DawnM Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 (edited) My youngest is obsessed with knives. He is a boy scout and several of the boys have those knives that fold down. All of my boys have had them at one time or another. All the boys in their troop have them. That is fine. But my youngest has decided he likes collecting them. Every camp that he may need some money for food/snacks/etc... he opts to not get the snocones and popcorn snacks and just get a new knife. He got one at each camp this summer (boy scout camps) and he just came home with another after this past weekend where they camped at an army base and went to the army surplus store afterwards. Would you just let it go or would you say "enough." He likes each of them for different reasons. The pattern, the color, the way it opens, etc..... Edited August 28, 2016 by DawnM 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 (edited) I have one (now an adult) who collects knives and I know some adult men who do (not related to us.) I see it as a collection, on par with any other kind of collection. I just had to remind mine when we went certain places that pocket knives were not allowed (ie when we toured a navy ship years ago.) He's also my son who is into preparedness, so he's good to have along on a hike, etc. Whatever one needs is in that backback! Edited August 28, 2016 by Laurie4b 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alisoncooks Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Would you let him collect other things (marbles or coins or matchbox cars)? I guess I'd let him; he seems to be purchasing them responsibly (saving up his money) and I assume the opportunities to buy more will decrease during the school year. Agree with the above post, though. Let him know when it is appropriate for a knife to leave the house. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Collections are fun. Let it go. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Let it go. Lots of grown men collect those knives. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I don't see why he can't have a collection. It's not like it's a collection of huge teddy bears. They can easily fit in a drawer somewhere. It's his spending money, he likes them. Lots of people have lots of collections. I'd say let it go and even ooh and aah over each new one he gets. This might be something he does for a lifetime or just for a few months, but either way I'd cheerfully let him do it. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I'm unclear what the issue is here. (???) I wouldn't say anything. Let it go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 As long as he is being respectful with them....using them properly, etc, then certainly let him keep collecting them. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 28, 2016 Author Share Posted August 28, 2016 Thanks guys. It surprised me by the 3rd time, but I haven't made any comments either way to him. I thought I would ask here. He is well aware he can't take them with him into just anywhere. He keeps them all in one spot at home and makes sure and takes one on camping trips with boy scouts. That is pretty much the only place he takes them. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 My DS likes knives and keeps acquiring more. As long as he spends his money and does no do anything stupid with them, I'd let him be. I would make sure he understands when and where he can carry, and which kinds of knives will be illegal to carry in your state so that he does not get in trouble inadvertently. But hey, better spend pocket money on knives than on sugary snacks... 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faithr Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 One of my son's like knives and swords. He started off with his pen knife he got as a cub scout. He liked those flip knives for a while and collected them. When he went to Spain as a teenager he bought this really cool sword. And a couple of times he's been to Renaissance festivals where he bought swords. I just figure some guys like weapons! He isn't especially violent or anything. He still at 21 carries a pen knife with him and it is immensely handy for every day situations. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I'd let it go - but might have him write me up a report on the history of pocket knives, the various tools they might come with, etc. and how the blades differ from kitchen knives, material. it sounds like they are his "souvenier" from when he goes somewhere. some people buy t-shirts they never wear again. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Let it go, there is no way he has as many as my FIL or dh for that matter. :laugh: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 DS collects them too. Not a big deal here ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodiesmom Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 My ds14 is the same exact way. Every single scout camp he attends has been an opportunity for him to purchase yet another "souvenir" knife. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Both dss collect knives. They take care of them and have a place for keeping them. They started with pocket knives and now also have some bigger knives (ones that hook on the belt), a sword each and a tomahawk. I am fine as they are older. The only time I have said "no" when purchasing a knife is when it is just a cheapo and they are just wanting to buy to have more. I think it is cool that your ds is buying them from places he has been. A souvenir from the places 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catz Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I think it's totally fine. But there would be very clear rules about where they were to be stored, where they can be taken, and their usage. