Illegal? Or not?

[Welshies]

I am from Canada. I have not been able to find any information on this so I'm turning to BYCers!
My SO is a farm kid. We live in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, and our schools know this. Our college, however, won't return his 3'' long knife (when opened). I gave it to him on his birthday, and he had it in his pocket today. It was by accident so he approached the school and gave it to them, explaining that he forgot it in his pocket. Now, this is a tiny knife... the size of a key. They consfiscated it and, summarized, said they can't give it back because he rides the bus after college to get home (we both do).
Is this considered theft?
He came forward on his own and it wasn't showing. No reason to believe it was a threat.

 

[lazy gardener]

If the bus is school property, you have to follow school rules. Perhaps you can go and get the knife handed over to you.

 

[Welshies]

If the bus is school property, you have to follow school rules. Perhaps you can go and get the knife handed over to you.

That's what I'm trying to do, but I don't want to say anything that's not true, and I especially don't want to be unreasonable.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

what is a SO?

i live in Canada as well and as far as i know its legal to have a pocket knife as long as you use it as a tool, (not a weapon or for self defense) and there is no size limit on the blade (as long as its not a prohibited weapon). so i guess its up to the school to decide whether or not its a tool or weapon for him to have?/ have on the bus.

 

[Welshies]

what is a SO?

i live in Canada as well and as far as i know its legal to have a pocket knife as long as you use it as a tool, (not a weapon or for self defense) and there is no size limit on the blade (as long as its not a prohibited weapon). so i guess its up to the school to decide whether or not its a tool or weapon for him to have?/ have on the bus.

Significant other.

 

[itsasmallfarm]

Significant other.

oh. that makes sense.