Why?

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Hello everyone on the RAT forum. Some people may have noticed I have not been here lately. Now A big part part of this was because of, with the creation of the rat pack, I was no longer eligible for contests for knives sine I am under 18. I am here to ask why? Why should I be discriminated against because of my age? I own and use my knives responsiblely, so I do not see why I cannot participate in the monthly contests for knives. I should be given a fair chance here, and should I win, A mod could say, talk to parents to confirm the fact that it would be ok to send me the free knife. I feel very strongly on this matter, and I would appreciate it if the mods here could perhaps grant me an exception to this well thought out, but unfair rule.
 
Its simple, your a minor, and the members here could be found liable under a court of law--hence they could have their asses sued off. Not their fault. Second, if your mature enough, get your parents to approve of stuff, then perhaps you can get it under their supervision (however, im not sure if this is allowed)
 
The legal age to purchase a knife varies, but for most states I think its 18. Some are 16, like where you live for example. I think it would be irresponsible for a company to issue free knives to those under the age limit that could purchase the knives.

Although some individuals (like yourself) are more than capable of owning and using knives properly, it is still within RAT cutlery's best interest to limit giveaways to those of age.

Now, granted, you might have a fair argument, and I cannot comment on RAT's behalf, but I believe that it is to avoid legal problems.

Would it be too difficult to have your guardian enter the contest for you?

P.S. I found your post to be very mature and to the point. 500 posts and no flaming, I would give you a knife with no problem :)
 
As said in the first post, I would be fine with one of the mods calling my parents if I won a contest.
 
its simple, your a minor, and the members here could be found liable under a court of law--hence they could have their asses sued off. Not their fault. Second, if your mature enough, get your parents to approve of stuff, then perhaps you can get it under their supervision (however, im not sure if this is allowed)

+1...
 
I was driving home from work one day through a residential district. As I drove by several parked cars on my right side a 9 year old child ran out from in front of one of the cars. The child ran right into my passenger door. I immediately pulled over and administered rescue breathing as the child was not breathing. An LEO who was sitting on the corner giving speeding tickets called an ambulance. The parents showed up at the hospital where I also happened to work and approached me. It became immediately apparent that they spoke absolutely no English, with the exception of 2 very simple words, "WE SUE". Anyone can can utter these 2 very simple words, (without exception).
 
I can understand the Mod's position on knives and minors and the possible legel issues ,but it is a shame.
I really liked your shelter and like SecSpyral said you come across as being mature and responsible. I would check with the Mod's and see if something can't be worked out with your parents.
 
I was driving home from work one day through a residential district. As I drove by several parked cars on my right side a 9 year old child ran out from in front of one of the cars. The child ran right into my passenger door. I immediately pulled over and administered rescue breathing as the child was not breathing. An LEO who was sitting on the corner giving speeding tickets called an ambulance. The parents showed up at the hospital where I also happened to work and approached me. It became immediately apparent that they spoke absolutely no English, with the exception of 2 very simple words, "WE SUE". Anyone can can utter these 2 very simple words, (without exception).
What does this have to do with... anything?
Not that I don't sympathize with your situation...
 
What does this have to do with... anything?
Not that I don't sympathize with your situation...

To prove/show that even when it is not your fault, our liberal judicial system has made it easy for a person to try to take another person through the ringer for frivilous crap. Thus selling/giving something to a minor, who then causes some sort of damage ultimately opens the seller/given up to potential legal action.

To show the point.... A knife is won and given to a minor. They in turn hurt themselves or a friend of theirs hurts themselves with that knife on accident. A good lawyer could bring a lawsuit against the adult/company that gave them the knife because they were a minor.

It sucks for a seemingly great, responsible kid like NC to have to go through it but laws are there for a reason, mainly because another minor at some time has done something stupid and now lawmakers seek to prevent it in the future. One bad apple spoils it for the rest of responsible people.
 
