[email protected]

Both my sons ( 24 and 101/2) were into knives around age 7 and very
fascinated with any type of weapon.
We bought my older son ( we weren't unschoolers then) a pocket knife when he
was 7. It meant the world to him. He cut his finger on the very first day
using it...even under supervision. He didn't use it too much after that but it
meant the world to him that we got it for him.

My younger son, who we unschool , got one at that same age cuz he wanted it.
Again, he doesn't use it that much but is so happy he has it. He knows knife
safety and the story about his older brother <<G>>.
He also loves pouring over websites that have all kinds of weapons. It just
interests him.

I wouldn't worry about what others think. Support his interest...investigate
knives and other weapons with him...on the internet...in books, at places etc.
Encourage him to learn more about all of them and their history, etc. And
learn safety.

~marcia in MA
JUSTLIVELIFE




In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:47:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
kimlewismark@... writes:




My son, Lewi is 7. At the moment he has a real fascination for, and
interest, in knives. As much as I possibly can I have been nurturing
this interest. I'm finding it difficult though because of the safety
issues involved. He likes the look of sharp blades and is interested
in what they're used for. He constantly admires the ones in our
kitchen drawers and gets them out and puts them on our bread boards
to look at.I'm very present with him when he's handling the knives
and have given lots of info about how to handle them safely etc.

There are a couple of things that concern me. One is the reactions
I'm getting from others who aren't understanding why he'd be
interested in something like a knife. They have alot of fear about it
(which I totally understand) and have questioned him and me about
why the interest is there. The other is my concern for his safety and
the safety of others if he happens to show them the knives. I trust
that he won't do anything dangerous with them on purpose and again,
I'm very present when this is happening, but am worried nonetheless,
that an accident could happen. Not sure where my boundaries need to
be with it all. I've talked to him about the inportance of not
walking around with them etc and that the drawer is a really safe
spot for them unless we're cutting up vegies etc with them.

He also desperately wants to purchase big types of knives -at the
moment it's a machette. We've had lots of discussion about this, and
that will continue. I'm really feeling like I need to say no to alot
of these sorts of things though because of his age. We've been into
the King Of Knives store (while we were in Sydney) and he found a
sword letter opener that he wants to buy. This would be safe as it's
not really sharp. We're talking about getting a small pocket knife as
well. My dad has found him an antique scythe that he's going to hang
up on his wall in his room and we've been to Allens and got a nice
new knife set for the kitchen which includes a meat cleaver
(something he's loved for awhile now). I'm feeling like I'm doing as
much as I can to help him get what he needs but the machette etc
feels like it's way too much at the moment. He's very upset about my
decision and my saying no to it. I guess I just needed to hear what
some of your thoughts are on this and whether I could handle this in
a much better way.

thanks so much

Kim








************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

riasplace3

> In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:47:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
> kimlewismark@... writes:

> He also desperately wants to purchase big types of knives -at the
> moment it's a machette.
I'm feeling like I'm doing as
> much as I can to help him get what he needs but the machette etc
> feels like it's way too much at the moment.

Do you have brush that needs cutting down? My girls (I know the
youngest was 7, the older would have been about 9 at the time) Really
enjoyed cutting brush with a machete when we were cleaning up our
yard.
Ria

diana jenner

In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:47:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
kimlewismark@... <kimlewismark%40optusnet.com.au> writes:

> My son, Lewi is 7. At the moment he has a real fascination for, and
> interest, in knives. As much as I possibly can I have been nurturing
> this interest. I'm finding it difficult though because of the safety
> issues involved. He likes the look of sharp blades and is interested
> in what they're used for. He constantly admires the ones in our
> kitchen drawers and gets them out and puts them on our bread boards
> to look at.I'm very present with him when he's handling the knives
> and have given lots of info about how to handle them safely etc.
>










Hayden got his first pocket knife at about 5 and has quite the collection
now (many have been discovered in our recent move :). does he use the
kitchen knives? I've hardly chopped anything by myself since Hayden's been
interested in knives.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> There are a couple of things that concern me. One is the reactions
> I'm getting from others who aren't understanding why he'd be
> interested in something like a knife. They have alot of fear about it
> (which I totally understand) and have questioned him and me about
> why the interest is there. The other is my concern for his safety and
> the safety of others if he happens to show them the knives. I trust
> that he won't do anything dangerous with them on purpose and again,
> I'm very present when this is happening, but am worried nonetheless,
> that an accident could happen. Not sure where my boundaries need to
> be with it all. I've talked to him about the inportance of not
> walking around with them etc and that the drawer is a really safe
> spot for them unless we're cutting up vegies etc with them.
>














