, of which I have previously written. The other is a Buck Model 112 Ranger. The Ranger was a great knife for hiking and backpacking, neither of which I do anymore so it is packed away.

That Opinel is also in retirement. But, I have several others, the one closest to hand is a stainless steel No.6 purchased in 2015. 

Opinel No. 6: photo by Cliff Hutson

The Browning Model 807 Featherweight Lockback Fish & Bird Knife (pictured at top) dates back to the 1990s.

The Spyderco Squeak (see above) is a good EDC knife as the small,  non-locking blade is legal in most jurisdictions and can be opened with one hand. It was acquired in 2015 when I really had the everyday carry bug.

Penknife Set: photo by Cliff Hutson

There were several Opinel purchases in 2020, including one that came with a book which was supposed to give me something to do while sheltering at home.

Leatherman Skeletool KBx: photo by Cliff Hutson

The most recent acquisition was about three weeks ago, a Leatherman Skeletool KBx. I like the size and weight. Also, the pocket clip can be used as a bottle opener. 

The most useful knife is the one you have with you:

Leatherman FREE T2: photo by Cliff Hutson

The more you carry around a pocket knife, the more uses you’ll find for it. But, they do have their limitations. Many people have turned to multitools to take up the slack. It turns out that I am one of them.

When I got the KBx, I also picked up a Leatherman FREE™ T2.  It has a knife blade along with a total of seven other tools.  It fits easily into the watch pocket of my jeans (which I wear most of the time) and provides more functionality than a knife alone.  So, most days I will be carrying the T2, but when wearing slacks my go to will be the KBx.