Yep, I see where yer coming from. I carried non-lockers a long time. Times have sure changed, the more modern the world gets, the more dependent people get on things modern. Being safety concious is a good thing though, always remember that.

I do think kids are sheltered too much in American society as a whole as compared to when I was a kid, but all of the new dangers out there dictate that it be done.

You can always make a mistake and pull back on the blade or use your thumb on the blade by mistake. Why take that chance with a child? Why don't you go read what Doug Ritter has to say about non-locking folders?