I don't look at every blister pack hanging in the stores so maybe the following already exists or has existed.... I gave an Old Timer 'Pal', and single blade pocket knife, to each of my two older kids this weekend. I figured if they can learn how to care for and responsibly use a carbon steel pocket knife they've learned the basics of tool care among other things. I went over safety, responsibility, care, handling, I sharpened them a bit, and then let them whittle. I was thinking that offering a little kit to accomplish the same, a nice little carbon steel knife, some sort of sharpening aids, a small bottle of oil, and a book on care and responsibility would be nice. If sales of such a kit are good maybe even offer some sort of traveling expert to help with sharpening, care and such. Some sort of online support would be nice too. Although aimed at kids I suspect that other adults might also be interested in such kits and assistance.
Whatever type of sharpening aid is offered it needs to be one that works, as only putting a small Arkansas stone in the kit will just end up discouraging most kids. Including a coarse stone of some sort might work, but some thought and probably most importantly some tests will need to be done on what works best. A medium/coarse and fine set of crock sticks would probably work well but it might also add too much expense. How the knives are sharpened at the factory will also have a large outcome on what works best.
I've mentioned Old Timer are they are probably an ideal candidate for such a project being carbon steel, good quality, affordable, and are already probably offered in more places than most.
Whatever type of sharpening aid is offered it needs to be one that works, as only putting a small Arkansas stone in the kit will just end up discouraging most kids. Including a coarse stone of some sort might work, but some thought and probably most importantly some tests will need to be done on what works best. A medium/coarse and fine set of crock sticks would probably work well but it might also add too much expense. How the knives are sharpened at the factory will also have a large outcome on what works best.
I've mentioned Old Timer are they are probably an ideal candidate for such a project being carbon steel, good quality, affordable, and are already probably offered in more places than most.