I'm over 7,000 miles away from my family this Christmas...and that's tough. Maybe that's why I'm carrying something that reminds me of home today. I'm not carrying some G-10 handled, super steel "tactical" knife...and not even a multitool. Nope, I'm carrying a little slipjoint folder that is at least 68 years...probably more. It's 3 5/8" closed. It has a leather punch at one end and two blades at the other. The jigged honey bone scales are almost worn smooth, and the acorn shield is well-worn as well. The smaller blade is a spey blade...much-used but still sharp and useful. The main blade was once a spearpoint, as near as I can tell. Time and much usage has used up over 40% of it through cutting and sharpening. It's now somewhat of a clip-point, and razor-sharp...enough blade to do any cutting I may need to perform. And at the base of each blade is the round stamping of Remington.
It's not a family heirloom...I actually picked it up for almost nothing at a flea market in the Panhandle of Florida about 10 years ago. But it was carried and used honestly by someone who knew how to take care of a knife. I'm certain whoever carried it has passed on...which is why it was in that box at that flea market. But to me it's a tie to a simpler time...and home. I'm sure it has openend Christmas presents...possibly for excited grandchildren, such as mine surely were this morning at home. It has dug out splinters and carved whistles for kids and grandkids, I'll wager.
Like me, it has seen many miles and many years...not all of them easy or in nice places. It has obviously seen hard times as well. But it's still here, still working, and still of value. And sometime soon, it will be back home, as will I, carving some little prize for a grandson or granddaughter.
Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends! May God Bless your households abundantly. And today, give your kids...and grandkids... a hug and thank God you are there with them!
From the Other Side of the World,
Ron
It's not a family heirloom...I actually picked it up for almost nothing at a flea market in the Panhandle of Florida about 10 years ago. But it was carried and used honestly by someone who knew how to take care of a knife. I'm certain whoever carried it has passed on...which is why it was in that box at that flea market. But to me it's a tie to a simpler time...and home. I'm sure it has openend Christmas presents...possibly for excited grandchildren, such as mine surely were this morning at home. It has dug out splinters and carved whistles for kids and grandkids, I'll wager.
Like me, it has seen many miles and many years...not all of them easy or in nice places. It has obviously seen hard times as well. But it's still here, still working, and still of value. And sometime soon, it will be back home, as will I, carving some little prize for a grandson or granddaughter.
Merry Christmas to all of you, my friends! May God Bless your households abundantly. And today, give your kids...and grandkids... a hug and thank God you are there with them!
From the Other Side of the World,
Ron
