In some cultures, babies use knives at a very young age. The parents simply teach them how to use this important tool. You can also teach your child about the knife. Use the word "sharp" and lightly poke at the baby's thumb with the end of the knife - you want him to know that it can hurt. He will probably try to poke himself after just to learn about the boundaries of the knife. Sit with him and give him "knife" lessons - showing him how to hold it and saw through food and so on. Let him practice each step. Then just sit back and watch him play. He will quickly figure out what to do. He doesn't want to get hurt either. You can buy him his own toddler-sized cutlery to eat his meals with. Toddler knives are sharp enough to cut food but not so sharp that they can cause serious harm.