Article by Coast Portland
There's no absolute rule dictating when a child is old enough to carry his or her own knife; it just depends on the individual's maturity level. Pocket folding knives are great tools to teach children basic knife safety before moving onto a larger hunting knife. Folding knives make good first hunting knives; they're smaller and lighter than fixed-blade models and can be carried safely in a pocket. Before turning any blade over to a child, however, it's essential to set ground rules for safety and proper handling. Following are a few common-sense and instructive folding knife safety rules for kids.
Repeat after me.
Remind your kids that using a knife is serious by giving them a phrase to repeat, such as: "A knife is a tool, not a toy." Have them echo the mantra several times before even touching a blade, and have them repeat it frequently throughout training.
The Safety Zone.
Prior to using a folding knife, kids must learn to be aware of their surroundings so as to prevent injuring others. Have them hold a closed knife at arm's length and turn in a circle. If they can spin without touching anyone, they've established a safety zone in which they can use a knife without hurting anyone.
Proper passing.
A folding knife should always be closed before passing, but it's good to practice handing off a fixed-blade hunting knife, too. For young kids, just have them put the blade on a table for an adult to pick up. Later, they can practice passing an open knife: hold it by the blade, sharp edge facing away from the hand, and handle towards the other person. The receiver should verbally let the passer know they have control of the blade.
When is it ok to carry a knife?
It is essential to set specific rules on where and when carrying a knife is ok. Early on, a knife should only be used with permission and under supervision. You can relax this rule as the child matures, but they should know to never, under any circumstances, carry a knife to school or the store.
Practice handling a folding knife.
Carving a bar of soap is a good way to practice opening, handling and cutting with a folding knife.- Hold handle in non-dominant hand.- Put thumbnail of dominant hand into groove on back of blade.- Use dominant hand to pull back on thick point of the blade to lock into open position.- Grip handle with dominant hand, as if it was a bicycle handlebar.- Always cut away from body, and use moderate pressure; too much can cause it to slip.
Knife Care.
Teach your child these key points in caring for their folding knife:- Always lock the blade in the closed position when done, and put in a safe place.- Clean and dry after each use.- Keep it sharp; a dull blade is dangerous.- Oil the blade to keep it opening smoothly.
Knife No-No's. - Never use when mad.- Never use unless needed.- Never ever run or play with a knife in hand.- Never use folding knives with other children.
It's scary for any parent to allow their child to handle a knife, but careful practice and clear rules will help them learn how to safely and properly use a hunting knife.
About the Author
Looking for good starter hunting knives? Visit the Coast website to find a high-quality folding knife for hunting newbies.