Haven't we all been fascinated with the tools of *grownups*?? Knives, Cars,
Fire, Credit Cards... it's all fascinating to a kid. My first comment to
folks is "Don't worry, they're sharp!" I then assure them he understands
that knives are a TOOL to be used and respected, much like fire.
Never underestimate the value of "Your concern is appreciated, your approval
is unnecessary" :::vbg:::
Showing knives to others is a tough one... I've found most parents don't
want my kid to share his passions, as they don't want to deal with the same
passion in their own kid (and they're probably tired of hearing, But Hayden
has it! :lol:) I'm fully present with him and a knife, if we're outside of
our home with other kids (i.e. park day) and we're careful not to bring the
intimidating knives out and about. At home (and with specific friends), he
has much more autonomy. I keep us stocked in Ivory Soap and soft woods for
carving; I wander the space once he's fallen asleep and close the knives
that are left open and put them somewhere safe for him to find later. (we
don't have wee ones to worry about).
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> He also desperately wants to purchase big types of knives -at the
> moment it's a machette. We've had lots of discussion about this, and
> that will continue. I'm really feeling like I need to say no to alot
> of these sorts of things though because of his age. We've been into
> the King Of Knives store (while we were in Sydney) and he found a
> sword letter opener that he wants to buy. This would be safe as it's
> not really sharp.
>









I have to say: Dull knives are DANGEROUS!!! Please don't let your kid cut
ANYTHING with a dull knife! If a blade is sharp, very little pressure is
used to make a cut; with a dull knife, intense pressure must be used,
leaving far too high a chance of slippage (and stabbage) -- and worse, if he
becomes used to dull knives he REALLY will hurt himself on the sharp ones as
he is unused to a gentle slice.
You can get a stone and some oil, so he understands the mechanics of knife
care and the benefits.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> We're talking about getting a small pocket knife as
> well. My dad has found him an antique scythe that he's going to hang
> up on his wall in his room and we've been to Allens and got a nice
> new knife set for the kitchen which includes a meat cleaver
> (something he's loved for awhile now). I'm feeling like I'm doing as
> much as I can to help him get what he needs but the machette etc
> feels like it's way too much at the moment. He's very upset about my
> decision and my saying no to it. I guess I just needed to hear what
> some of your thoughts are on this and whether I could handle this in
> a much better way.
>












Hayden's best friend got a Machete -- Very Exciting!! I think Saylor (also
unschooled) tore through some crazy brush while they were camping for a few
solid days. Then the thrill of using it was over. Now he takes it out to
reenact some of that for H :) He probably has it with him, while his family
is on the road... I hope he finds some cool weeds to chop!
Hayden's got quite the pocket knife collection. Some he's purchased at
little flea markets (I had to make the transaction...), some from the
sports/hunting store, some have been gifts. His first was a gift of an
antique mother-of-pearl pocket knife. He held it like the Holy Grail, he was
so honored by it! It was super sharp so he had some healthy fear of a
knife's purpose. His favorites are the Swiss Army knives with all their
doo-dads :) Their blades stay pretty sharp. He's even got one with a 256k
memory stick! He's been terribly sad when he's purchased cheap knives that
fall apart or are tough to lock/unlock. It's frustrating that he can't
always inspect the knives (because of the age 18 laws around here) before
making a purchase. He bought a big shiny spiky knife at our local Ren Fest--
Dull, Dull, Dull! He's now excited to find his stone so he can sharpen it
properly :)
He may also be interested in wood chopping, a good axe might be fun, if
you've got means to have a fire - or if you know someone who does. Hayden's
been begging to chop wood and I've been looking for an opportunity for him
to do that (It's a whole different activity if your parents don't use it for
punishment!). We'll be going to visit my boyfriend's family at the end of
the month - Scotty's dad is VERY excited to have Hayden's help with the wood
chopping and fire starting! They spoke of it for a long time when they met.
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cathy

>Do you have brush that needs cutting down? My girls (I know the youngest
was 7, the older would have been about 9 at the time) Really enjoyed cutting
brush with a machete when we were cleaning up our yard. <



Our 12 year old son did a scything course and we bought him a beautiful
Austrian scythe which is his pride and joy. He cuts grass for our horses and
he is always polishing or peening or sharpening his blade. He can tell you
all the reasons why scything is good for body and soul, and also why the
Austrian scythe is better than other scythes too.. with huge enthusiasm.