I'm totally on your side on this! I began using knives when I was 'bout 13 years old, my grandfather taught me to use them responsibly. You're not discriminated by Rat Cutlery or any member of this forum but by the law. Laws are not perfect but they run our society. Anyway I wish to sincerely congratulate you on a mature approach of this issue, maturity some adults lack!
And just because you're under 18 and you can't enter contests doesn't mean you shouldn't post here anymore.
You know what? If I win any contest here on this forum I'm giving my prize away to you. Everybody who reads this, members, users, mods are my witnesses. :)
 
Hello everyone on the RAT forum. Some people may have noticed I have not been here lately. Now A big part part of this was because of, with the creation of the rat pack, I was no longer eligible for contests for knives sine I am under 18. I am here to ask why? Why should I be discriminated against because of my age? I own and use my knives responsiblely, so I do not see why I cannot participate in the monthly contests for knives. I should be given a fair chance here, and should I win, A mod could say, talk to parents to confirm the fact that it would be ok to send me the free knife. I feel very strongly on this matter, and I would appreciate it if the mods here could perhaps grant me an exception to this well thought out, but unfair rule.

The creation of the rat pack was not to just hand out knives, it was to bring the forum closer together. By being in the RP there are some privileges such as the giveaway. Also life isn't always fair, that is a hard lesson to learn, but one that should be learned. Sometimes you have to work harder for opportunities than others and sometimes the opportunities are just not presented to you. Another thing that kinda bugged me with your post was the use of knives responsibly, I feel that by your recent SAK batoning that this may not be true. If the mods do grant you the exception then I'm afraid every other under age member of Blade Forum would be asking for the exemption. Just my .02 cents.
 
The issue with the sak does not mean I am not responsible with knives. It was a stupid mistake, and that was the first sak I have ever had. I have also seen threads with people batoning a sak with no ill effects, however now I know the limits of a sak, and because of one mistake, I am not responsible using knives? Thats like saying because I lied one time in my life I am not trustworthy. Also, i dont think there are many under 18 members here. I know a few, but not more then 15 or 20, of which only 2 or 3 are active on the rat forum. I would like to thank lukacsmihaly for your offer to give me your prize should you win on bf. It looks like that will be the only way for me to win a prize on the rat forum.
 
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The issue with the sak does not mean I am not responsible with knives. It was a stupid mistake, and that was the first sak I have ever had. I have also seen threads with people batoning a sak with no ill effects, however now I know the limits of a sak, and because of one mistake, I am not responsible using knives? Thats like saying because I lied one time in my life I am trustworthy. Also, i dont think there are many under 18 members here. I know a few, but not more then 15 or 20, of which only 2 or 3 are active on the rat forum. I would like to thank lukacsmihaly for your offer to give me your prize should you win on bf. It looks like that will be the only way for me to win a prize on the rat forum.

I am probably one of the more active members in the RAT cutlery sub and I'm 17, I haven't entered nor do I plan on entering any contest that states and age limit, including the RAT pack forum knife give away, even though I was the one who got the ball rolling for a forum knife. Also it is not just that post that leads me to doubt your responsibility or maturity. And in my book a lier is a lier, theres no splitting hairs and if you loose my respect or trust then there is a good chance your not getting it back.
 
Strange. Sucks your not 18. I think a good way could be just to have a guardian create an account on here and post, they could enter all he contests for you. Dunno what else to say.
 
Rules are rules. Just as with a driving a motor vehicle, there is an age restriction. Waiting builds character and I do not believe in entitlements. :D Just my two cents.
 
It's in RAT's best interest to only give away knife products to those 18 and older. As previously mentioned it's a legal issue for the most part. There are many responsible kids who come into the knife shop I work at who want to pick up a knife, but we can't in good conscience sell them a knife without a parent or guardian physically present to sign off on the purchase.

I understand your frustration, but I believe that the mods had decided they were going to do a non-sharp giveaway at some point here for our sub-18 year old members. :)
 
Get more familiar with the law and the reasons for age restrictions become quite clear. I was always under the impression knives weren't to be sold to minors unless there's a parent or guardian accompanying them. I can understand where you're coming from, but understanding rules/laws and abiding by them is one of the most responsible things you can do. It's not discrimination, it's society.
 
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