IN PRAISE OF THE POCKETKNIFE

Based on the article by Nate Steere:

«In Praise Of The Pocketknife»

An ode to the essential masculine tool

"Of all manly objects, the most steadfastly masculine is the pocketknife."

There are a lot of gadgets out there targeting men. Some are improvements to our lives that find a place in every man's home, while others fade quickly from memory. On the whole, tools and gadgets are “take it or leave it” -- right for some men but not for all. But there are a few basic essentials that should be owned by all men, and they have our enduring respect. Of all manly objects, the most steadfastly masculine is the pocketknife. Make no mistake: Every man should carry a pocketknife, and those who don't are missing out on a simple pleasure men have enjoyed for ages. So indulge us as we offer a round of praise for this classic piece of gear.

A classic accessory

As recently as two generations ago, the pocketknife was ever-present in a man's pocket. The knife was such a common piece of gear among men that there were even jokes about it. Asking a man if he had his pocketknife on him would earn you the response: “I have my pants on, don't I?” That attitude still prevails among some groups of men -- especially those who work with tools or their hands -- but many of us (and, let's be honest, we're mostly talking urban men here) no longer think it's necessary to carry a knife. Most men today can only compare the universal use of knives back then to the constant presence of our cell phone today. In many ways, a cell phone in its most basic form is the same sort of tool: functional, useful and mighty handy in an emergency. But that's as far as the analogy goes, and a knife is just as deserving of a place in a man's pocket as his phone. They've been around for ages on end and are still every bit as useful as they were to our ancestors.

The pocketknife endures

When we say pocketknives have been around for ages, we mean it: Knives are one of man's first creations, dating back at least 2.5 million years. Pocketknives themselves have been found as far back as the Iron Age, growing more common with the flow of history.

As they spread into the packs and pockets of more men, styles and techniques emerged and were refined. There are many different styles of pocketknife, and lots of men enjoy learning about the different shapes and how they were created. In fact, collecting old knives is a rewarding hobby for many, and if you've ever seen a nice collection, it's easy to see why. From modern designs to handmade classics, the quality and care put into each is inspiring, and seeing the evolution of the tool is a reminder of where we've come from.

The essential tool

Most men carry as few things in their pockets as possible, so the question of “why carry a pocketknife?” is a fair one. There are lots of answers, and many are practical. Opening packaging is a key one. Sure, you can open a box with your car key, but what about the blister packaging on any kind of electronics? Good luck using your key, and all that wear and tear on the key isn't helping it fit into its lock either. Cutting things is a wonderful reason to carry a knife, from packaging to rope to even an apple. And for those who worry about knives as a weapon, remember that most are too small to make a good weapon (though they’d be better than nothing if you ever are in danger).

“If you haven't yet discovered the joy of having a quality knife, you owe it to yourself to learn."

Always prepared

The best reason to carry a knife, however, is the one you don't see coming. Having a knife makes you prepared, and while you can't always tell what you'll end up using your knife for, it's a sure bet you will end up using it for something. From opening packaging to an emergency situation, and all points between, a knife will serve you well and give you a tool for whatever job needs doing. A simple blade can cut, pry open small objects and even work as an impromptu screwdriver. Even more can be accomplished with a Swiss Army knife or larger pliers style tools such as a SwissTool. But whether you choose a knife with one blade or a multi-tool that does it all, carrying a knife gives you a valuable tool that you'll find use for time and again -- and when you least expect it.

Form and function

One of the reasons knives are so beloved is for their usefulness. A simple, dirt-cheap knife offers such a wealth of utility while at the same time being a masculine work of art. Out of love for its function, men have designed better and more beautiful knives. The appreciation for the technical advantages of a locking blade and for a handle made of rare materials stems from man's inherent love for well-made, useful tools. If you haven't yet discovered the joy of having a quality knife, you owe it to yourself to learn. What only matter is that you come into possession of one. After that, slip the knife in your pocket and take it with you as often as you can!

Αlways in style

Any tool that's been around for over a million years and is still used daily is worthy of a man's consideration. This tool has served humanity for centuries, and carrying one taps into that same primal energy that comes when you build a fire. Not to get too chest-thumping about it, but men have carried knives for generations upon generations, and carrying one of your own places you in that history. And while a modern knife has many advantages, there is a definite charm to an old knife. In fact, the best knives are those with a history to them -- just ask any man who carries his father's knife or the knife his grandfather took with him to war. Carrying a pocketknife is useful in countless situations, but the best reason to own one is for the simple joy that comes from carrying it.

Read more:
http://uk.askmen.com/entertainment/austin_500/534b_in-praise-of-the-pocketknife.html#ixzz2OAeWdKMC