Has he cut himself yet? Yes! Ended up at A&E for a few hours to get his
thumb fixed up. He can explain in detail what went wrong and what he did and
how it won't happen again. Part of the learning..

Cathy



_,___



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kim H

<<I wouldn't worry about what others think. Support his interest...investigate
knives and other weapons with him...on the internet...in books, at places etc.
Encourage him to learn more about all of them and their history, etc. And
learn safety. >>

Thanks, Marcia. This is exactly what we've been doing (except the not worrying about what others think bit. I need to work on that!) and what we've always done. I guess I got abit thrown when others have been so poo-hooing this interest and sharing their concerns so freely with me (and Lewi).

Kim


----- Original Message -----
From: MarSi77@...
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 9:12 PM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: needing some advice - knives



Both my sons ( 24 and 101/2) were into knives around age 7 and very
fascinated with any type of weapon.
We bought my older son ( we weren't unschoolers then) a pocket knife when he
was 7. It meant the world to him. He cut his finger on the very first day
using it...even under supervision. He didn't use it too much after that but it
meant the world to him that we got it for him.

My younger son, who we unschool , got one at that same age cuz he wanted it.
Again, he doesn't use it that much but is so happy he has it. He knows knife
safety and the story about his older brother <<G>>.
He also loves pouring over websites that have all kinds of weapons. It just
interests him.

I wouldn't worry about what others think. Support his interest...investigate
knives and other weapons with him...on the internet...in books, at places etc.
Encourage him to learn more about all of them and their history, etc. And
learn safety.

~marcia in MA
JUSTLIVELIFE




In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:47:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
kimlewismark@... writes:

My son, Lewi is 7. At the moment he has a real fascination for, and
interest, in knives. As much as I possibly can I have been nurturing
this interest. I'm finding it difficult though because of the safety
issues involved. He likes the look of sharp blades and is interested
in what they're used for. He constantly admires the ones in our
kitchen drawers and gets them out and puts them on our bread boards
to look at.I'm very present with him when he's handling the knives
and have given lots of info about how to handle them safely etc.

There are a couple of things that concern me. One is the reactions
I'm getting from others who aren't understanding why he'd be
interested in something like a knife. They have alot of fear about it
(which I totally understand) and have questioned him and me about
why the interest is there. The other is my concern for his safety and
the safety of others if he happens to show them the knives. I trust
that he won't do anything dangerous with them on purpose and again,
I'm very present when this is happening, but am worried nonetheless,
that an accident could happen. Not sure where my boundaries need to
be with it all. I've talked to him about the inportance of not
walking around with them etc and that the drawer is a really safe
spot for them unless we're cutting up vegies etc with them.

He also desperately wants to purchase big types of knives -at the
moment it's a machette. We've had lots of discussion about this, and
that will continue. I'm really feeling like I need to say no to alot
of these sorts of things though because of his age. We've been into
the King Of Knives store (while we were in Sydney) and he found a
sword letter opener that he wants to buy. This would be safe as it's
not really sharp. We're talking about getting a small pocket knife as
well. My dad has found him an antique scythe that he's going to hang
up on his wall in his room and we've been to Allens and got a nice
new knife set for the kitchen which includes a meat cleaver
(something he's loved for awhile now). I'm feeling like I'm doing as
much as I can to help him get what he needs but the machette etc
feels like it's way too much at the moment. He's very upset about my
decision and my saying no to it. I guess I just needed to hear what
some of your thoughts are on this and whether I could handle this in
a much better way.

thanks so much

Kim

************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kim H

Diana, you have given me so many great practical things we can do. Thank you so much as I now feel I can strew these ideas to Lewi and do more to help him savour this passion.

