Need some advice

Grathr · **on:** July 04, 2015, 09:14:28 PM

My son (4) has started to show some interest in whittling. He walks around "whitling" sticks with his finger, but whenever I try to show him how to use a real knife, he gets scared.
Hes a real thinker and has a very good memory, so I got to be real careful not stressing the dangers of the knife to much, because he wont forget it.
At this point Im considering to let him have dull knife just to let him build confidence and just make him comfortable holding and handling a knife.
But Im a little conflicted about it. I dont want him to develop tecniques that are safe with a dull knife, but will be dangerous with a sharp one. Getting used to use a lot of force because of the dullness of the blade is one of them.
On the other hand, if he keeps overthinking it he will never dare to actually use one.
And since he listens so well, I think Ill be able to make him unlearn the bad techniques when he has become familiar with using the dull one.

What do you guys think?

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strmliner · **Reply #1 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:25:04 PM

It's tough...I agree.

When my kids were little, they loved my knives and tools. I didn't let them begin playing with them until they were 5-6. I didn't give me son a knife until he was 6, then he only got to use/play with his knife when I was with him...I kept it and let him use it under supervision.

He didn't get to keep it in his possession until he was 7-8, and after a lot of supervision. He only cut himself badly (not requiring a visit to the doctor) once. It was a simple Boy Scout knife with a rounded blade.

He didn't get a "real" pocket knife (Vic SAK Recruit) until he was 9-10.

Best of luck to both you and your son!

dks · **Reply #2 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:38:09 PM

4 is a bit young for a proper knife. even with a dull knife he may assume that using knives is acceptable and just grab a sharp knife from the kitchen one day.

Really it depends on the individual child and how common/acceptable knives are in the family

You could maybe try playing/sculpting clay with special plastic/wooden knives designed for clay

Grathr · **Reply #3 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:40:47 PM

Quote from: strmliner on July 04, 2015, 09:25:04 PM

It's tough...I agree.

When my kids were little, they loved my knives and tools. I didn't let them begin playing with them until they were 5-6. I didn't give me son a knife until he was 6, then he only got to use/play with his knife when I was with him...I kept it and let him use it under supervision.

He didn't get to keep it in his possession until he was 7-8, and after a lot of supervision. He only cut himself badly (not requiring a visit to the doctor) once. It was a simple Boy Scout knife with a rounded blade.

He didn't get a "real" pocket knife (Vic SAK Recruit) until he was 9-10.

Best of luck to both you and your son!

Thanks!
He will of course be under suprevision when using the knife. Even the dull one.
Maybe I am rushing him a bit on this.

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Grathr · **Reply #4 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:48:48 PM

Quote from: dks on July 04, 2015, 09:38:09 PM

4 is a bit young for a proper knife. even with a dull knife he may assume that using knives is acceptable and just grab a sharp knife from the kitchen one day.

Really it depends on the individual child and how common/acceptable knives are in the family

You could maybe try playing/sculpting clay with special plastic/wooden knives designed for clay

They do learn to whittle in the kindergarden here. He is quite mature for his age.
The Sami give their kids their first knife at age 3, and he is 1/4 Sami

not that that is a good argument.

I think maybe starting with something softer than wood is a good Idea. Maybe teach him to whittle the skin of carrots with a butter knife.

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dks · **Reply #5 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:57:18 PM

I am ok with children this young shooting with airguns, so what do I know..

styx · **Reply #6 on:** July 05, 2015, 10:26:50 AM

If you're that concerned about safety why not start him off with a wooden knife? Sure it won't cut anything but it is a good starting point to teach him how too handle a knife safely.

Grathr · **Reply #7 on:** July 05, 2015, 05:24:23 PM

Quote from: styx on July 05, 2015, 10:26:50 AM

If you're that concerned about safety why not start him off with a wooden knife? Sure it won't cut anything but it is a good starting point to teach him how too handle a knife safely.

That is a thought. I dont want him to think of knives as toys though.

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firiki · **Reply #8 on:** July 05, 2015, 05:35:23 PM

Kids learn to whittle in kindergarten? Can't wait to tell my wife! You Norwegian lot must be hunting vampires often

That's a tough one and I agree it depends on the child. I think I'd give him a reasonably sharp but not really pointy knife to use on various materials.

Smashie · **Reply #9 on:** July 05, 2015, 05:41:26 PM

Funny that this comes up now, I've just been sorting my kit out for the UK meet with my son, he is also 4.

Matthew wont get a knife until he is 8 and only if he can prove to me he is ready. 8 years old is when my father gave me my first knife and took me shooting for the first time. I'd love to say that I am well adjusted person, but others will disagree

.

I know Matthew is too young for a knife now, I am happy he is interested and if he stays interested then I'll teach him how to use them safely.

styx · **Reply #10 on:** July 05, 2015, 05:55:24 PM

Quote from: Grathr on July 05, 2015, 05:24:23 PM

Quote from: styx on July 05, 2015, 10:26:50 AM
If you're that concerned about safety why not start him off with a wooden knife? Sure it won't cut anything but it is a good starting point to teach him how too handle a knife safely.

That is a thought. I dont want him to think of knives as toys though.

