I like where I live. And every now and then a total stranger will remind me why.
Regular readers might know that old Uncle Joel likes his knives. In terms of how much use it gets, this right here is my second-favorite knife. It’s the only folding knife I ever carry, and then only when I’m dressed for town. It’s nothing special but I’ve had it for well over 20 years, it was at the time by far the most expensive knife I ever bought, and its action is well worn-in and it holds a good edge and I like it.
And day before yesterday I damn near lost it forever. I was at the counter of the convenience store in town, reached into my pocket for some change, in a hurry because there was quite a line behind me. In my hurry I didn’t notice that my knife got unhooked from my pocket and landed on the floor, and I’d have walked away and lost it forever if the guy behind me hadn’t picked it up, tapped me on the shoulder and handed it to me.
Just about anyplace else I’ve ever lived, he’d have slipped it into his own pocket and let me leave without it. But it’s been my observation that most people who choose to live in the boonies – not all by any means, but most – have better character than that, and I appreciate it.
Benchmad makes good knives and, in my opinion, the Griptilian is one of their better ones. Personally, I’ve always liked the way they feel in the hand.
As for dropping it, you’re one lucky fellow, but then in a small town, I’d expect someone to do what this person did for you.
Like myself he probably carried a Benchmade himself and knew what it meant to you.
It’s so good to see you posting.
I am way away in Oz, so not close enough to help out in an emergency, but I was beginning to worry about you.
You’re right. That IS the nature of small towns and rural folks. I love living in rural Podunk Tennessee.
Sorry, I hadn’t realized how long I was away from the ‘pooter. I’ve been in a lot of pain lately, trying to work out a problem with the new leg, and it has had me in a not-so-communicative mood. It comes and goes oddly: Today was much better. Still hoping it’s just an adjustment issue, I’ll know more after Wednesday.
One of the Slovakian contractors placed under my wing left his el cheapo blunt pocketknife in the kitchen. So I went and put a nice edge on it and gave it back to him. He was pleasantly surprised. When I lost my work beater knife one of our cadre employees became the new owner. At least it was sharp…hope he cuts himself with it.
I like Kershaw’s assisted opening system, “speed safe.” They aren’t crazy expensive, but I do hate when I lose one, which happens too often.
Some of them have locks to keep them CLOSED – which makes no sense to me, but difference of opinion makes a horse race.