Re: At what age is a knife appropriate??

The Cub Scouts will not allow a child to carry a pocket knife until they have become a Bear Cub Scout (A child who has completed the 2nd grade (typically around 8) or has turned 9 years old) and have earned their Whittling Chip. To earn a Whittling Chip the child must demonstrate proper handling of the knife, be able to recite a pledge on knife safety, and I believe take a written quiz. After they receive their chip, they are to follow all the safety rules. At that age, I also believe the scouts are told only to carry their knives on camping trips and to scout functions. If they mess up enough, scouts lose their knives for 3 months and have to earn their chip again. I imagine the Cub Scouts have a pretty good grasp on what boys are capable of at certain ages, so 8-9 years old with proper training and rules should be about right. Also keep in mind that at any age, if a child is caught sneaking a knife into school, they will most likely be expelled.