Why doesn't the sergeant major want to discuss the paw?

The sergeant major refrains from discussing the paw because he believes that it brings misfortune and has a dark history associated with it. He has witnessed its negative effects firsthand and feels that talking about it could provoke more bad luck. His reluctance stems from a desire to protect others from the dangers and consequences tied to the paw's powers. Ultimately, he understands the weight of its implications and prefers to avoid the topic altogether.