Colonel Jaroslav Kulíšek served as a UN military observer and took part in several overseas missions. During one of these missions, he and his colleagues were kidnapped by an armed group. After several days in captivity, the other hostages were gradually released, but he remained alone—with no certainty that he would ever be set free.
He had only one thing with him that could help him—a small pocket knife. Inconspicuous, lightweight, simple. A knife that many would consider more of a souvenir than a tool for crisis situations.
Yet it was precisely this pocket knife that became the key to his rescue. Using it, he managed to manipulate the lock and the bars on the window behind which he was being held. It wasn’t about strength or cutting—it was about patience, precision, and improvisation. At just the right moment, he managed to clear a path to freedom and escape.
A knife isn’t just for cutting
This story shows that a knife is not merely a tool for slicing or cutting. In crisis situations, it can become:
- a means of improvisation
- a tool for delicate mechanical work
- a helper in solving unexpected problems
- a source of psychological support, knowing that you have at least a basic tool at hand
And most importantly—even a small, simple knife that you always carry with you can be more valuable at a critical moment than the sturdy gear you left at home.
The “Rybička” as a Symbol of Preparedness
The legendary “little fish” has been a symbol of the Czech pocket knife for generations. It is small and unobtrusive—and that is precisely why people can carry it with them every day. Colonel Kulíšek’s story confirms that a knife like this has its place not only in everyday life but also in the most difficult moments.
Colonel Jaroslav Kulíšek is a war veteran who participated in overseas missions during his service and was also a member of the UN Blue Helmets. It is the personal experiences of people like him that form the foundation of the War Veteran project.
The War Veteran Project
The project was launched as an initiative by Mikov out of respect for those who served in the armed forces and participated in overseas missions. It is built on the real stories, experiences, and values that war veterans carry with them.
The knives produced as part of the War Veteran Project are not just high-quality tools; they embody the symbolism of responsibility and respect for those who were prepared to give their all.
When Experience Makes the Difference
Colonel Kulíšek’s story shows that in moments of crisis, experience, prudence, and the ability to make full use of simple tools are often what make the difference. The small pocket knife he always carried with him became a key element in his rescue.
And it is precisely such situations that remind us that a knife’s true value is revealed only when it really matters.
The story is based on the memoirs of Colonel Jaroslav Kulíšek published on Medium.cz.