Sitting out back with my Dad and my older brother, we were chatting about our recent adventures.

Rick, my brother, had just flown in from san Francisco. Security was heavy, with anything even remotely dangerous being confiscated, all for the security of flight crew and fellow passengers. Rick had no issues with this. Being a collector of knives, he was very careful to arrive clean at the terminal, and had no problem getting through security.

Airborne, he was given a small bag lunch, consisting of a ham sandwich and a small fruit cup. He also got a packet of mustard and mayonnaise. With the meal, you get a cellophane-wrapped fit, including a paper napkin, salt and pepper packets -- and a white plastic knife, for spreading a chosen condiment.

Well, Rick looked at the knife for a moment, testing it. It was a pretty sturdy piece of hardware, holding a good, toothed edge. The blade would likely have little difficulty cutting through meat.

Beside him was a women he had never before met, quietly reading a book. He interrupted her, holding the knife between her and her book.

“Ya know...” he said. “You can’t bring one of these onboard, but they’ll give you one once you’re in the air.”

They had a good laugh over it.

Dan