I was a cub/boy scout back in the day and had several knives, but, my parents and I knew better than to bring knives to school (regardless of whether they doubled as "camping utensils").  I think that the 45 day suspension is crazy long, but, I don't have a problem with rules being carried out equally across the board to all violators (regardless of whether they were a "good" student or a bad one).  I think that the standard suspension term needs to be re-evaluated.  For example, maybe the 1st violation = 5 day suspension, 2nd violation = 45 days, and 3rd = explusion.  
Lastly, since the straight "A" kid wore suits and ties to school, maybe the knife was for protection??? 
