Sports. Hiking. Biking. Driving. As parents, we value our children’s safety above everything else. While that doesn’t mean we can protect them from ever being hurt or even injured, we can certainly take sensible steps to ensure safety is their priority too.

• Only a parent can know if or when a tool is appropriate for their child. Make sure your child is mature and ready for the responsibility that comes with using a knife. Always closely supervise use of any knife by your child.
• Practice with your child at home with a butter knife and a smooth, soft piece of wood. Demonstrate proper knife handling and then turn the knife over to your child to practice those same techniques as you watch and guide.

• Talk to your child about using the knife at home with your supervision. Let them know that knives are handy tools, and like all tools they can be misused and injury can occur if not handled properly.
• Some believe blades that lock into place are safer than others, but that should not be the sole decision when choosing a knife for your child. Match the tool to your child’s skills and maturity level.
• If your child does not demonstrate that they are ready to properly use these tools, put the knife away and wait for a later date when they show that they have developed the responsibility needed to properly handle a knife and safely enjoy the experience.

Here are some general safety rules for using your knife:

1. Make sure an adult is present.
2. Be sure your knife is clean, with no sign of debris inside the knife when opened.
3. Keep your blade sharp.
4. Give yourself some space. Keep at least an arm’s length of distance (arm outstretched with point of blade) between you and others. This is your circle of safety.
5. Use cut-resistant gloves (metal mesh is best).
6. Use the knife while seated at a table. If a table isn’t available, use a wooden board that covers the legs.
7. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes when handling a knife (no shorts/sandals or bare feet).
8. Keep a firm grip on the knife handle.

9. Always cut away from your body, never toward it.
10. Work slowly, never rush when you’re going to be cutting something.
11. Never touch the blade with your bare hands. Resist the temptation to reach for a falling knife. Instead move away from it and allow it to hit the ground before you try to pick it up again.
12. Carefully close the knife blade and put it away in its proper storage place before getting up to move.
13. When in doubt, ask an adult for help.

Start with Safe

In every worthy pursuit, safety is always step No. 1. Teach your child the 101s of how to safely handle their first Case^® pocketknife.

My First Knife

Smart to Start

Top quality and handcrafted since 1889, Case® has a sharp eye for long-lasting materials and design. Learn about the history and how your child’s new or vintage Case® was made.

All About Their Case

Anatomy of a Case

Stay Sharp

• Keep it sharp! A sharp blade is generally safer than a dull one. A sharp blade that responds by cutting cleanly and smoothly means your child has much less of a chance of being surprised by the knife’s behavior while cutting and possibly cutting/injuring themselves.
• Clean and sharpen your child’s knife while they watch and learn.

Knife Sharpening

Stay Selective

Found in the hands and pockets of the American workforce, sportsmen and explorers, learn how getting the job done begins with selecting the right style. A great knife should feel comfortable, balanced and safe in the hand.

Fixed Blade Knives

Locking Blade Knives



The Case Collectors Club®

Collecting is a wonderful hobby to share with a younger generation. Many of our members list sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren as Junior members. Sponsor a Junior Club member today. Junior Club members receive:

• Subscription to The Case Collector magazine featuring a special junior collector page.
• Annual Case catalogs.
• Exclusive, limited knife promotions.
• Access to online forum community (with parental permission).
• Eligibility to purchase the Junior Member Annual Club Knife.
• Case factory tour (must be at least 12 years old).

Learn More