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Then don't do what my gramps did - gave me an axe and said good luck when I was 5. I fell the tree but also managed to hit my knee

MadPlumbarian · **Reply #11 on:** July 05, 2015, 06:03:47 PM

My little guy(11) is just now getting out of the "being scared around knives" stage, he can now use a steak knife a dinner, before he wouldn't even touch a butter knife! Don't ask me why, his brother was no problem? Best part is now he can't wait for his 12th bday cause that's when he gets his own, his first, sak! Just as I did and just as I did for his older brother. My only thought is time, start off with something, dull but be in control, then move up the ladder until he can do it himself with something sharp and feels ok doing it.
JR

Marcellus · **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2015, 06:34:59 PM

Quote from: Grathr on July 04, 2015, 09:14:28 PM

My son (4) has started to show some interest in whittling. He walks around "whitling" sticks with his finger, but whenever I try to show him how to use a real knife, he gets scared.
Hes a real thinker and has a very good memory, so I got to be real careful not stressing the dangers of the knife to much, because he wont forget it.
At this point Im considering to let him have dull knife just to let him build confidence and just make him comfortable holding and handling a knife.
But Im a little conflicted about it. I dont want him to develop tecniques that are safe with a dull knife, but will be dangerous with a sharp one. Getting used to use a lot of force because of the dullness of the blade is one of them.
On the other hand, if he keeps overthinking it he will never dare to actually use one.
And since he listens so well, I think Ill be able to make him unlearn the bad techniques when he has become familiar with using the dull one.

What do you guys think?

Well, YOU did ask for advise, so...

For now, safety first, Just say No

eddie1115 · **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2015, 08:26:36 PM

I think the medium is the key. I started whittling soap as a kid, with a plastic knife. You could do the same with a butter knife or a dull knife to make it less like a toy. But using a dull knife on something soft will act like a sharp knife on wood, etc. And as always, only under supervision and all that.

zoidberg · **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2015, 02:25:41 PM

Does he feed himself with a knife and fork?

Grathr · **Reply #15 on:** July 06, 2015, 06:07:20 PM

That he does.

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dks · **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2015, 06:11:14 PM

Does he kill his own food?

Grathr · **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2015, 06:18:36 PM

Only bugs!

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dks · **Reply #18 on:** July 06, 2015, 06:28:53 PM

well, its obvious he needs a bigger knife then!

enki_ck · **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2015, 07:25:39 PM

Quote from: Grathr on July 05, 2015, 05:24:23 PM

Quote from: styx on July 05, 2015, 10:26:50 AM
If you're that concerned about safety why not start him off with a wooden knife? Sure it won't cut anything but it is a good starting point to teach him how too handle a knife safely.

That is a thought. I dont want him to think of knives as toys though.

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The Klecker knife kits are a great way to teach him how a folder works.

http://www.kleckerknives.com/kids-knife-kits/

I got my first set of tools when I was 4 so I'd stop stealing my fathers and grandfathers tools.

Got my first knife a few years after that, maybe when I was 6 or 7.

I wouldn't go with the dull knife approach, for all the reasons you and others mentioned. I'd rather wait a few years till he's ready to use it.

For now, maybe get him interested in woodworking, using a saw, a hammer and other tools properly. That would be my advice.

Grathr · **Reply #20 on:** July 06, 2015, 08:30:58 PM

Quote from: enki_ck on July 06, 2015, 07:25:39 PM

Quote from: Grathr on July 05, 2015, 05:24:23 PM

Quote from: styx on July 05, 2015, 10:26:50 AM
If you're that concerned about safety why not start him off with a wooden knife? Sure it won't cut anything but it is a good starting point to teach him how too handle a knife safely.

That is a thought. I dont want him to think of knives as toys though.

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The Klecker knife kits are a great way to teach him how a folder works.

http://www.kleckerknives.com/kids-knife-kits/

I got my first set of tools when I was 4 so I'd stop stealing my fathers and grandfathers tools.

(Image removed from quote.)

Got my first knife a few years after that, maybe when I was 6 or 7.

I wouldn't go with the dull knife approach, for all the reasons you and others mentioned. I'd rather wait a few years till he's ready to use it.

For now, maybe get him interested in woodworking, using a saw, a hammer and other tools properly. That would be my advice.

I might actually get him a small tool set. Thanks!

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strmliner · **Reply #21 on:** July 07, 2015, 02:42:08 AM

Quote from: dks on July 06, 2015, 06:28:53 PM

well, its obvious he needs a bigger knife then!

DKS...I'm a bit hesitant to encourage you much mate, but some of your responses have me rolling on the floor!

thanks for the laughs!

Weasel · **Reply #22 on:** July 07, 2015, 03:28:37 PM

My son is also 4 and also wants his own knife, he loves looking at mine but although he is quite grown up for his age, I do think 4 is too young so I've told him to wait till he is older.
I was 6 when I had my first knife, just a cheap one blade folder .

Breezy12 · **Reply #23 on:** July 08, 2015, 09:33:57 AM

to echo what others have said...

I'd start him out with a butter knife and a bar of soap. When you feel he's ready for real wood, give him a good, sharp knife... I'm sure he'll end up with a few cuts, but that's the best way to learn IMO.

Grathr · **Reply #24 on:** August 01, 2015, 07:52:52 PM

A update:
Me and my son went out into the woods today, and I gave him a butterknife with a sheath. He was so proud he almost flew away.
I soon discovered that the butterknife was not the best beginners knife. The handle was to thin for him to get a good grip and get a good angle on the blade to whittle bark of branches.
So I modded a steak knife into a custom full tang knife just for him.
Sharp enough to whittle bark and chuncks of softer things, to dull to do any real damage to himself.

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