My only child is my 14 tear old son. About 6 months ago I asked him to open a can of veggies for dinner; he brought the can to me explaining that the can was "bad". I looked at it and asked him to explain what he was talking about. He said that they made it wrong. He said that the can had no tab, to open the lid. He had no idea how to open the can of food. Every can he has come into contact with so far, has had the easy "pull tab". After showing him how to use a can opener, I began to think of all the other small tasks that I had taken for granted and not explained to him.

I have been teaching him, since around age 9, about environmental awareness; since age 7, self defense and shooting. These classes are organized and regularly scheduled. A lot of life's everyday tasks have been overlooked. I started earlier this year on how to maintain the house; cooking, cleaning. They don't teach have Home Economics classes down here; no wood working or mechanics in the schools; like when I was young.

He will be 18 in four years and I don't want him to leave home without basic everyday skills that we all take for granted.

Today,I started a class on basic knives. Types of knives, knife nomenclature, why they are designed a certain way, types of bevels, stamped vs forged;the next class will start on sharpening/honing.

After he can sharpen, I want him to learn some basic carving; this is where I could use some advise. I don't know how or where to start.

I am open to any and all suggestions on improving my son's skills with knife handling.
I would also like to hear someone else's experiences like the ones above.