In today's day and age kids are pulled in many different directions, with technology everywhere.  Sometimes makes you wonder where in the world will they get the common sense skill so many parents,grand parents and great grandparents had generations ago.

Fishing, hunting and general love of the outdoors are also things vying for a child's time. You have programs available for hunters training and even firearm training but until now nothing that tried to address knife safety, care and use.

Our friends at Smoky Mountain Knife Works have rolled out just such a program and my hat is off to them for launching this project.

It is called Sharpkidz and the whole point is to teach kids the history and significance of knives, why we need them and also when and what a knife can be used for.  In addition they can learn about safety and proper ways to handle and care for a knife.

Out here in the rural areas, a knife is a perfect functioning tool that no one would be without.  Many children grow up using a knife or having one in their possession early. It instills a sense of pride as a child is now trusted with a very necessary, usable tool. That extends to both boys and girls as many girls use a knife to help with various chores around the farm.

I just can't say enough about the good things a club like this can achieve and what it can do to teach children the value of a good functioning knife.

Here is the link on Facebook to obtain a membership form: http://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainKnifeWorks/app_198028816891495