A small knife has been a lifesaver, sometimes literally, on numerous occasions. Every knife owner has a few stories to swap about a time when a small knife helped them out of a tight spot. Then there are the times that a pocketknife was so handy that it was taken for granted, almost absent-mindedly used for a quick job, and returned without further thought. The thing about quick jobs is that there are so many of them on an average day. Time would have been wasted searching for a suitable tool, instead the knife comes in handy for opening letters, breaking down boxes, cutting string, opening a packet of food, opening a bottle, or tightening a screw. Knives are so handy and versatile that it is no wonder that they were considered an essential issue for soldiers.

Our grandparents & uncles were really the original generations of dedicated knife carriers. As this new generation wouldn't leave home without their phones, the generation of old, slipped their carry-on into a pocket every time before heading out. Which generation was more prepared for the outside world? Prepared to meet a challenge and enjoy the great outdoors?

You decide for yourself, who had a richer life, left a legacy of stories, and was considered a legend to a younger generation.

A few short knife stories

The best bread tin

Do you remember those old rectangular oil cans? The vintage ones that were made from tin, from Castrol, Texaco, Mobil, Penzoil...? There is a lady who still makes the best bread using bread tins made from oil cans by her grandfather. The only tool used was a single blade folding knife. The tin was cut with precision and the edges folded inwards to leave a smooth rim. With the slightly rounded corners, reinforced base and deep volume, the bread is perfect every time.

A weekend camping multi-tool

The 'multi-tool' in question was actually a small, fixed blade knife. Having forgotten all the important or essential camping tools at home because of a quick grab-and-go camping trip, the only remaining tool was a car knife. This was a knife that always lives in the car for an emergency but is mostly used for opening snack packets that resist the normal attempts of opening. During the weekend this knife was pressed into use to make a peg hammer, used to prepare, and turn meat on the fire, chop vegetables, as a handy bottle opener, as a culinary utensil, screwdriver, first aid bandage preparation (not a knife related injury), and finally to help pack the camp gear up on the last day.

Arno Bernard makes a range of small knives and folding knives for hunting, but in reality, they are just as handy as everyday carry knives. A good small knife is really man's best friend, a cold piece of comfort that you can carry with you wherever you go.

TOUGH ENOUGH TO USE, NICE ENOUGH TO COLLECT.