1st knife for young daughter

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Spydie1

Joined
Dec 20, 2002
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Hello all! I have been lurking here for many months but have not had an occasion to post a thread, until now. I need some help from fellow forumites with youg children who are beginning to show an interest in knives. I have a 5 year old daughter who recently told me she was ready for her first knife. I was elated!!!! But after I came down from my happiness, I wondered whether she is too young to have such responsibility ( of course she would not be able to use or handle the knife without my or my wife's direct supervison ). What are your thoughts on this.

My next question is, what should I get her? I was thinking about a SAK or small slip joint ( maybe a Buck cadent or an old timer ). But she has actually said she wants a Spyderco Cricket (she saw one at a local shop and loved the small handle and blade. She thougt it was "cute"). I would LOVE for her to have a cricket, but is this too much blade for a 5 year old?

Thanks in advance for your thougths.
 
IMO, 5 yrs old is way too young...I got my first knife when I was about 7-8.

Any small bladed knife would be fine...a Spyderco would be awesome as a first knife, whereas most of us have gotten SAKs or Case slip joint knives:)
 
A small SAK 2" blade, scissors, nail file, tweezers, and toothpick. I don't know what they're called.
 
A stainless Cricket with integral framelock would be a nice choice. Obviously, watching her like a hawk should go without too much saying.

When she's at that age when boys notice girls, buy her a Vaquero Grande or a Busse Battle Mistress and have "Lorena Bobbit" etched and highlighted on the sides of the blade. just kidding.... almost
 
I'd say, an SAK. Maybe be the one with one blunt-tip blade and a can opener? Don't know what it's called. It'll also help her understand the limits of any folding knife.
 
Our daughter was 8 when she got her first knife. Still, she can on whittle with it with me when we are at the park or somewhere hanging out. She has a small linder mini hunter, it is very cute, now she has a small collection, it is all about time together and respect for things. Paul
 
Good question, lots of pros and cons. I'd consider a trainer ie one of those with blunt end and rounded edge. Kids are excellent at filling in the blanks. Good opportunity to share lessons yet keep accidents to a minimum.
 
With proper supervision I think this is a fine idea, kids are drawn to the forbidden out of the novelty of the experience so if you give it to her you remove the taboo factor. A small SAK or a little slipjoint are good choices; I don't think a complicated lock would be a good idea at this stage. Queen makes some great slipjoints, Case is also good, and if cost is a concern Old Timer is a great choice. The first knife I bought for myself was an Old Timer Stockman; I still have it for sentimental value. Also, give her input on this, if you have a specialty store in the area with a cool manager let her look and see where her interests lie. Have fun.
 
It seems like kids are always looking to cut something with scissors, so how about something like a SOG CrossCut?
 
If she has asked for a Cricket I'd say that would be the best thing to get for her. It seems like an excellent choice in any case.

As for age, I would not allow a child under 8 to carry a knife with supervision. As long as you will be with her and paying attention I don't think she's too young.

And keep in mind that while young children have short attention spans and undeveloped judgment, they are not stupid. A five-year-old is unlikely to do any permanent damage to themselves with a sub-2" blade. Just keep some bandaids and a few butterfly bandages handy in case of minor mishaps.

--Bob Q
 
My 5 year old daughter sits with me and we "play" with knives together...only sitting down, leaning over the table, very close supervision. It is great to see her respond to this responsibility, and as mentioned taking the mistery out of it.

After a year of asking I got her a Kershaw Rainbow Chive. She loves it, the right size, and I think the assisted opening is acually safer. I was going to dull the blade but decided its best for her to know ALL knives are very sharp and not to be taken lightly.
 
I have gotten both of my kids SAKs when they were 8 or 9. The both love them, and use them all the time. My daughter really likes the scissors on them. I also agree with Bruz that the Chive would be a good choice. Nice small size, and it is hard to close on your fingers.

Good luck!

