I disagree. Most children (including toddlers) can be taught quickly to safely handle even "scary knives" and controlled exposure to real tools with real conseq

I disagree. Most children (including toddlers) can be taught quickly to safely handle even "scary knives" and controlled exposure to real tools with real consequences is actually high value. You can also give infants who are ready for food meat and other real foods, just keep in mind the lack of teeth.