How to talk mom into letting me get a spyderco I'm 13

[leghog]

at 13, nothing.

You were obviously never a Boy Scout.

you got your license at 16?

It is, and has been, the most common age in the USA to get a license.

 

[leghog]

Even in the army we never really needed a pocket knife.

What did you do? There were times in my 20+ year career a pocket knife was absolutely necessary.

 

[truth-seeker]

First if the OP is really is responsible I hope his mother sees that and he gets his knife, the only advice I,ll give is,
1 Be Honest if the answer is no then wait and try again later on, don,t sneak, lie , hide one away, if you do that only proves you were not mature enough yet,
2 at 13 almost every boy I knew had a knife I got a old timer at 9, I don,t believe all the Why do need it questions, Thats the same thing a non knife person asks us my Father in law has never carried a blade and sees no reason I need one except as he likes to put it [to show off or look tough) thats how some people see all of us,
Just surprised that so many men are questioning why he wants one, it just makes me wonder,
MEN What the hell happened to them.


And yes I know my spelling, commas, and other things are probably wrong, nerver really worried about it The reason (not an excuse) I had to quit school at 11 and went to work full time, so if you can,t read my post just skip them they are not all that important.
Tim.

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

I started liking knives when I got more into tools my first knife was given to me by a friend a CRKT FD AUS 8 pocket knife I hid it until I thought my mom trusted me enough with knives so I showed it to her and she didn't like it and got me a multi tool for Christmas and wanted me to get rid of the CRKT so I just kept it at my dads. Now I want a spyderco I've always liked them since I first saw a spyderco id like a Endura 4 FFG, Manix 2 lightweight, or Delica 4 FFG but I would probaly be ok with the Dragonfly 2. What I think made her not like it is my CRKT had serrated edges a black blade and it was 3 or more inches not 4 inches though so still legal but I'd like to EDC a spyderco except at school for obvious reasons I also know how to handle a knife properly and am not stupid and I don't threaten or do anything idiotic like that I use them as a tool cutting boxes etc... Please answer especially if you are a parent Thank you

I'm 13, and I'm allowed to have any (non-auto) knife that I want--fixed or folder. There is a pretty good sized gang of young knife nuts here on BF--we're all friends and chat over in the "Young knife collectors/users?" thread.

However, we don't know you. Your mom might not think that you are mature enough to handle a weapon or that you might cut yourself. Just keep asking every few months, and when you're ready, she'll let you buy one. Also, make sure that you have a job to pay for your knives. I get my money from petsitting. DON'T ask your mom to let you have a knife and have to ask her for the money.

P.S. Hiding things is not a good choice. You'll just get found out, and a parent will be angry that you hid something even if they wouldn't have been angry about the item in the first place.

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

what would a 13 year old like yourself use a spyderco for?

Cutting stuff!

 

[bladeboss]

What brand Multi-tool is it?

 

[-NB-]

it would draw up a question as to what exactly you will be using the knife for? are you working somewhere or fishing?

I'm trying to figure out what benefit your comments are to this thread. Knives are for cutting stuff. I guy with 975 posts on blade forums should know that.

To the op. Just be honest with your mom, and show her your responsible enough to carry/use one. But like others have said you should respect your moms decision regardless.

 

[timberweasel]

P.S. Hiding things is not a good choice. You'll just get found out, and a parent will be angry that you hid something even if they wouldn't have been angry about the item in the first place.

You have an excellent attitude, young Jedi! :thumbup: I can see why your parents trust you to own and use knives.

-Brett

 

[spydercobenchmadekai]

Thanks. I tried hiding things when I was younger, but I felt bad, was caught, and my parents were angrier than if they had known from the begining. No more!

 

[OkefenokeeKnives]

My feelings on the subject are , if you are old enough to be trusted with the Lawnmower you should be trusted with a pocket knife.

