Matt (now 17) has never been interested in knives or guns...he does like to fish/shrimp/crab, we all do....
He took an interest in a knife that his friend carried in his pocket. His friend got mugged a few weeks ago by 5 dudes who robbed him, so his Dad OK'ed his son carrying a knife....my son also got mugged several months ago coming home from the grocery store.
If he carried the knife to school, he would not be suspended, he would be expelled.....(Florida law).
Matt seems to think that if he got mugged again, all he has to do is take out the knife and scare them away.....that doesn't always work.
As for caving, whittling anything, he has no interest in that. He's moreso a sports jock and of course, girls at this time.
Am I being overly protective? Yes, I am!....With his sports training and his Karate, I know he can stand his ground if there is one-on-one....but several dudes, no.....and flashing a knife to attempt to "scare" 5 dudes away, doesn't always work. Other people carry knives also, even guns, when they are robbing someone.
So, if I elect for him to have a knife, then it's my responsibility to make sure it's left at home when school starts. NO WAY would I want any of my sons to be expelled from school, their education is more important than a knife!