What is your opinion on kids and knives?

Caleb M.

Caleb M.

Joined
Dec 22, 2012
Messages
157
I just want to know what you all think about kids/teens with a knife. Whenever I go camping, I take a fixed blade and a folder. I'm 14, so you can probably imagine there looks I get. What would you think if you saw a young man walking around the campsite with a five inch blade on his hip?
 
Whether he had a knife or not, I'd consider whether he/she was acting in a reasonable manner or being a loud, mouthy jackwagon. I have no problem at all with teens in general having and using knives, especially at a campsite, fishing dock, etc. I wouldn't recommend it at school of course :p
 
I have no problems with a person of any age that is responsible enough to handle a blade. There are some people of 30 + years of age that I wouldn't trust to not hurt themselves with a knife and there are people younger than you I'd have no second thoughts about them having one. It's all a question of maturity.
 
I got my first knife at 7, and by 12 I never went anywhere without a lockback in my pocket.
But, those were different times back then.
If your parents are fine with you wearing a fixed blade on your belt on the campsight, that's all that matters.
I sure wouldn't think anything of it, but then again I live out in the country.
 
I was always fascinated with steel ever since I was a little boy. My dad had a small collection of knives (mostly fixed blades and bayonets) that I always used to examine and fondle. He would always tell me that knives are like snakes, they can strike at any time and will strike when you least expect it. Those words are what kept me from doing stupid things with knives. I have always considered myself to have been very responsible when handling a knife as a little boy. Never did I take them to school or play with them to impress friends.

I think children should be allowed to handle and use knives when ever they need to. However I believe it is fundamental to teach them about knife safety and responsibility first. If I ever have a child I will gladly pass down all my masterful knowledge of knives down to him or her.
 
I think the kind of people giving a 14-year-old with a knife funny looks are the same people who will give a 40-year-old with a knife funny looks.
 
I would say you're "pushing" it with a 5" fixed blade at times. But if that's your style, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's great if you don't mind the looks you get. lol. I'm a teen as well and I got my first knife when I was 11. I think knives are very useful, as well as collectible/fun. I generally carry smaller knives though, I like to have one, but I don't like to have something flashy or aggressive.
 
i think youll find that most of us here have been collecting/using/enjoying knives from an early age, its a safe bet youll get a biased opinion! i for one am glad to hear your carrying your knives, its a right that should be expressed. unless the younger generations carry, and continue fight for the right to carry and use there knives, then its a right we will lose. i love to see fixed blades carried, i wish i saw more folks carrying them regardless of age.
 
I think its situational, weapon vs tool. Kid/teen carrying a knife, fixed or folder, while camping then its a tool. We can all think of dozens of usefull purposes for a knife at a campsite, even a large fixed blade. My son is 13 and always carries his knife or knives when we go camping. However, a kid carrying a large fixed blade at school, the mall, movie theater, or church it is seen by most as a weapon rather than a tool. I could understand getting strange looks in those situations and that would be on you for not thinking reasonably. You have not suggested you would do that. I think carrying a small pocket knife regularly (other than school) would probably not be seen as weapon by most folks, as long as you are acting in reasonable manner as mentioned by Mr. Terrio above. Bottom line is to think smart, act reasonably and carry for the situation. Just my 2 cents.
 
I agree with James. Assuming the kid is acting like a regular person and not some obnoxious little hooligan, the fact that he had a knife on his hip wouldn't concern me in the least. I'd probably even go up and ask what he was carrying and maybe compare and discuss knives with him if he seemed interested. As an "old" dude (almost 43!:eek::D), I actually really enjoy seeing the younger generations using knives and guns responsibly. It gives me hope for the future. :thumbup:
 
Like others have said, it all depends. It depends on the kid and how he's acting, depends on where the campsite is, depends on what he's doing. I have n problem with a young man carrying any particular tool if he's acting in a responsible manor and it's appropriate to the surrounds and event. But then I've seen 14 year olds with more common sense than some adults. So, in the end, it all depends on the person in question.
 
I'm not a parent, but i think as a parent if you're going to let someone <16 carry a knife you have to fully understand that the kid is going to cut him/her self. when i grew up, i lived adjacent to about 50-75 acres of wooded area so we were always back there with knives, hatchets, saws, machetes, you name it. of course cuts happened. it's important to remember that just because someone get's cut doesn't necessarily mean they were being reckless or irresponsible. plenty of adults on this site cut themselves, but no one has a problem with them carrying knives! it's important to teach them proper cutting technique and what to do if (when) there is a cut.
 
Caleb M. said:
I just want to know what you all think about kids/teens with a knife. Whenever I go camping, I take a fixed blade and a folder. I'm 14, so you can probably imagine there looks I get. What would you think if you saw a young man walking around the campsite with a five inch blade on his hip?
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I would think it was pretty sweet.
 
I wouldn't think much of anything in the woods other than a curiosity as to what knife it is. I just about always carry a knife for cutting. Have for a long time and I feel young people should be accorded the same experience as a pocket knife is just so handy. A fixed blade for the most part is something I normally don't carry on me unless I'm in the woods/outdoors. But I do own fixed blades that are quite concealable, so it is an individual choice based on the day's circumstances. Just be responsible and sensitive to what others might think when you make your choices. A Kabar Becker BK9 strapped to your belt in a city might be a pretty poor decision.
 
james terrio said:
Whether he had a knife or not, I'd consider whether he/she was acting in a reasonable manner or being a loud, mouthy jackwagon. I have no problem at all with teens in general having and using knives, especially at a campsite, fishing dock, etc. I wouldn't recommend it at school of course :p
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Same here. It's about attitude and somewhat about your overall appearance. If you dress like a hippity hop gangsta your going to get eyeballed whether you have the knife or not.:D
 
Shotgun said:
Same here. It's about attitude and somewhat about your overall appearance. If you dress like a hippity hop gangsta your going to get eyeballed whether you have the knife or not.:D
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Yes I agree with this!
It's about attitude.

Carrying a 4-5" blade of non tacticool style, when camping, fishing or on a hike shouldn't be a problem.
At least as long as You use it with common sense.

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Regards
Mikael
 
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Caleb M. said:
I just want to know what you all think about kids/teens with a knife. Whenever I go camping, I take a fixed blade and a folder. I'm 14, so you can probably imagine there looks I get. What would you think if you saw a young man walking around the campsite with a five inch blade on his hip?
Click to expand...

I think it's great and would feel proud to see a 14 year old with a knife instead of some electronic doodad or a phone.
 
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