introducing someone to the wonderful world of pocket knives!

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Dirtymutt9

Joined
Mar 5, 2010
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68
In the past couple of weeks i have started "mentoring" a 12 year old boy that is going through some major BS with his family. Poor guy just isnt able to do the typical things that a 12 yr old should be doing.

I went through a similar thing when i was his age so i talked with his dad and i started letting the kid hang around when his dad went to work or had to take care of his younger brother.

I have a pretty big shop with lots of toys motorcycles, a big 4x4 lots of tools etc.

The other day i taught the little dude how to ride a minibike.

interestingly enough rather than run home to his dad and tell him about riding the bike, the thing that really rubbed off on him was the fact that i carry a pocketknife everyday. I didnt really realize it at the time, but we did in fact use my folder ( a BM 790 subrosa) extensively the day that he was at the shop. A phone call from his dad the next day informed me that he would like my input on what first knife his son should get! Cool dad!

a trip to Plaza Cutlery in Costa Mesa later the little guy had a brand new Mini Grip with blue handles and a 154 standard edge.

The kid carries it everywhere! Except school of course!

Ive given him a bunch of safety tips and i think im going to take him on a hike one of these days so he can make some spears and chop up some things.

I'm proud to say that not only do i feel good about being a good Samaritan about helping the kid out in a time of need but i also introduced him to the wonderful world of knives!

share your stories! did you get a GF into pocket knives? A little brother? Co worker? lets hear about em!
 
Very cool story, OP! :thumbup:

I've no stories of my own that even come close. I've learned that it's probably best just to keep my yap shut about my hobby around non-knife folk... :(
 
Kinda my cousin. He really likes knives, but hes still into stuff like Gerber and cheaper BUCKs.
Im trying to ease him into more expensive stuff. Im trying to get him to realize that more money usually means more quality.
 
Great story, Dirtymutt! I have no doubt that 12 year old boy is going to be appreciative of your support and mentorship in the coming years -- and he will often reflect on how you were there for him when he needed someone the most.

Well done, Sir -- and keep up the good work!
JC_doubleup.gif
 
Vanguard41xx said:
Nice story, but is he allowed to carry a pocket knife?
Click to expand...

we both live in suburban newport beach. Im not exactly what the laws say about him carrying a knife.

when i was his age i lived on horse ranches so ive been carrying a knife since i was about 7-8 years old out of necessity.

there arent as many things for him to use the knife on around here but thats why i want to take the kid hiking. LOTS of stuff to use a knife on outdoors.


I really being able to help him out, i had some guys my age help me out when i was 12-15 that made a big difference in my life.
 
Very cool story. I've given many knives out to friends and family, some have started carrying a knife every day, some don't, but appreciate it and use it occasionally, and some just really never catch on. Its a good feeling seeing a knife you gifted clipped to a friend's pocket.
 
Good for you DirtyMutt! Taking an interest in a child's well being like that is very admirable and my very well have a lasting positive effect. Keep it up!

Sorry. No stories of my own as of yet. When my boys are a little older and I'm off Active Duty I hope to participate in Scouting and pass on some of the field craft I've learned over the years.
 
here is something that you guys might be able to help me out with.......

the kid really likes playing with the knife, and as i said before we are in suburban Newport beach..... not many opportunities to use a knife for a 12 year old....

so here is what im thinking.


i have a bunch of parachord at my shop that im going to give him and teach him how to make bracelets etc. there is a lot of times that one will have to cut the chord and so on.

we are going to go on a hike this weekend so i should have at least that day covered....

what are some other good INTENSIVE knife uses that i could get him into? i got him to chop up meat tonight while we were making dinner, he was fired up on that. im just trying to think of anything else that he might be able to use that new mini grip........


Thanks all of you for chiming in on this thread. He is a great kid that doesnt deserve the BS that he has to deal with. Im really happy to be helping him out!

Any and all suggestions welcome!
 
slicing up a nice apple or orange-mind yer thumbs.
Just the fact that he knows you're there for him (thats what mates are)is important.
 
Not necessarily intensive but maybe a little finer work is required. You could teach him to make some snares maybe. Lots of little notches to be cut or grooved in some of them.
 
What a lucky kid to have someone like you to mentor him!

Keep teaching him food preparation, it will be a much appreciates skill as he grows older. Some cooking lessons while you're at it too.

One of the things i taught my son to do is breaking down cardboard boxes so they fit in the recycle bins, much needed skill living in California with all those tree huggers:D.

Don't forget to teach him how to maintain and sharpen knives.

Ric
 
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