… Can still be sharp enough to cut you without trying. That’s what I learned today, children!
So, I have a bit of a thing for knives, and when I spotted a whole shop devoted to shiny pointy things, I had to go inside and browse. Some women can’t resist handbags, some can’t resist shoes. Whatever your fancy, you know how it is - you walk into a shop selling the objects of your desire and it’s unlikely you’ll walk out without buying something.
What I walked out with was a pair of Laguiole steak knives and an extremely beautiful and pointy William Henry folding knife with a mother-of-pearl handle. It has a liner lock, which apparently makes it more collectable, and it is not only beautiful and pointy but extremely sharp. So sharp that the first time I tried to close it, not being used to the liner lock mechanism, it fell a couple of millimetres on my thumb and cut it. So sharp that the first time I actually tried to use it for something, the first indication that I’d cut myself again was when I saw the blood besmirching it’s pearly whiteness.
I reckon it was annoyed with me for attempting something so mundane as removing a gift label using that hand-finished and superlatively sharp blade. Perhaps if I’d been trying to skin a rabbit or gut a fish it wouldn’t have happened, huh? Or maybe I’m just cack-handed and need to learn how to use the damn thing without injuring myself. Whatever. Next time, I’ll treat it with the respect it so richly deserves.
Surprisingly, we went back today so that OH could buy himself his very own William Henry. Yes, it seems he thinks my knife is a thing of beauty, and he wanted one of his own.
You should have seen the knife guy’s face when he was asked a question he’d probably never heard before:
‘Do you have any knives that aren’t quite so sharp?’
The answer was no, of course. But OH thinks he’ll manage OK … as long as he just doesn’t ever open it.
I would have had to buy that knife too! how beautiful. of course I will be buying a couple of knives soon, at the scottish festival. I have em all picked out:)
Dawns last blog post..Juvenile Red-breasted Nuthatch
He had a couple of little sheathed knives which looked like dirks, too, Dawn, and I thought of you!
Hmm…Some women have Tupperware parties; I can only imagine the kind of party you would have, with “West Side Story” tunes playing in the background.
Mr. Nighttimes last blog post..A *&%# by any other name.
Good grief, Mr N - you have me all wrong! I’m just a sweet little old grey-haired lady …
Well, I just found your blog and I love it . I’m also a little over 50 and refuse to believe it - and Johnny is the only one that does it for me. . .
Diane Ferris last blog post..She is Risen
I’m not much of a knife person, but I have to admit that one is quite handsome. I hope your cut closes up quickly. I hate cuts on fingers and thumbs because they reopen so easily whenever you use your hand.
Ruth Hull Chatliens last blog post..The Golden Starfish
Hi and welcome, Diane! Thanks! I’m coming over to peek at yours, now - how can I resist a fellow Depp fan?
Hi Jay,
I like a good kitchen knife, but my fetish is handbags. I can’t pass a display of expensive handbags without feeling some that are as soft as butter.
I hope that cut heals up soon.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..FEFF - How To Get More Hits On Old Posts
Barbara - it started with ‘liking a good kitchen knife’ … LOL!
Thanks for another great post. I can relate. In fact, it only just occurred to me that both of my favorite wedding gifts were knives: a good sturdy bread knife, and a Swiss Army knife to carry in my purse. Twenty-four years later, I still have them both.
BTW: with knives and California on our minds, I wonder if you’ve ever read Raymond Chandler’s classic description about Santa Ana winds: “On nights like that every booze party ends in a fight. Meek little wives feel the edge of the carving knife and study their husbands’ necks…” Just a nod to Ray; he had such a way with words.
That’s cute … I guess … but they don’t let me have pointed objects. The most dangerous thing I’m allowed is my Johnny Depp DVD’s, heh heh.
Jennys last blog post..Short But Sweet … And Colorful
They don’t let you have pointy things, Jenny? Why on earth not? They’re such FUN! Or is that why? LOL!
Cynthia - I love the quote! So, the Santa Ana winds are those hot ones, is that right? Yeah, I can see how they’d make you murderous after a while!
I’m all for the knife thing to, in fact I have a set of swords on my wall, a few other knives for display, and lots and lots to play with. One of my favorite knives is a foot and a half long, my best kitchen knife, but I don’t have many opportunities to play with it. However, it did make the most spectacular splash with a watermelon yesterday :).
JT - oh, they had swords too! I myself like the shorter knives best, but each to his/her own! I have a large kitchen knife which can make spectacular splashes with melons, too, but my family don’t like me doing that. They say it makes them nervous. LOL!
I just knew you come back with one or two to add to the collection. Can’t wait to visit.
You’ll love them, Jeni! I know you will! And I have a small gift for you which will come in very handy.