Something Old, Something New.
By Doug Pelton
I read a post on Instagram the other day and the there were two pictures of Case pocket knives and the author went on to explain that these were his Father’s and Grandfather’s knives and case was all the only brand they would carry.
I had to smile as I too have my Father’s and Grandfather’s Case knives. Of course, that is the only knife they would carry as well.
As a young boy, I can remember many family members that would carry no other pocket knife and learned early on that the “XX” stood for quality.
So, what the heck does this have to do with old “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” rhyme?
Generally, when a bride or groom thinks of the “something old”, it’s going to be likely be something from a relative that has passed on. Grandmother’s pearls, Uncle Pete’s watch, etc.
I lost my my Dad twelve years ago now and there have been many huge life events that have occurred during that period that I wish Dad had been with me to share in the joy or been that source of advice when I needed it.
That brings me to the something old. Now, if you know me, you know that I have a great many ‘somethings old” but this is a little different than a car or a shotgun…
Dad’s old case XX medium stockman.
I don’t carry his knife every day but i do take it with me to events where I want Dad to “be with me”. Its been to weddings, graduations, funerals (unfortunately) and other events over the years.
Although Dad can’t be here with me, it seems to give me a little sense of security that maybe Dad is watching down on me when I slip my hand in to my pocket and feel his knife in my hand.
Make no mistake, it’s old and worn and we will be too when we are as old as this knife. But, the old XX closes up tight, holds a razor sharp and will do the work I ask it to do on those rare occasions that I need it. The typical XX quality I knew as a boy. The sharp edge that I remember when Dad would cut up a piece of rope to use to haul his gun up in to a tree stand or just sit on the porch at camp and whittle a stick while he and the other adults would tell stories for what seemed to be hours on end while they put a dent in whatever bottle they were indulging in.. I can still hear the campfire crackling and Dad’s voice.
Of all the things Dad could have left to me, my eyes really lit up when Mom gave it to me. It’s more important than anything in a bank account because this was a treasured possession for a man that did not have much.
I cried when I felt the knife in my pocket when my mother passed recently and went to join Dad. But I felt a certain comfort knowing he was there waiting for her and felt like Dad was holding my hand as she went and I had his knife in my pocket. I felt oddly re-assured.
So, after all these years, I’ll slip the little knife in my pocket for the next momentous event and the next after that. Joyous or sad. Because sometimes, a man just wants his Dad with him and I have a piece of that, I have my something old. Always.
Thanks Dad.
Doug Pelton
A recent transplant from South Carolina that now proudly calls the Old North State home.
I have been an avid outdoorsman for as long as I can remember and am happiest when I’m outdoors chasing trout with a fly rod, Bobwhite quail with my two English pointers and a vintage shotgun, in the African bush or anywhere in between.
When I’m not involved in outdoor pursuits, I enjoy reading books from the golden age of safari and enjoying time with my family and all the Carolinas has to offer.
One Comment
Julie DiGrazia
You are amazing! I am so proud of you. So thoughtful and wise beyond your years. Keep telling those stories. ❤️