Kim
----- Original Message -----
From: diana jenner
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 12:22 AM
Subject: Re: [AlwaysLearning] Re: needing some advice - knives


In a message dated 6/8/2007 2:47:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
kimlewismark@... <kimlewismark%40optusnet.com.au> writes:

> My son, Lewi is 7. At the moment he has a real fascination for, and
> interest, in knives. As much as I possibly can I have been nurturing
> this interest. I'm finding it difficult though because of the safety
> issues involved. He likes the look of sharp blades and is interested
> in what they're used for. He constantly admires the ones in our
> kitchen drawers and gets them out and puts them on our bread boards
> to look at.I'm very present with him when he's handling the knives
> and have given lots of info about how to handle them safely etc.
>

Hayden got his first pocket knife at about 5 and has quite the collection
now (many have been discovered in our recent move :). does he use the
kitchen knives? I've hardly chopped anything by myself since Hayden's been
interested in knives.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> There are a couple of things that concern me. One is the reactions
> I'm getting from others who aren't understanding why he'd be
> interested in something like a knife. They have alot of fear about it
> (which I totally understand) and have questioned him and me about
> why the interest is there. The other is my concern for his safety and
> the safety of others if he happens to show them the knives. I trust
> that he won't do anything dangerous with them on purpose and again,
> I'm very present when this is happening, but am worried nonetheless,
> that an accident could happen. Not sure where my boundaries need to
> be with it all. I've talked to him about the inportance of not
> walking around with them etc and that the drawer is a really safe
> spot for them unless we're cutting up vegies etc with them.
>

Haven't we all been fascinated with the tools of *grownups*?? Knives, Cars,
Fire, Credit Cards... it's all fascinating to a kid. My first comment to
folks is "Don't worry, they're sharp!" I then assure them he understands
that knives are a TOOL to be used and respected, much like fire.
Never underestimate the value of "Your concern is appreciated, your approval
is unnecessary" :::vbg:::
Showing knives to others is a tough one... I've found most parents don't
want my kid to share his passions, as they don't want to deal with the same
passion in their own kid (and they're probably tired of hearing, But Hayden
has it! :lol:) I'm fully present with him and a knife, if we're outside of
our home with other kids (i.e. park day) and we're careful not to bring the
intimidating knives out and about. At home (and with specific friends), he
has much more autonomy. I keep us stocked in Ivory Soap and soft woods for
carving; I wander the space once he's fallen asleep and close the knives
that are left open and put them somewhere safe for him to find later. (we
don't have wee ones to worry about).
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> He also desperately wants to purchase big types of knives -at the
> moment it's a machette. We've had lots of discussion about this, and
> that will continue. I'm really feeling like I need to say no to alot
> of these sorts of things though because of his age. We've been into
> the King Of Knives store (while we were in Sydney) and he found a
> sword letter opener that he wants to buy. This would be safe as it's
> not really sharp.
>

I have to say: Dull knives are DANGEROUS!!! Please don't let your kid cut
ANYTHING with a dull knife! If a blade is sharp, very little pressure is
used to make a cut; with a dull knife, intense pressure must be used,
leaving far too high a chance of slippage (and stabbage) -- and worse, if he
becomes used to dull knives he REALLY will hurt himself on the sharp ones as
he is unused to a gentle slice.
You can get a stone and some oil, so he understands the mechanics of knife
care and the benefits.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

> We're talking about getting a small pocket knife as
> well. My dad has found him an antique scythe that he's going to hang
> up on his wall in his room and we've been to Allens and got a nice
> new knife set for the kitchen which includes a meat cleaver
> (something he's loved for awhile now). I'm feeling like I'm doing as
> much as I can to help him get what he needs but the machette etc
> feels like it's way too much at the moment. He's very upset about my
> decision and my saying no to it. I guess I just needed to hear what
> some of your thoughts are on this and whether I could handle this in
> a much better way.
>

Hayden's best friend got a Machete -- Very Exciting!! I think Saylor (also
unschooled) tore through some crazy brush while they were camping for a few
solid days. Then the thrill of using it was over. Now he takes it out to
reenact some of that for H :) He probably has it with him, while his family
is on the road... I hope he finds some cool weeds to chop!
Hayden's got quite the pocket knife collection. Some he's purchased at
little flea markets (I had to make the transaction...), some from the
sports/hunting store, some have been gifts. His first was a gift of an
antique mother-of-pearl pocket knife. He held it like the Holy Grail, he was
so honored by it! It was super sharp so he had some healthy fear of a
knife's purpose. His favorites are the Swiss Army knives with all their
doo-dads :) Their blades stay pretty sharp. He's even got one with a 256k
memory stick! He's been terribly sad when he's purchased cheap knives that
fall apart or are tough to lock/unlock. It's frustrating that he can't
always inspect the knives (because of the age 18 laws around here) before
making a purchase. He bought a big shiny spiky knife at our local Ren Fest--
Dull, Dull, Dull! He's now excited to find his stone so he can sharpen it
properly :)
He may also be interested in wood chopping, a good axe might be fun, if
you've got means to have a fire - or if you know someone who does. Hayden's
been begging to chop wood and I've been looking for an opportunity for him
to do that (It's a whole different activity if your parents don't use it for
punishment!). We'll be going to visit my boyfriend's family at the end of
the month - Scotty's dad is VERY excited to have Hayden's help with the wood
chopping and fire starting! They spoke of it for a long time when they met.
--
~diana :)
xoxoxoxo
hannahbearski.blogspot.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kim H

