Gracious. Times have changed. In my day, *everyone* carried a pocket knife; even to school. Perhaps your Grandad recalls the shooting ranges that were in the basements of schools in the 50s....and boys took shooting lessons; .22s were carried to school and left in the coatroom until the lessons began. NO ONE complained or had a fit.
You and I have similar memories. I also remember when BSA only promoted Christian values.