Before I read today's e-mail from linzoy my advice would have been to join Boy Scouts and learn how to use knives and a whole lot more.
After today's e-mail(s) from linzoy I don't think that would work.
Don't get a knife and try to hide it. Trust is very important, and once lost is very hard to re-earn.
I still have a feeling that there's more to your story. Most parents will not react in such an extreme manner to a 17 year old child saying that they want to carry a knife in a safe and legal manner.
My advice is to change your focus from telling your mother that you want a knife to something more like telling your mother that you want to learn about knife safety and how to care for and use a knife. This is much more positive and provides a means of showing your mother that you have skills and maturity to use a knife safely. Once you've proven you have these skills, then maybe she'll feel more comfortable with you carrying a knife. Consider carrying a little Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Knife. It is still handy and the size may be small enough to keep your mother from being upset. Here is a great one on-line:
http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=VN53208
Though created for pre-teen boys in Cub Scouts, I would strongly suggest you work with your mother to learn the skills associated with earning the Cub Scout Whittling Chip card, which the boys need in order to be allowed to carry pocketknives at events:
1. Know the safety rules for handling a knife:
-A knife is a tool, not a toy.
-Know how to sharpen a knife. A sharp knife is a safer knife because it is less likely to slip and cut you.
-Keep the blade clean.
-Never carry an open knife in your hand. (remember, this is targeted at pocketknives)
-When you are not using your knife, close it and put it away.
-Keep your knife dry.
-When you are using the cutting blade, do not try to make big shavings or chips. Easy does it.
-Make a safety circle: Before you pick up your knife to use it, stretch your arm out and turn in a circle. If you can't touch anyone else, it is safe to use your knife.
-(I'm adding this one) Whenever cutting something, think about where the blade will go if the knife slips or you loose control of the blade.
2. Show that you know how to take care of and use a pocketknife.
-Learn how to sharpen a pocketknife. There are plenty of nice guides on the internet.
-Keep knives clean and dry. Occasionally wipe the blade with a very light coat of oil and lubricate moving parts with a drop or two of light oil.
-Routinely check locking mechanisms to make sure they engage correctly. In general it is best to handle a knife under the assumption that the lock will not hold.
-Do not store a knife in a leather sheath - leather absorbs moisture which can cause corrosion.
-Don't use a knife blade as a screwdriver, pry bar, can opener, lawn dart, wire cutter, or an axe.
-When handing a fixed blade knife to someone, offer them the handle while holding onto the blade with the edge away from your hand, and do not let go of the blade until the recipient says "thank you".
3. Make a carving with pocketknife.
Many boys start by carving a bar of Ivory soap using a good disposable plastic knife. If the plastic knife slips the serations give a good sense of being cut without damaging a finger. Then, when comfortable, switch to using a pocketknife. It makes a bit of a mess, so do this over newspapers or similar surface protection.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of a pocketknife.
-Close the blade with the palm of your hand.
-Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it.
-Be careful that you do not cut yourself or any person nearby.
-Never use a knife to strip the bark from a tree.
-Do not carve your initials into anything that does not belong to you.
5. Take the Pocketknife Pledge:
-I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
-I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
-I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
-I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
-I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.
If all of this doesn't work. Relax. Wait until you're living on your own and THEN carry a knife.
. It was never anything to serious and we both were fine after it. We just had to get the anger out. lol
:thumbup: 