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I think it's totally fine. But there would be very clear rules about where they were to be stored, where they can be taken, and their usage. I agree. As long as he is being responsible, I don't see an issue. Several people in my family have collected knives over the years. DH has a zillion Swiss army and multipurpose knives (although that is mainly because his dad and grandfather were collectors and kept giving him knives, too.) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Unless he's showing any signs of anxiety and you think he might be fixating on collecting the knives, I'd mostly let it go. Is he missing out on time socializing with other scouts by foregoing the snacks or other activities? (Still hanging out with them or is he alone in the cabin/tent instead?) 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Hey, at least they aren't snakes! I don't allow DD to accumulate too many live animals. Stuffed ones, well, she has far too many, but they're harmless. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Unless he's showing any signs of anxiety and you think he might be fixating on collecting the knives, I'd mostly let it go. Is he missing out on time socializing with other scouts by foregoing the snacks or other activities? (Still hanging out with them or is he alone in the cabin/tent instead?) :iagree: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I went to get this knife, so I can describe it to you properly. A family we are good friends with, he is high ranking in the Colombian Army. He gave me a knife made by Smith & Wesson. It says "ExtremeOps" on the blade. It says "Rescue Knife" on the box. I've owned guns made by Smith & Wesson, but I had no idea they made knives too. I am afraid to carry it on the street, because someone might kill me, for it, or with it. So, I keep it in the closet... I think the Colombian Army bought a bunch of these knives and am not sure if they are sold to the public. I bet your DS would love to have this knife in his collection. Collecting things can be interesting and with time can lead to profit. If he keeps them in their proper place (in a display case?) I think that's OK. People can become interested in doing things that are very harmful to them or to others. Collecting knives or something else seems quite harmless. I collected coins for awhile when I was a boy. One person's trash is another's treasure. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 It's a collection; I don't know why it shouldn't be encouraged. I'd let it go. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I'd let it go - but might have him write me up a report on the history of pocket knives, the various tools they might come with, etc. and how the blades differ from kitchen knives, material. Noooooo, don't ruin it, lol! 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I agree. As long as it is a collection, and you don't have the fear that he will use one inappropriately, I don't see any problem. I wish my DH would pick something like knives to collect over his cigars any day. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samm Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I'd just ask him to have a careful look at the folding and release mechanisms. Some (many?) are just too cheap. There are knives I wouldn't let my kid even keep in a collection because the mechanisms are just too cheap, dodgy, reactive, or unreliable. But no, I wouldn't have a prob with the idea of pocket knife collecting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltopmom Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 Lol, dd just asked if we could buy one at camp, but I had no extra cash. Maybe next year. Mine always get lost. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marbel Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I'd let it go - but might have him write me up a report on the history of pocket knives, the various tools they might come with, etc. and how the blades differ from kitchen knives, material. <snip> Why? Serious question - why would you assign work related to something like this? 'Cause my reaction was the same as: Noooooo, don't ruin it, lol! :-) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne in CA Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 My dh collects kukri knives. Some are quite lovely. I really don't see the problem with having a collection of knives if he's treating them respectfully and no one is threatened. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tess in the Burbs Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 My husband collects knives. He gets a few every year. They all look the same to me but he says they are different. Let the kids collect. My Ds still gets Lego every year....he's soon to be 15. I wish he collected knives! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momto10blessings Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 As long as he's safe with them, I don't see what's wrong with it. I'd kind of prefer my kids buy knives instead of junk food. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 (edited) Why? Serious question - why would you assign work related to something like this? 'Cause my reaction was the same as: :-) Curiosity. It's interesting. Eta: might gained deeper appreciation as well as discernment in which are worth his money and storage space. Edited August 28, 2016 by gardenmom5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamakelly Posted August 28, 2016 Share Posted August 28, 2016 I think it's pretty common interest among teen boys, especially Boy Scouts. My scout buys a new knife everyone he goes to camp, lol. If he's acting inappropriately with them at camp, he will loose a corner of his tote'n chit. If he continues to be unsafe with knives, he will lose the tote'n chit completely, and they won't allow him to bring a knife on a trip. