Sgian Dubh for Youth

[SgtKmack]

Hear hear. The purpose of he sgian for Scots is not dissimilar to that of the folding Buck for North Americans.

That was more of what I was looking for when asked if it was "proper" for a child. I will mostlikely take the advice of making one, his Grandpa is a good wood carver.

[Chas]

I think 5 is too young. There will of course be exceptions, but as a general rule of thumb - 5 is too young.

Most 5 year olds have enough trouble just living, leave alone adding a sharp knife to the equation. Most 5 year olds struggle to cope with tying their own shoe laces; washing themselves (properly); toileting and cleaning up afterwards; interacting with other children; following rules of a game.

They do not have the physical dexterity to handle a sharp knife. Go and look at children's cutlery - it's different, not just smaller, different.

It is no good saying that they will be taught correct usage. At the age of 5, children have the attention span of a goldfish and are very easily distracted. They have no concept of 'rules' or consequences. If it were true that you could tell a child and they will understand and retain all information given to them, then there would be no need for teachers. They could learn their ABCs at 5 and by 6 they will be reading Shakespeare.

It is in the nature of people to experiment; we are a curious animal; we will push the boundaries and we start at birth. Is there, in essence, any difference between giving a 5 year old a sharp knife and giving them a loaded gun? And then turning your back and walking away and letting them get on with it. After all we have told them not to shoot.

What happens when the child, or his friend, or his sibling gets hurt or worse, gets killed. Do you blame the child - after all you told him the rules!

There is a proper time for all things in life. Some things are regulated by law, driving, drinking alcohol, having sex, joining the military, the list goes on. Other things are left to responsible parents. And that is what it comes down to - is it responsible for a parent or guardian to give a 5 year old a sharp knife. I would submit that it is not.

Far better to give the child a target to work towards - "When you are are 10 years old; If you are responsible enough; I will buy you the sgian of your choice."

In the UK, giving a sharp knife to a 5 year old would not be considered as good parenting.

Regards

Chas