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??

@XenoBitch

No one should be carrying one, regardless of age. No one needs a knife on them.

Oh? What do you use to cut binder twine on hay bales, open plastic sacks etc?

Oh? What do you use to cut binder twine on hay bales, open plastic sacks etc?

I would assume you would be in an environment specific to those activities. In those cases, it would be the same as being in a kitchen with a knife.
But no one should be out in the general public with a blade on them. No need at all. Especially not a 6 year old.

@2bazookas

My Dad gave me one when I was six, I 've still got it and carry it in my handbag (blade length is under legal limit) . He also taught me to use it safely. So far, I haven't killed anyone.

What is the legal limit? (blade length). I have a caution for carrying one that was just over an inch long.

What's the reason for wanting/ needing one. What did his dad use his for? What does he see using the one he wants to buy for his son for? If you are avid campers- maybe. Otherwise there's no knee juts to 'have' one you're not allowed to touch anyway.

3 inches folding blade, non locking is the legal limit.

Six is pretty young, but then maybe it teaches responsibility at an early age. Worst case scenario they cut they finger. Unlikely to kill someone.

No knives definitely

I'm super laid back about stuff usually, but a six year old with a knife...? I just don't see the point. What's it for? You mentioned him 'playing' with it in your OP, which seems like madness. Maybe I'm too much of a city girl because to me, knives are only toys in horror movies or maybe during the apocalypse 😂

@Lilypansy

What's a big deal about having a little pocket knife? It's not an actual weapon. And I'm sure you have plenty of knives in the kitchen. Any kind of knife can be used as a weapon. Six year olds should not be allowed to handle them. Not ever. If an older teenager/ young adult is found with one, they can be prosecuted.

if a ten year old or older is carrying a knife which has a blade over 3", he/she is liable to prosecution.

Totally fine to have one under supervision for whittling, pioneering, gardening, finishing etc.

In my Famous Five/Swallows and Amazons romantic fantasy of childhood, they’d be fine to carry a knife in their pocket but in reality 6 year olds are morons.

Hmm too young, 11 would be okay, me, DH, DD and DS always carry one, amazing useful things. I know mine gets used daily, totally amazed at people who do not carry such a useful thing, I will go out without my phone no problem, I will never go anywhere without my swiss army knife.