Cathy, thanks for sharing about your son's interest in scythe's. Lewi is getting one from my dad soon. It's an antique to be hung in his room but maybe we can look for a newer, sharp one for him to use. For some reason I feel like his coordination, at the moment, would be better suited to a scythe with a long handle over a machette. The idea of learning to sharpen it himself would really enthuse him. He's been trying to sharpen old bones and paint scrapers with our kitchen stone for awhile now so I know he'd love to learn to do that properly and on something that's meant to be sharp.

Kim

----- Original Message -----
From: Cathy
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 2:30 AM
Subject: RE: [AlwaysLearning] Re: needing some advice - knives


>Do you have brush that needs cutting down? My girls (I know the youngest
was 7, the older would have been about 9 at the time) Really enjoyed cutting
brush with a machete when we were cleaning up our yard. <

Our 12 year old son did a scything course and we bought him a beautiful
Austrian scythe which is his pride and joy. He cuts grass for our horses and
he is always polishing or peening or sharpening his blade. He can tell you
all the reasons why scything is good for body and soul, and also why the
Austrian scythe is better than other scythes too.. with huge enthusiasm.

Has he cut himself yet? Yes! Ended up at A&E for a few hours to get his
thumb fixed up. He can explain in detail what went wrong and what he did and
how it won't happen again. Part of the learning..

Cathy

_,___

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ed Wendell

This is not advice but you never know where this passion will lead. Our almost 13 year old loves weapons and has been making his own for years - currently he is coming through the back door carrying a sword he made of wood yesterday and decided to fine tune it so to speak. He took a board - scrap of lumber - and has carved a sword using a grinder and a knife. This sword is at least 4 ft long. It has finger indentations that fit his own hand, etc. He has made/carved spears, arrows, knives, etc. out of boards and sticks over the years, not to mention what he has made with logos! He has also carved fake bullets. The list goes on.

We too have had a few minor cuts but no stitches - just enough of a cut to emphasize safety and awareness. Right now he just showed me a skinned knuckle from the grinder :)

Lisa W.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Kim H

This is so inspiring, Lisa. Isn't the unschooling life just a beautiful, beautiful existance.

I so wish I was usnchooled as a child.

kim
----- Original Message -----
From: Ed Wendell
To: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:57 AM
Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: needing some advice - knives


This is not advice but you never know where this passion will lead. Our almost 13 year old loves weapons and has been making his own for years - currently he is coming through the back door carrying a sword he made of wood yesterday and decided to fine tune it so to speak. He took a board - scrap of lumber - and has carved a sword using a grinder and a knife. This sword is at least 4 ft long. It has finger indentations that fit his own hand, etc. He has made/carved spears, arrows, knives, etc. out of boards and sticks over the years, not to mention what he has made with logos! He has also carved fake bullets. The list goes on.

We too have had a few minor cuts but no stitches - just enough of a cut to emphasize safety and awareness. Right now he just showed me a skinned knuckle from the grinder :)

Lisa W.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Ed Wendell

Considering he was in school from age 3 to 8.5 before we pulled him mid third grade 4 years ago. We never schooled at home - went straight from Public Montessori to radical unschooling. It was a natural - he has always been radically unschooled at home anyway. We just didn't call it that; we were simply learning through living life since birth. In fact we were unschooling for a bit after pulling him from school before we learned there were homeschool groups calling it unschooling.

Dad is the stay at home person but we all are living life together and learning together.

He is so proud of his unschooling - it always brings a smile to my face. When people ask him what grade he is in, he responds he is homeschooled. Then they say, yes but what grade. He answers "I could be any grade I want, I could be in 12th grade if I wanted." (he says it with such pride) Or if people ask specific questions he will say, we don't do math or such and such subject, I do what ever I want every day, we're unschoolers. We get a lot of frowns that way - even from relatives. LOL My sister didn't even believe him - she just said, oh Zac quit being so silly.

