The Tools of Excellence v4, 5: The Swiss Army Knife

Man is a generalist. No harm in that: remarkably adept at adapting and to enhance this process has created a batch of tools which allows enhanced performance. 

What are the Tools of Excellence?

Of course it had to be on the list. Who hasn't been delighted at the versatility of the well made device and its ability to keep the party going (open cans and bottles), patch the tent leak (cut and sew) or remove snakes from restaurants (private correspondence with blog reader).

So many of us used to carry one with us at all times. In the days after 9/11 there were greater and heavier concerns and it was the end of the accessible knife in your bag; mine disappeared with so many others into crates of knives, fluids and miscellaneous helpful items.

But you can still have one on your desk, hiking back-pack, kitchen drawer or on your road-trip. 

Get the tools to be brilliant in a Brave New World.