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StaceyinLA Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 If he's willing to forego other things, he must really have an interest in having them. I'm with everyone else who says if he's responsible with them, and following appropriate rules of use, why not? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jen3kids Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 When my Eagle Scout was a new Scout, he needed a new knife every time we went to REI. And he was the same - different style blade, the handle has xyz, etc At 19, I thought he was past it, but he just to me the other day, "Hey Mom, look at this. I think I need to buy this. What fo you think?" It was yet another knife. I don't think he'll every be over it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted August 29, 2016 Author Share Posted August 29, 2016 Thanks. He definitely is not anti-social. He is the most social of the bunch. And no, I won't be making him write a paper on knives. For one thing, we aren't homeschooling anymore, so it would be added work. He knows quite a bit about them already though. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 My Ds is the same way. He loves knives. But since he has lost quite a few, he only has his latest, not a collection. He takes a knife to scouting events. If he wanted to take a knife anywhere else, even in his pocket, I would be confiscating. We are not in a hunting/rural type of area, and people could get the wrong idea. If Ds ever pulled out a knife in a fit of anger -- even if he didn't open it -- he knows that would be the end of his knife for quite a while. I think the Bear training and Whittling Chip card get kids off on the right foot -- respect for what could be a weapon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pronghorn Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 As long as he knows not to carry it all the time. It is embarrassing when you are taking a routine trip to the courthouse, and the security folks pull a knife out of your bag. And it can be a long long walk back to your car, since they really won't hold your knife for you while you visit the courthouse. I know this all from personal experience as a pocketknife-carrying woman. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TKDmom Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Sounds like my ds12! :lol: If it's his money he can buy what he wants. I won't fork over any more money for knives he doesn't actually *need* 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoutingmom Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 As long as he knows not to carry it all the time. It is embarrassing when you are taking a routine trip to the courthouse, and the security folks pull a knife out of your bag. And it can be a long long walk back to your car, since they really won't hold your knife for you while you visit the courthouse. I know this all from personal experience as a pocketknife-carrying woman.This story is pre 2001... I used to carry a pocketknife with me at all times (scoutleader...). For a short time, I worked in a call center. One of the days I didn't have a shift, one of the workers got fed up and took a knife and cut his phone cord (he was fired and "walked off the floor".) One of my friends was working right nearby. The next day while working, someone asked my friend if he had been scared when the other guy had taken out a knife. He said no, as he pulled out a pocket-knife... along with me and another friend who also pulled out knives.... Knives are, above all, a tool. I used mine constantly, and I miss it (lost it....) Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 (edited) This story is pre 2001... I used to carry a pocketknife with me at all times (scoutleader...). For a short time, I worked in a call center. One of the days I didn't have a shift, one of the workers got fed up and took a knife and cut his phone cord (he was fired and "walked off the floor".) One of my friends was working right nearby. The next day while working, someone asked my friend if he had been scared when the other guy had taken out a knife. He said no, as he pulled out a pocket-knife... along with me and another friend who also pulled out knives.... Knives are, above all, a tool. I used mine constantly, and I miss it (lost it....) Sent from my SM-T530NU using Tapatalk one time when I was doing jury duty, I had scissors in my bag - the guards held onto them by the door and let me pick them up when I left. that was 2010ish? I did jury duty again a few months ago - and it seems they were still doing that. seems they had pocket knives in there too. people forget about stuff like that, they don't automatically treat you like a threat. (this despite the history of a man bringing a gun into the courthouse and shooting and killing his ex-wife and her friend.) eta: this was the federal/county courthouse in seattle. not one of the district courts in neighboring towns. Edited August 29, 2016 by gardenmom5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catalytic Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 I just bought my knife-obsessed kiddo a set of katanas. The only thing we've ever said to him is that if they get used irresponsibly, he will lose all of them immediately and permanently. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ausmumof3 Posted August 29, 2016 Share Posted August 29, 2016 Unless he's threatening random people with them or something I'd let it go and probably be happy my kid wasn't buying the junk food and stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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