ken254758246
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2025
- Messages
- 13
Today, I received the first knife of my life — the CPK Basic 5.
It feels like fate, because at the beginning, I had no hope of ever getting one. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Nathan Carothers, the founder of CPK, for giving me this opportunity.
Before this, I also ordered the Bark River Iron River as a secondary knife. Although I placed the order earlier, it wasn’t the first to arrive. That makes me feel even more strongly that CPK Basic 5 is truly my first knife — the first knife in my outdoor journey and a symbol of new beginnings.
Over the next five years, I will be living in the mountains, isolated from the world. This knife will not only be a tool for survival, but a companion by my side — a piece of steel that reflects my beliefs, my hands, and my spirit
Unfortunately, to comply with my country’s knife laws, I may be forced to modify the tip angle of the knife to 65 degrees or more, even though its blade length (less than 15 cm) is legally compliant. In my country, some border officers may subjectively view sharp tips under 60 degrees as dangerous, which could lead to the knife being confiscated.
For my very first knife, this is heartbreaking.
I don’t want to alter it. But I must do so — not because I want to, but because I want it to stay with me, legally, safely, and faithfully. I may even round off the tip entirely if needed, just to reduce any perception of threat at customs or in public camping areas.
If I can legally bring it home, this knife will become the most precious gift I’ve received in my entire time in the United States.
It feels like fate, because at the beginning, I had no hope of ever getting one. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Nathan Carothers, the founder of CPK, for giving me this opportunity.
Before this, I also ordered the Bark River Iron River as a secondary knife. Although I placed the order earlier, it wasn’t the first to arrive. That makes me feel even more strongly that CPK Basic 5 is truly my first knife — the first knife in my outdoor journey and a symbol of new beginnings.
Over the next five years, I will be living in the mountains, isolated from the world. This knife will not only be a tool for survival, but a companion by my side — a piece of steel that reflects my beliefs, my hands, and my spirit
Unfortunately, to comply with my country’s knife laws, I may be forced to modify the tip angle of the knife to 65 degrees or more, even though its blade length (less than 15 cm) is legally compliant. In my country, some border officers may subjectively view sharp tips under 60 degrees as dangerous, which could lead to the knife being confiscated.
For my very first knife, this is heartbreaking.
I don’t want to alter it. But I must do so — not because I want to, but because I want it to stay with me, legally, safely, and faithfully. I may even round off the tip entirely if needed, just to reduce any perception of threat at customs or in public camping areas.
If I can legally bring it home, this knife will become the most precious gift I’ve received in my entire time in the United States.
old timers.strikes early again
