Charlie and Bartlet in “Shibboleth”

Charlie

Okay, Mr. President, I say this with all possible respect, but each of these knives cut, you know, meat. Why is it important?

Bartlet

Because it's something we pass on. Something with a history so we can say, 'My father gave this to me. His father gave it to him.'

Charlie

Well, okay, sir, but if that's true, then why don't you already have one?

Bartlet

I do have one.

Charlie

Why do you need a new one?

Bartlet

I'm giving mine away.

Charlie

To who?

Bartlet

Whom.

Charlie

To whom?

Bartlet

Funny you should ask. [takes out knife case from his drawer] Charlie, my father gave this to me, and his father gave it to him, and now I'm giving it to you. Take a look. The fully tapered bolster allows for sharpening the entire edge of the blade.

Charlie

It says 'P.R.' I thought I knew them all, but I don't recognize the manufacturer.

Bartlet

Yeah. This was made for my family by a Boston silversmith named Paul Revere.