Barir's World
Humanity To Others;Knowledge Is Not Ours To Keep Alone;Your Mind Is Your Most Precious Resource
Luggage of diplomats
The «little red knife» from Switzerland is not only standard equipment for astronauts, adventurers and craftsmen; it has also achieved diplomatic status. B.C. Hill, Australian Consul in Dublin, wrote to the Victorinox company to thank them for a consignment of pocket-knives that have made apparently successful gifts for his relatives. He wrote:
«Please find enclosed another order for eleven pocket- knives. I hope you don’t think I’m acquisitive or an obsessive collector. I can assure you however that these knives are for myself and my close family relatives – I might add that I have a large family. My cheque is enclosed. I would be grateful if you could send the knives as soon as possible.
Indispensable on journeys
You might like to know why I’m so interested in your knives. I first came across Victorinox knives in Switzerland when I was General Consul in Geneva and from 1964 and 1969 as permanent representative for the European Department of UNO. Since then my personal knife, a ‹Traveller› (which I am now replacing) has been a constant companion. I find this pocket-knife extremely practical since my work often requires me to fly from one end of the world to the other. When I arrive I frequently have to change the plugs on my personal electrical equipment, put up tie racks etc. My pocket-knife serves me extremely well.
Tried and tested in Vietnam
My knife has proved indispensable on my travels. It’s impossible to keep a toolbox to hand when travelling by plane. Your knives have offered the best alternative in this situation and shown themselves to be useful in other ways for my son-in-law. Until recently he served as a career officer in the Australian Army; in this capacity he served in Vietnam for
a year from 1965 to 1966. Before he returned to the Far East I sent him one of your knives, a ‹Champion›. He later told me that this knife had been indispensable to him during his twelve-month active service, particularly on jungle patrols.» «In fact, the knife was so popular with his comrades that he had to keep an eye out to make sure he did not ‹lend› it to his Australian and American bro thers in arms for longer than was necessary.»