 

[Chalet]

I used knives when I was thirteen. I had a couple of Buck's and some Swiss Army Knives, and an old Boyscout knife my grandpa gave me. I don't see why you wouldn't have a knife. When I was about your age my friends and I were frolicking about in the woods on the bike path and parks. A multi-tool will be useful to you too, though, and you should be happy about that. Use it for a while and let her see that you're responsible.

 

[A Justice]

What I think made her not like it is my CRKT had serrated edges a black blade and it was 3 or more inches not 4 inches though so still legal but I'd like to EDC a spyderco except at school for obvious reasons I also know how to handle a knife properly and am not stupid and I don't threaten or do anything idiotic like that I use them as a tool cutting boxes etc...

I doubt it has as much to do with serrated edges and a black blade as it does with the long list of troublesome activities you could get into, and the expanded list in her own mind. The fact that you've gotten along this long without a knife, and her own liberal viewpoint. You don't want to be the kid with an over protective parent that sneaks to do things. Everybody else, you're forgetting that times have changed. Spanking is now child abuse, children are coddled and sheltered, and most parents have a hard time exerting authority over their children. 50 years ago it may have been normal for kids to pack a pocket knife, but in 2014 a lot of parents forbid it.

My little brother had friends that weren't allowed to play with Magic playing cards - my uncle wouldn't let my niece watch Harry Potter. Most children over 9 in my area are allowed to have knives, but that has more to do with culture than how mature they are. It's her prerogative to make those choices, and any argument against it should tread lightly.

OP, when you have these discussions with her, don't come off as begging. Instead come off as educated, understanding, and accept her decision. You might talk about how old you need to be before owning a knife is an option, or talk about the economics (knives retain value for the most part, and a collection of knives will be worth far more in 10 years than a collection of video games). Show her this thread, and the Young knife collectors thread, and get her involved. You can't make her allow you to have a knife - but you can expand her horizons by exposing her to a hobby that she probably isn't even aware exists. I'm sure at her book club or office job, none of her friends are letting their kids run around with knives. Ask to join the boy scouts, or something - the only chance you have of getting her to come around is expose her to your viewpoint, and leave the choice up to her.

 

[Hawk45]

When I was a boy I was always wanting the "fun" things. Fireworks, knives, bow/arrow, dirtbike, BB gun, .22 rifle, etc. That's what boys, at least in my day, wanted. I didn't want GI Joe's, or video games (though they were just coming out.. Atari). I wanted to be out in the back yard making fires in the "camp" with my buddies. We would make our own grossly made bows/arrows, light off fireworks and have a good time. Did I get whatever I wanted? Heck no!! But just like in anything else in life, if you don't ask for it, you aren't going to get it. If you are responsible and have discipline, you're mom will see that and make the best decision. If you already have a knife, and she trusts you with that, maybe the decision is b/c of money or just trying to teach you that you can't have everything you want when you want it. Just plant the seed and maybe you will get something special on your next birthday. If you are like I was, my "want" list changed every other week. So if this is a real "want".. stay focused, but don't badger as I'm sure your mother has a lot you don't see on her plate. I'm all for boys wanting to be boys. I'm sure you'll use your knife just like the rest of us do for normal EDC stuff. Cheers and best of luck brother.

 

[bladeboss]

(Slightly off topic, but relevant)
When I was younger, I think 11, I went on a 2-day trip with my grandparents. We went to a large cookout with alot of friends.
Being 11 years old, talking with old folks wasnt fun.
I got together with the other 3 kids and we went exploring.
Well we broke some "junk" that wasnt junk after all.
My grandparents found out, and so didnt the owners of the house the cookout was at.
Alot of people were dissapointed that we would do such a thing, but the owner of the now-broken stuff wasnt there so not a whole lot was said, but we knew we were in trouble.
My parents werent there.
Instead of telling them right away, I waited over a month.
They were more mad that I hid it and lied by saying "everything was good" when I returned.

