I've read this thread with some interest, but never even considered having something to contribute, not having been a scout (to my regret, FWIW), and not being a parent or involved in scouts, I assumed I was unqualified to comment.<br><br>I have to admit, though, that I was jarred, after reading this thread, at how old the kids are that are being talked about so protectively.<br><br>Ok, so maybe knife nuts are born and not raised... but just to put things in perspective... I admit I have no idea how old I was when I got my first pocket knife (I do remember the one), but it had to be eight or younger. I know that by nine years old I had several jack knives and one sheath (all right, "fixed blade") knife. More to the point, I guess... nobody ever gave me one as a kid, and I don't remember asking permission, I bought them myself.<br><br>As I said, I'm not qualified to comment, but listening to all of this protective rumination about dull edges and dull points, and practicing with soap, and what they will and will not be "allowed" to have, I had assumed that these kids were MUCH younger than teenagers. Maybe you're not giving them enough credit for common sense?