I'm really delighted with my new pictures (thanks Marta!) and with my new bushcraft knife and belt...
My 10 year old is obsessed (and I mean obsessed) with knives and axes of every kind. Maybe it's a boy thing? Maybe it's an age thing? Despite living in Peckham, I'm actually quite pleased about his passion. What?!! I hear you cry in alarm....
Well, for me, it's all about using knives as tools rather than weapons. I'm all for kids learning to use knives in a responsible and safe way. It can open a gateway to so many exciting possibilities for making and creating as well as learning valuable bushcraft and survival skills. It can teach responsibility and respect for the tools and for nature.
There are some excellent bushcraft courses designed for families - Last summer I took my son to natural pathways in Kent for a 2 day wilderness family camp. Hannah, who runs the school has learned her skills from native american wilderness experts in america as well as living in the australian bush for a year. As well as knife skills, we learned how to lay and light a fire without matches and how to build a shelter. One of the best and most fun weekends we have spent together!
The wooden knife which comes with my new belt and holster is hand carved by Scottish woodsman Jim from hazel which he sources in his local woods. Jim teaches in a forest school and makes these knives in order for younger kids to learn bushcraft and knife skills in a responsible way. Each knife has a rounded end and while the blade is not at all sharp, it can be used to practise cutting soft materials such as play-doh or a banana (as well as allowing you to become the envy of all your friends). The belt has MANY clips and rings which you can attach other tools and equipment to, which is always a good thing...
As a thank-you to my models on the shoot, I let them choose an item to take home. They ALL (including the girls) chose one of Jim's knives... Need I say more?
