The Knife Seller

The earliest recorded mention of the knife lenders dates back to the Song Dynasty. Back then, they weren't called knife lenders, but fortune-telling peddlers.

They lent out knives but never sold them. When they lent one, they would leave behind a prophecy. Once it came true on the day they'd specified, they would return to collect payment.

“You'll have a son two years from now. Keep these scissors for now, and I'll come back for payment that day.”

“Keep at what you're doing, and you'll get your big break within a year. Keep this kitchen knife for now. Once you've made it, I'll come back for payment.”

“Your village will suffer a famine in five years. Keep this kitchen knife for now. I'll come back when you're starving.”

From ancient times to the present, the knife lenders have made countless baffling prophecies, yet not one has ever failed to come true.