I remember the day I
got my first one. I had been working toward a badge, trying to tie a
slip-knot, and wound up with the Gordian instead.
I ended up having to borrow a knife from Mrs. Fryfocle to cut my hapless friend out of the tangle. When I offered it back to her, she looked down her sharp nose, peering at me through her rhinestone-studded spectacles. "Hold on to it, Son," she said, "I think you're going to need it again. Best to always be prepared."
Those words were good advice. I hope that I'll remember them forever.