Greg
 
My daughters interest was more in having a collection like mine and her brothers. She is five and pleased as punch with her two SAKs and light blue Spyderco Ladybug. Spydercos are her favorite as it was the first brand she could recognize easily. (the hole in the blade, spider on th clip)
 
Originally posted by stich
I'd consider a trainer ie one of those with blunt end and rounded edge.
Click to expand...

When I was 5 my parents got me one of those plastic chain saws that has a beaded chain instead of a blade. You know, the kind you pull a rip cord on and it would make some grumling noises and the chain would spin at about 3 rpm...

Anyway, right after I opened it I took it outside to go cut some wood and after about 5 minutes came back in the house crying and threw it on the ground saying it was broken. When my parents explained to me that it was a fake chain saw I threw a temper tantrum and spent the rest of my Christmas morning banished to my room.

Moral of the story?

Don't tell a kid you're buying them a chain saw and get them a beaded tree hugging piece of crap that won't cut cardboard.



I would get her a SAK or a classic Stockman, even a Scout knife, something classic in design that shows off the merit of a thinly ground multi function utility knife. What about a Case Peanut?

FWIW I got my first knife when I was 5 as well and do not think there is a problem with it as long as it's supervised.
 
I am a firm believer in introducing kids to the proper use and care of knives as early as their individual maturity will allow. Knives are common tools; not forbidden fruit. Kids should approach them with knowledge and respect, not ignorance and fear.

I started my twin daughters at age 7 with SAKS, instruction, demonstration, and supervision. After a week or so, once they could demonstrate and explain the rules of safety and care to me, they were free to carry. Now 11, one carries and collects, and one does not. Both know how to use and care for a knife, however, without fear. And between them, only one mishap - a bitten knuckle while absent-mindedly closing a slip-joint. Ouch, but there's a reminder of the rules and a lesson of experience.
 
Originally posted by loodieboy
I am a firm believer in introducing kids to the proper use and care of knives as early as their individual maturity will allow. Knives are common tools; not forbidden fruit. Kids should approach them with knowledge and respect, not ignorance and fear.
Click to expand...
I completely agree. A proper age for a child to receive a knife definately should be decided on an individual basis. Maturity levels vary greatly from child to child.

I received my first knife when I was 5, after my father had educated me on knife safety. It was a buck tiny titanium. I had admired the knife for a while, especially fascinated by the rainbow of colors on its handle caused by anodizing.

Now my collection has grown and I graduated to collecting custom knives about 5 years ago. I continue to educate myself on knives and have grown to love them more and more as time goes on.

As for a knife for your daughter, I personally believe a knife with a lock of some kind is best, as long as she is taught to properly disengage it. The way SAK's snap closed can easily cut fingers, even if one is properly educated on knife safety.

Good luck with your decision and I hope to soon see the addition of another woman collector to the knife world!
 
Got my first as a 5th bday gift... my grandfather gave me small lessons for about a month of proper care and usage, then gave me a quick lesson on sharpening and let me loose. I got 5 or 6 from him over the years.

the first was one he got in the early 50s, sheffield slipjoint, just over an inch of knife. Also got a 2 bladed one he got as a freebee with gas that summer, about 2" blades.

14yrs later, I still have the first one locked away and cleaned.
 
I say buy the Spydrco Cricket that she wants. I had several knives when I was 5 so, I don't see a problem as long as she's responsible.
 
Busse Badger Attack. No questions. Perfect for pre-school and fits in a tactical lunch box.
 
I was in a similar situation with my 6 year old son. What I ended up doing was getting him a Swiss army knife. They were clearancing the ones with the clock in the handle for $7.50 at a local doscount store. **** At this point some of you SAK fans may want to skip to the next message**** I took the knife and ground the edge and the pointed portion of the blade down on a bench grinder being carefull not to overheat and discolor the blade. He now has a pocket knife that he can carry in his pocket and can use to cut soft things and I dont have to worry about trips to the emergency room. The result was pretty much a swiss army butter knife. He is happy and can cut things like his PB&J sandwiches. He still is not allowed to run around with it and must mhave my permission to cary it with him.
 
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