On the Bricks with Melyn Johnson

Switzerland stays out of international disputes, so it’s ironic how its army because associated with what may be the best know, most beloved, and most commonly used pies of military hardware in the world, according to a chapter in The Book of Bizarre Truths.

The multitool pocketknife was the brainchild of Swiss cutlery manufacturer Karl

Elsener. A true patriot, Elsener bristled at the fact that Swiss soldiers go their standard issue knives from a German manufacturer. He set out to win the contract from his government.

In the 1890s, he designed a unique spring mechanism for pocketknives that allows the handle to hold several blades. That was clever

but the true genius was when he included several basic tools in his knife – a can opener, a hole punch, and a screwdriver.

According to some, it was the screwdriver that won over the Swiss military brass. Their infantry had began using a new type of rifle and soldiers needed screwdrivers to perform basic maintenance on the weapon.

Elsener dubbed

his creation the “Soldier’s Knife” and followed it up with a lightweight version with a few more tools he called the “Officer’s and Sports Knife.” Before long, handymen around the world were carrying them in their pocket. It was in during World War II when American GIs dubbed it the Swiss Army Knife.

Elsener’s company, Victorinox, is still in business and producing 34,000 knives a day in some 300 configurations. Almost any tool can be found on one

model or another; corkscrew, wire strippers, toothpick, fish scaler, ruler, nail file, saw, chisel, magnifying glass, flashlight, ballpoint pen, or a tracheotomy knife.

Famous Okie information: Oklahoma is the nation’s top manufacturer of automobile tires.

Keep Going on Your New Years Resolutions: Put your bills on autopay. If this won’t put you in financial stress, it is one less thing you have to think about and it will cut out those late fees.

Good advice: Never ruin an apology with an excuse. ~Ben Franklin

Made me laugh: What is the difference between a well - dressed man on bike and a poorly dressed man on a unicycle? Attire.

Happening now: Many people are getting their COVID vaccines now, but this doesn’t alleviate the importance of wearing a mask and being smart about keeping yourself safe from exposure to the virus.

Main Street Guymon is accepting applications for their Career

Focus Workshop now. This is a chance for business owners to invest in themselves or their employee’s professional development. For more information call 580-338-6246 or email Director@ MainStreetGuymon.com.

See you on the bricks soon!