Grandpa’s Pocket Knife

Myles Clifton

I can remember little moments here and there from childhood of certain tools my grandpas used to use. Odd and end tools, some of them weren’t anything grand, just some old pliers, screwdrivers and what not. Well used and worn from years of use. Some of them may have not had brand name on them. But things were made a little different then too. Another common tool most people still remember from their childhood is their dad or grandpa’s pocket knife. Often a staple. Maybe an old Case or Old Timer knife. Might’ve even been an old Tuf-Nut knife that someone got with a new pair of blue jeans years before.

I’ve often found some of those old tools and pocket knives hard to use. Not that they still aren’t be to be used. But sometimes they just seem like they should be retired. Not necessarily shoved in the back of a drawer where you won’t ever see it. It’s the type of thing that should almost be displayed. Almost like some sort of artifact. You don’t have to display it in a museum.  But its still an object that can represent a significance of a different time, hard work, and a quality tool.

I can remember getting a few hand me town tools when I was younger. A few pairs of pliers. Maybe a wrench of screwdriver. I know I remember getting a few pocket knives too. A few little tools that made you feel like you were part of the job and that you could help out with the work. I think I lost the couple pairs of pliers over the years. But I’ve been know to loose a pair of pliers or two in my day. Chasing cattle can really shake those things out of their holder. But the pocket knives weren’t really ever used. At least not on a daily basis. They were held back to put in the pocket on a day of a special occasion, a weekend trip, or an evening out. Held back to cut open an envelope or maybe a roll of summer sausage.

These days there’s lots to be worked on, and a larger variety of things to work with. With all the jobs there are to do in a day it often makes things easier if you can be prepared with tools to carry on you everyday. Pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pens, markers, tire gauges, and even pocket knives. The little tools to keep in you pocket to make your day a little faster, a little easier. You can continue the tradition some day down the road. One day when the finish is worn off your pliers, they’re built up with dirt and grips on the handle are worn out you can pass them on down.

For those small every day carry tools there are lots of options. Maybe something to keep in your pocket. Or something to keep in the truck. There’s great plier options like American made Wilde pliers, or the German made Knipex pliers. Add a self adjusting wrench from Wera, or even a screwdriver from Wera. There’s also plenty of options these days for pocket knives too. It never hurts to keep one of the great on the go sets from Wera in the truck to. Small bit and screwdriver set. For all your everyday carry tools call Clifton Tool & Supply. Sure to help you get the tools fitted for your everyday needs. Plus, you may even get a free pocket screwdriver with your purchase. Who else hands those out anymore? Call (573)517-1242. Check us out on Facebook at Clifton Tool & Supply. ∆