We're not perfect - I joined this list about a month ago to challenge my (our) thinking a bit more as our son is turning 13 next month and there is no active radical unschool group near us - the ones that say they unschool are not really in our opinion as they have certain requirements such as reading everyday for "X" number of minutes.

I do have a few questions that are bouncing around in my head but am not sure I'm ready to release them yet - will probably read for a while longer ;)

Lisa W.



This is so inspiring, Lisa. Isn't the unschooling life just a beautiful, beautiful existance.

I so wish I was usnchooled as a child.

kim
.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Cathy

Hi Kim

With regard to scything, do investigate courses in your area. In the UK
there is also at least one annual scything competition - the one we are
going to takes place next week.

Jon (my 12 year old son) is adamant that doing a course makes all the
difference between success and failure. He says that one will quickly become
discouraged because it is hard work if not done correctly. (Apparently it is
not hard at all if done correctly!!!). When he did his course there was - in
addition to the course leader - an old man of about 80 who was hard to
understand as he only had 2 teeth(!) but who shared a wealth of information
about the art of scything - amazing to think that he was scything in the
days when that was the only way to harvest hay!!! Jon couldn't stop talking
about him.

Apparently British and American scythes are heavy and unwieldy to use
compared to the Austrian ones. Secondly, it is very important that the
scythe is measured correctly to fit the handler, otherwise sore muscles are
inevitable. Finally, knowing at what angle to set the blade is important to
make the job easier. And one sharpens the blade briefly every 5 minutes or
so while using it. You carry a little jar (fits onto your belt) filled with
water, and your whetstone goes in it, and periodically you get it out and
sharpen the blade, and then you continue. There are different whetstones and
the sharpening of the blade is an art all of its own. At the end of the
session you do a proper sharpening so that the blade is ready for next time.
To me (as an observer) the whole procedure is very finicky - you spend so
much time fiddling and sharpening, but my son assures me that it is because
he is still learning - apparently it gets quicker and quicker to sharpen the
blade as time goes on (the afore mentioned old man sharpened and scythed so
fast that the others couldn't even begin to keep up with him).

What I love seeing the most in my son is the passion and enthusiasm. He is
loving what he is doing, and I think the very fact that it is finicky, and
not something that everyone can 'just do' gives him a kick. And he is sooo
proud of his blade - I have to inspect it regularly - he delights in showing
me how he repaired a nick or how he sharpened at this angle or that angle
for different purposes, and I peer closely but can't really see what he
means, but that is ok too, because he feels quite pleased that he is the one
in the know.. And our paddocks are getting cut steadily, bit by bit.. He
comes inside tired and hot and sweaty, but with a huge grin on his face and
a very peaceful inner self. It looks a lot like he has found a long term
hobby.

By the way, it seems that children need to be 8 to start learning the art of
scything. Anyway, have a look at this website:
http://www.scytheconnection.com/index.html. There is also a short video
showing scything on the website. Click on 'Events' for contact details for
scything in the USA (I am assuming that this is where you are???)

Regards

Cathy



.


<http://geo.yahoo.com/serv?s=97359714/grpId=4410250/grpspId=1705542111/msgId
=29223/stime=1181339841/nc1=3848443/nc2=3848643/nc3=4025325>




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Bob Collier

Here's one place the passion might lead:

The International Knife Throwers Hall of Fame
http://www.ikthof.com/

Bob



--- In [email protected], "Kim H" <kimlewismark@...>
wrote:
>
> This is so inspiring, Lisa. Isn't the unschooling life just a
beautiful, beautiful existance.
>
> I so wish I was usnchooled as a child.
>
> kim
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Ed Wendell
> To: [email protected]
> Sent: Saturday, June 09, 2007 10:57 AM
> Subject: [AlwaysLearning] Re: needing some advice - knives
>
>
> This is not advice but you never know where this passion will
lead. Our almost 13 year old loves weapons and has been making his
own for years - currently he is coming through the back door carrying
a sword he made of wood yesterday and decided to fine tune it so to
speak. He took a board - scrap of lumber - and has carved a sword
using a grinder and a knife. This sword is at least 4 ft long. It has
finger indentations that fit his own hand, etc. He has made/carved
spears, arrows, knives, etc. out of boards and sticks over the years,
not to mention what he has made with logos! He has also carved fake
bullets. The list goes on.
>
> We too have had a few minor cuts but no stitches - just enough of
a cut to emphasize safety and awareness. Right now he just showed me
a skinned knuckle from the grinder :)
>
> Lisa W.
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>