Pastor Ken
In junior high school, I participated in Boy Scout training that included bushcraft and how to use a knife and axe. From that time on, I longed to own a good knife so that I could survive in any environment. Later, schoolwork became heavy, and I had little time to do outdoor activities. When I came to the United States to study, my mother gave me a small folding knife. Life was simple living in the dormitory. However, the knife proved useful whenever I needed to pack or sew.
Shortly after getting married, during one summer, my wife and I embarked on a European adventure, carrying our own rucksack. We took trains and stayed in youth hostels. As we visited Switzerland, numerous specialty stores selling Swiss Army Knives attracted my attention. The display was extensive, showing all types of Swiss Knives, each with its own name. Although they were expensive, I finally made up my mind and bought one with 15 functions. I justified that the knife would have sentimental value because I bought it in Switzerland (yes, Amazon didn’t exist at that time). I took advantage of the free offer and had my name engraved on it. Throughout the rest of the trip, in addition to using it on cutting food, I also played with it, imagining how I would use it in different situations.
After returning to Hong Kong, I happened to pass by an outdoor equipment store and found that they carried Swiss knives. The price was cheaper than that in Switzerland. I felt better after noticing that they didn’t carry the model I had, and they didn’t have an engraving service. No matter what, the sentimental value outweighs everything.
The TV series “MacGyver” gained immense popularity in 1985. The protagonist served in a special organization. In each episode, he faced attacks from criminals and dangers in different climates and environments. At the critical moment, he took out a Swiss knife from his pocket and, coupling with his scientific knowledge, used it in amazing ways to complete his mission. He never needed to use a gun to catch the bad guys. For some time, I followed his example and carried my Swiss knife in my pocket every day, just in case I encountered a dangerous situation. Luckily, I never experienced one. Later, I dropped that habit.
Carrying a weapon gives people security feeling. With a multi-functional Swiss knife with me, I feel prepared for whatever situation. However, it must be reasonable to prepare for dire circumstances. For instance, if you live in an area prone to earthquakes, it is advisable to store an ample amount of water that can sustain your entire family for three days. This provision ensures the family’s survival while waiting for rescue after an earthquake. Nevertheless, it may appear excessive to stockpile a one-month supply of water.
Rather than preparing for any possible situations, perhaps we need to accept the fact that we can’t control the future and can’t avoid all harm. Even hiding at home all the time with various gears around us still won’t eliminate dangers.
The Swiss knife I bought in Switzerland has been with me on many adventures, especially when I travel or do outdoor activities. Although I don’t carry it every day, every time I see it, a wave of cherished memories washes over me. Over the past few decades, I’ve made use of all 15 of its functions on various occasions, proving that this knife is an exceptional investment.
