Beyond the Badge: An Eagle Scout’s Surprising “Meh” For Knives
By Larry Billinger
Being an Eagle Scout, I practically grew up prepared for every wilderness challenge – and I have the merit badges to show for it. Most people would expect me to own a fancy collection of pocket knives. However, here’s a revelation: The only knife I truly cherish as an adult is a box cutter. But let me cut to the chase (pun intended).
1. Not Your Ordinary Box Cutter:
Immediately, I need to point out that this box cutter isn’t something your grandma would use for her arts and crafts. Exclusive to Lowe’s, this tool impresses with its sleek black and bright orange design. Furthermore, with two reloadable magazines, each having a distinct blade type, it stands out in its category. You might picture intense operations or thrilling chases with such a tool, but in reality, it’s just me at my workplace, slicing through boxes with flair.
2. The Perception vs. Reality of Knife Ownership:
Throughout our lives, we often encounter satirical images that highlight the stark difference between perception and reality, and the realm of knives is no exception. Some might envision me bravely tackling wild animals deep in the woods, while others might speculate about a secret role I play, knife in hand. However, the reality is much less glamorous.
Reality check: Most of my knife adventures are limited to opening packages in the comfort of my office.
3. Pocket Disdain:
To put it bluntly, I really dislike having bulky items in my pockets. Beyond the essential items like keys and the inevitable pocket lint, I’d rather keep my pockets unoccupied. Notably, even traditional knives, with all their history, don’t make the cut. Even more surprising, I find flashlights more useful than knives, yet they too don’t find a place in my pockets. Thankfully, my phone integrates a flashlight, and true to my preference for minimalism, I chose a smaller-sized phone to take up less pocket space.
To wrap things up, everyone’s choices reflect their personal comfort and priorities. For me, it’s less about a connection to my scout past and more about the practicality and feel of the tool. If that means I get to wield a unique box cutter with enthusiasm, then all boxes should be on high alert!
