Good Morning.

GUNS! Ah, what a great morning to own a gun, shoot a gun, and secretly carry a gun around in public. 'Murrica, y'all!!!


OK, deep breath everyone. I still don't own a gun, although I do consider taking the leap from time to time.

But come upstairs with me and take a look at my knife collection. Yes, I'm a 'blades man'. It goes with the territory. I've been a Scout and Scouter since I was a boy, and well...we all collect them as we go on with our lives.

Nearly all of my knives are utilitarian. I have large and small, folding, fixed-blade, and even a few commemorative knives and historical replicas. I very nearly always have a utility knife on my person, just about 24-7.

But you know...curious things happen over time. I lived in a quiet neighborhood, but like so many places in America, demographics change. It's still quiet, but 'things' have happened in the past. In the fall of 2020, several males were attacked in my neighborhood, including our letter carrier. This incident made the national news.

I offered our home as a "safe house" if he ever ran into trouble again - and moved my machete to just inside the front door, where it remains to this day. I perused my collection, and started carrying the more large and aggressive knives whenever I went outside during those times.

It's a habit I maintain today, as I often note - "I have not left the house unarmed since COVID".

I have just acquired a knife I have long coveted. In 2024, the case 'Commonwealth vs. Canjura' struck down the 70-year ban on automatic knives, or switchblades. I decided that I must have one, but last year's financial crisis prevented me from laying out the cash. (They ain't cheap.)

Two days ago, an Italian beauty arrived at my door. Mother-of-Pearl handle, spear point (double-edged weapons remain illegal), significant heft and weight, and a lightning-fast deployment spring.

I am enjoying it as my "daily carry" right now.

But that is what sparked all this. Despite the clear weapon-like nature of the blade, it remains a tool. What am I to do with it? Would I ever draw it with the intent of harming someone with it?

I think that's rather the point. I bought it so I can say "Yes, yes I would, if I am under a severe enough threat."

Am I satisfied now? I guess...like the gun folks...that answer is always NO. I'm already looking for my next one. Another knife I have long coveted, a British-issue "Kukri", which is still used today by their Gurkha regiments.

As always, your mileage may vary.