Yes, a child can carry a pocket knife in the right situation. Many parents invest in pocket knives for their children and are exceptionally happy with their choice. The question of if a child can carry a pocket knife comes down to your own laws depending on where you live.
There is no set age to when a child can carry a pocket knife. They are subject to the same laws as adults when it comes to knife carrying. These vary depending on the state or country in which you live.
You should always double-check with the governing agency to be sure of what the requirements are. With that said we wanted to share the generally accepted information for most locations.
What Type Of Pocket Knives Can A Child Carry?
There is no fixed age as to when a person child or adult is allowed to carry a pocket knife. It is not so much whether they can carry a pocket knife so much as can they carry a knife.
A pocket knife can still be used as a weapon even if that is not your intended purpose in purchasing it.
The general rule is that for a knife to be carried without a permit it needs to be under 4 inches and not a fixed blade. It is then therefore legal for a child to carry a retractable pocket knife under 4 inches on their person. Anything that does not meet these guidelines would be deemed illegal.
That is not to say that a child cannot use or own pocket knives that do not meet these standards. If the child is using them for their intended purpose such as camping or fishing it would be sensible for them to carry a pocket knife in those circumstances. Common sense wins here. Going to the store with a large pocket knife in their pocket is not okay, hanging out with grandpa on the boat fishing with a pocket knife is fine.
As with anything that comes to do with the law always check directly with your local laws and policies as they can differ slightly and change often.
What Places Are Illegal For Children To Carry Pocket Knives?
There are places where it is illegal for anyone, including children to carry pocket knives. These places are fairly understandable and known for their knife ban policies.
Schools have a very strict no pocket knife policy. This goes for any kind of knife and understandably so.
Government buildings and courts also restrict your ability to bring pocket knives onto their premises. If you take these with you they will be confiscated as you enter the building so it is best to leave them as home.
Pocket knives are high up on the list of contraband on airplanes. You will go through many security checks before getting on the flight and if you have a pocket knife on you it will be quickly taken and you will likely never see it again. If you want to take it with you then make sure to put it in your checked luggage.
Military personal are also the only ones allowed to take pocket knives on a military base.
Fixed Blade vs Collapsible Blade
The type of blade will be a significant part of the question “can a child carry a pocket knife”. This is because for a child to be able to carry a pocket knife around it needs to be a retractable bladed pocket knife.
Fixed Blade
A fixed blade pocket knife is a pocket knife where the blade does not collapse or retract down in order to make itself smaller in size.
A fixed blade knife is obviously bigger in length that a collapsible bladed knife. It does not retract down for safety and it is because of this that they come with a protective sheath instead.
One great example of a fixed blade knife is the Vanguard pocket knife from Buck Knives. It has an overall length of 8.5 inches and a blade length of 4 1/4 inches. It is an absolutely gorgeous knife
Retractable or Collapsible Blade
Retractable blades are as the name indicates, pocket knives wherein the blade can retract back into the handle. This can made the pocket knife smaller and a little less cumbersome to carry in a pocket.
Pocket knives with retractable blades are easier to carry in a legal way while out and about because of their smaller size.
Here is an example of a retractable blade pocket knife. It’s the 112 Ranger Knife also from Buck Knives.
When choosing a pocket knife for your child it really comes down to personal preference of the child.
Best Age For Buying A Child A Pocket Knife
This is a question of maturity. To own a pocket knife a child should be mature enough to handle it safely and with care. This means using it appropriately and ensuring it is well looked after and kept out of reach of younger less mature siblings. We have a much more in depth post discussing the all the factors that are at play when buying a child a pocket knife. You can read that here
These are the points we mostly wanted to be aware of when considering the age that we were going to purchase our children pocket knives.
Is My Child Responsible?
When you think of your child and how they approach responsibility would you be comfortable with them using a pocket knife unsupervised? A child who is using a pocket knife will need to show a level of responsibility that you feel is appropriate for the task.
One big red flag for us when considering the responsibility level is knowing that they will reliably keep the pocket knife safe and out of reach of younger siblings.
The pocket knives we are looking at purchasing are not cheap and are intended to be a cherished item that they will have for many years. It would be our hope that they showed responsibility enough to no misplace it in the first week!
Is My Child Mature
Maturity goes along with responsibility. One of the parts of maturity that we look for in our children is whether they will use the pocket knife for its intended purpose. We have one child that has a history of carving pictures and names into beds! Always someone else’s name though!
Maturity shows that even as a child they will be able to use a pocket knife in an appropriate and constructive way.
Does My Child Follow Instructions Well
When you first give your child a pocket knife you will want to go over safety lessons. It is vitally important that they are able to take on board what they have been taught. This will keep them safe and prevent accidents from occurring.
Is This Something My Child Will Actually Use
Despite all your best intentions and hopes if your child has no interest in pocket knives then it may be best to put this purchase off until later.
Our kids have had a keen interest in having pocket knives for a long time. They have an old one my mum gave them that they love to tinker around with. It is blunt as a butter knife but they love to pretend. I know with out a doubt that a pocket knife for my kids will be a loved and valued gift.
Why You Should Buy Your Child a Pocket Knife
Pocket knives for kids are a great investment. If used wisely and cared for they will become a prized possession they will have for many years. I like to think that pocket knives are a good way to encourage kids to get outside and explore in natures.
A pocket knife helps kids to develop skills in life that encourage independence and growth. Our kids have loved using pocket knives to help around campsites and in little maintenance projects. It develops a greater sense of responsibility and maturity in children.