Kids' creativity, as measured by the most recent Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking scores, has been sliding since 1990, most noticeably among our younger students. Reduced music and arts education is cited as a key factor.
I like to use the 'demolition grade' blades. They ll cut wood, metal, plaster, wire, or pretty much anything you d care to throw at them. They're made from decent carbon steel that will take and hold an edge rather well. When bought in packs of a dozen, they can be had for about a buck each.
The blade is made of a middle layer of steel with high hardness, laminated between two layers of steel with a lower hardness. This combination guarantees a durable, but razor sharp edge. The richly decorated sheath is made of a material which we know as 'vulcanized fibre'.