--- Minch wrote:
SNIP>>>but how
> did the old timers keep
> the blades of their slicks from falling off the
> handles and severing their
> feet?

Ed: 
 The same way I do with my electric guitar---I never
let go of it. Most cool electrics get broke when the
strap fails---in twenty years I've broken about ten
straps and had about a hundred slip off in use, but
never actually dropped a guitar that way, because I am
lucky enough to have been taught to always hold on to
the neck, and if not, by some other part.  Never hang
a guitar by its strap, or expect the strap to hold it.
 Ultimately, it will lead to tragedy.
 And, I always hold the slick by the socket, whether
I'm using it or just carrying it, so it seems safe to
me---my brother once grabbed up a slick saying: "Look
at this HUGE---"---the blade stuck firmly in the floor
about two inches away from his little toe as he stood
there brandishing the handle.  
  It's amazing because he has very large feet---If
Jesus' feet had been that big, no one would have been
surprised by the walking on water.  He (my brother)
dressed up as a clown for Halloween last fall, and
every time he mentioned it, someone said: "So, you
just paint your regular shoes red, right?
 ...good times, good times. 
   Seriously though, some modern slicks I've seen have
the handles pinned, and while it seems like a good
idea, it allows a work habit to develop that will
inevitably lead to disaster---like unloaded guns. 
Plus, you need to be able to pack the thing, and it's
a lot easier to do with a detachable handle.
  So, you've probably seen as many slicks as any of
us, right?  Seen many with permanent handles? 
         and all the very best to you, Ed; 
                  GAM in sunny, sunny Seattle
 
 

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