Times sure have changed, but as a parent I see it is necessary in some ways, but not all.

Lets compare then and now and you be the judge.

Year:1975

I just waltzed right into a store called "American Merchandise" and bought a cheap $1 non-locking pocketknife when I was 10. It was my first new knife purchase. I had already owned one and knew how to sharpen them, my Grandad taught me. My parents didn't worry, even if I toted it.

Year: 2006

I bought the right lockblade folding knife ($35-40) for my son for scouts last year when he was 10 and he was taught safely how to use it in boyscouts and by myself. He owned one cheaper similar model, but his mother (my ex) understandably wouldn't hardly let him put his hands on it unless he was with me. He is just learning how to sharpen his new knife. His mother took a while to adjust to him having his own knife. It has to be somewhat of a ritual I guess if he is to transport it somewhere.