Six year old and a pocket knife

[AnxiousPixie]

DH thinks it's ok for him to have one at six, I don't and have said no. DH had one at about the same age and doesn't see the problem. I think times have changed and knives just aren't an acceptable thing to 'play' with. I'm the bad guy.

Am I being unreasonable to say he is too young??

You can get kids versions of Swiss Army knives (as dangerous as a butter knife) so if you want to let him learn how to use one safely, that’s a good starter (says the owner of 6 Swiss arms knives).

I'm with you op. No need for normalising knife carrying

Of course he shouldn't have a knife. No need at all for one...It's the modern world, I can't think of anything bar cooking that you'd need a knife for

He could use one, supervised, with his Dad.

I cannot think of any justification whatsoever for a 6yo to own one, much less carry one.

Dd has just gotten one at 14..Camping trips only. Kept locked away until then.

He could use one, supervised, with his Dad

Kicking myself for the casual sexism in that sentence.

.... He could use one, supervised, with a grown up ....

If only used under strict supervision then it wouldn't bother me any more than a child helping make dinner by chopping veg.

benkinsella.org.uk/knife-crime-statistics/
Show him this

Perfectly fine if he’s taught how to use it, and only uses it with supervision.

Carry one around in his pocket all day, no.

Learn how to use one safely and supervised, absolutely yes.

Yes I wouldn’t let him keep a hold of it!

In my defence... my sister has a farm (so lots of dangerous things so DS has been trained to be careful since he was tiny) and he used to go on residential bushcraft camps from about 7.

I think it's fine for him to own one, as long as it's locked away and only used under adult supervision.

They're very useful things and it's much better that he learns to use it safely and in an age-appropriate way.

I had one from a similar age. I loved it because it was a “gadget” far more than it was a knife.

Fine to have one, but if you’re concerned then only let him use it under supervision for a few years.

for what purpose.
when did he last have to put a point on his quill.
or even sharpen a pencil.
not until 10, i'd say, to use. and never to carry.
is he in the scouts.
what else does your husband want to re-produce ? riding in a car without seat belts, in the goods area...
birching at school, going up chimneys using small boys to get round the corners, likewise pulling coal-trucks underground...

I think it's fine but it must be used under adult supervision. So he can have one when dh has the time to sit down and do some Bushcraft (or whatever) with him.

My dc had knives to use when doing things like making feathersticks to light fires or making shelters or dens. They had them under supervision at 6.

Big difference between that and carrying a knife for protection.

My kids were allowed to use knives for cooking at that age.

I would personally allow it under supervision but have it kept it safe when not. I have a safe and would keep it there. He wouldn't be allowed to take it to show and tell or other people's houses

It depends what it's being used for. Nephew had a swiss army knife at about 7 in the context of getting really interested camping/survival skills. It was a childrens one and not terribly sharp, it was more about the fact that it was a handy little gadget with various little tools on. He was not allowed it unsupervised and it was kept locked away other times.

No...just all the no's

Today I have been involved in 2 attempt murder investigations in which a 16 year old has been charged with both .

I wouldn't encourage having a knife at all at any age .

In our forest school session, children are taught to use knives under very close supervision - by female teachers I might add - and part of that teaching involves how to handle a knife. Including how dangerous carrying knives can be.
If a child of any age told me they had a knife, I’d be considering this a safeguarding issue. Your dh is being irresponsible.

Let him have it. No big deal. Just keep it at home.

@warmfluffytowels

I think it's fine for him to own one, as long as it's locked away and only used under adult supervision.

They're very useful things and it's much better that he learns to use it safely and in an age-appropriate way.

There’s nothing age appropriate about a six year old having a knife. I can’t believe anyone would think this was ok.

@EleanorOlephantisjustfine

You’ve obviously never been to Sweden and seen the education there

Thanks everyone, maybe I am being a little precious!