I highly, HIGHLY reccomend that you dont "just buy it". Like everyone else said, talk it over with her and let her know youre serious.
Or mention a small Spyderco like a Dragonfly. Start with a little one and show that youre responsible.
Ive handled the little Spydercos and they still feel great.

 

[Greykilt]

P.S. Hiding things is not a good choice. You'll just get found out, and a parent will be angry that you hid something even if they wouldn't have been angry about the item in the first place.

Hello and Welcome to a life long hobby that can bring many years of enjoyment. As 'spyderco...' mentioned above you seem to already have a knife so asking Mom for a knife is a bit horse before the cart and since she has told you to get rid of it, got you a multi-tool instead, knife in question is at Dad's house, etc. I don't think you need advice on how to 'ask' do much as how to 'tell'.
It is incredibly hard to present a topic that is sensitive to the other party. And basicly you are saying: Mom, is it okay for me to have something I've already got? Dad's cool with it." Your real question is "How do I EDC when I'm at Mom's house?" answer: "You don't."
This topic comes up all over Blade Forums. We are dealing with similar thoughts on the Feedback: good, bad, and the ugly SubForum under the thread "a Sincere Question re: the 'Give Plutoh a Knife' related threads"
Learning to carry a knife responsibly starts with learning when NOT to carry. Airports, School, Public Assemblies, are all off limits in most places. Add Mom's house to your list as you have perhaps strained that opportunity.
G..

 

[cards94]

You were obviously never a Boy Scout.

actually i was but dropped out after webelos and was involved in sports. today's boy scouts, forget it. i wouldn't put any kid of mine in boy scouts with the decision to allow gays in. there are other upcoming organizations besides boy scouts.

 

[stabman]

i wouldn't put any kid of mine in boy scouts with the decision to allow gays in.

Time to stop typing...you aren't winning the thread. :foot:

On topic, I had sharp knives before age 13. I used them for cutting stuff, and attempting (poorly) to whittle.

 

[-NB-]

actually i was but dropped out after webelos and was involved in sports. today's boy scouts, forget it. i wouldn't put any kid of mine in boy scouts with the decision to allow gays in. there are other upcoming organizations besides boy scouts.

Wow, I normally do not say anything about other peoples comments, but yours are almost troll like and do nothing for this thread. Maybe the Whine and Cheese Forum would be more to your liking.

 

[Greykilt]

actually i was but dropped out after webelos and was involved in sports. today's boy scouts, forget it. i wouldn't put any kid of mine in boy scouts with the decision to allow gays in. there are other upcoming organizations besides boy scouts.

Cards 94, perhaps you were unaware that there is a political topic forum available for Gold Members and Higher. Your post above is more suited for that sub forum than for here a thread started by s 13 year old with a question about knives. Please stay on topic.

 

[McVeyMac]

I have only read the first and last page of this thread, so if my points were made in between, then forgive me. She is your mom, and you have to respect her point of view, as was said many times. I know it is hard, but to do otherwise leads to a life that you do not want to live. Second, perhaps you should learn to become proficient in sharpening the knives that she does support your using. Kitchen knives and MT knife. Try to learn to freehand sharpen these knives (start with the cheap paring knives before you go to expensive larger ones). Believe me it will take you many hours to master the skill. As you get pretty good at it, bring up the differences in steels, angles, grinds etc. in the better kitchen knives, as opposed to the cheaper ones, compare them to the MT knife in your discussions, work with knives in the kitchen frequently with her, show her you are a responsible knife user with a genuine interest and a responsible skill set. After accomplishing these things, then you could re-visit getting another pocket folder, once you have proven to her your interest, your skill and that you are responsible. Knives cut things. I love my kitchen knives every bit as much as I love my Striders CRKs and a plethora of others. In fact the most expensive knife I own is in the kitchen. Perhaps ask for Murray Carters DVD on sharpening. Then an appropriate request for a gift might be a 1,000 and a 6,000 grit Japanese water stone. In doing these things, she will not deny your interest, and in the process, you develop essential knife skills that will serve you for the rest of your life.