You can see why a knife is such a popular weapon among the kids these days. They are as easy to get your hands on as raiding the kitchen drawer - and you don't need a licence to own one.
Though get caught with one in public and you're nicked, sunshine. Unless you can convince the officer that you're off on a picnic or a hunting trip with your mates, which might be perceived as a reasonable excuse.
Okay, so not all kids are knife-toting vigilantes. But if some of the latest cases of violence among teenagers are anything to go by then there are kids who are packing knives along with their wallet, inhaler, and iPhone. And it's a brutal and destructive weapon.
Sadly, 18-year-old Warren Rosillo found that out on Friday night when he was stabbed outside a party in Pakuranga. A 17-year-old man has been charged with his murder.
I've written before about how intimidating and ruthless some young people can be - and the fear they can instil in you by doing something as simple as walking along the footpath.
When I wrote about getting shunted off the pavement by a bunch of young punks a few months back many readers were passionate about taking them on, speaking up, and teaching them some respect.
Believe me, I would have loved to. But I'm glad I didn't because it's not so much about what they might do, but what they might be carrying.
