About a boy's first knife ...

C

cmeisenzahl

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Apr 13, 2005
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My son just turned 12 and seems reasonably mature for his age. Given that's he's a 12 year old male, you realize that's not saying too much. ;-)

I figure it's time to give him a pocket knife and teach him to use it safely, emphasis on the safety part. But frankly, it scares the cr@p out of me. I still worry about turning him loose with one.

Looking back, I remember on my 8th birthday my dad gave me a Ka-Bar fixed-blade knife for my birthday and just said "be careful," that was it. In retrospect, I'm amazed he did that. Fortunately nothing bad happened. I was in scouts from 8 until about 16 and always had a pocket knife, learned to use it safely.

So other than the usual safety lessons and instructions, anyone have any other thoughts or anecdotes on this topic?

Thanks!

Chris
http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/speedmaster
 
i'd get him a multitool instead of a knife. i got into more mischief with my swiss army knife when i was a lad thanks to the extra tools.
 
My Grandfather gave me my first slip-joint when I was around 8 years old, which I cherished. As for safety, I had been using an X-acto knife for model building since 5 without incident. I have only ever cut myself 3 times (none serious) in my 56 years and in all of those times, I was older than 20.
 
Get him something simple and well made that will fit his hands and his needs.

My first knife was a CampKing Scout Knife. It also came with a snap on a leather loop to put on your belt. I don't remember getting much more instruction that no taking it to school, cut away from yourself, close it before moving, and if you stab your brother with it you won't be able to sit for a year.

It's important that it not be cheaply made, at least as far as the blades go. If he gets hurt because he was unsafe, he'll learn. If he gets hurt because the knife was cheap, he'll be frustrated.

These days, I'd be really tempted to get him a pioneer harvester or a farmer.

The Solo or the Apprentice might be good starts also.

Get him something well made and he'll be so proud he'll burst. Then when he learns the lessons you teach him you'll be so proud you'll burst.
 
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My question is.... why'd you wait so long? ;)
Get him a nice SAK, so that you can teach him how to use and sharpen it, without spending a fortune and without it being something "irreplaceable." If he's keen on it, get him a nicer slipjoint with carbon blades and bone handles, and teach him how to use and care for that particular tool, with its own nuances.
Once he's mastered those items, then it'll be time for a locking blade or a fixed blade.
Good luck! :thumbup:
 
Looking back, I remember on my 8th birthday my dad gave me a Ka-Bar fixed-blade knife for my birthday and just said "be careful," that was it. In retrospect, I'm amazed he did that.
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Sounds like your Dad knew you were mature enough to handle it and he did give you a simple and succinct admonition regarding the gift. Sounds like a good Dad! :)
 
My vote is for a victorinox ALOX cadet or soldier...i carry a cadet everyday and i love it

 
cmeisenzahl said:
Looking back, I remember on my 8th birthday my dad gave me a Ka-Bar fixed-blade knife for my birthday and just said "be careful," that was it. In retrospect, I'm amazed he did that. Fortunately nothing bad happened.
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Strange choice of words...so you're saying it was sheer luck that you didn't run amok or get injured or something? :confused: I dunno about you, but it wasn't "fortune" that prevented me from getting into trouble or doing something daft when I got my first knife; it was a little thing called responsibility.

When I was little, my father taught me all about knife, axe, stove, lantern, watercraft, etc. safety and it was reinforced while camping with boy scouts.

If your son's been taught knife safety and you think he's mature, what's the worst that could happen?

Also, I definitely vouch for a swiss army knife as a good first knife, just not one with too many bells and whistles. Something like a Bantam or Pioneer or the old Soldier would probably be best - I'd stay away from the models with all manner of corkscrews, toothpicks, etc..., but that's just me.
 
I would just make sure that he doesn't ever take it to school. I think it's rediculous a kid can get expelled for taking something as simple as a small pocket knife to school, but it can happen.
 
+1 for the SAK, either the plastic or alox handles would be great, you could even get the plastic ones engraved with his name, that makes it even more special, IMO.
 
Congrats to you and your son on making this leap of trust.

I started my son at eight with a simple two blade Imperial Jack. He just turned eleven on the tenth of this month.

It seems the knife gene can be passed from father to son. He is a knifenut in training.

This is a shot of part of his collection. He needs a larger knife box so I am sure I missed a few folders. Plus he has more at his house (the ex's).

100_1500.jpg


Everything from off-shore made knives, old classic slipjoints from companies no longer in buisness, one hand openers,to a couple custom fixed blades.He likes them all.

(The 102 Woodsman on the left was his 11th Birthday present from me.:thumbup:)
 
For "coolness" I'd go for a Leek or Mini-Grip
For practicality, I'd recommend a SAK Cadet, Farmer, or decent multitool.

FWIW - My 9 yo has been carrying a knife since he earned his "Whittlin' Chip" last year in Scouts. He's careful, respects the knife, watches for others around him, and doesn't do stupid stuff. No cuts yet, and he loves knives just like his old man. On the other hand, I've gotten bit at least twice in the last 12 months:o
 
Not sure, but I think I was 10 when I got my first knife, which was a SAK. My friends also owned one and we were very proud of it. Especially the blade and saw were used a lot, so I think it was a Victorinox Huntsman.
 
A SAK is a great first knife. I got one when I turned 8 and joined the Cub Scouts. I bought one for both of my boys when they turned 7 and joined the Cub Scouts. I think the younger they learn to use a knife safely, the better.
 
I assume you have knives. Has your son ever used any of yours? Perhaps you should let him use what you have with supervision and instruction and let that determine what knife to give him as his own.
 
best i've seen is the my first from victorinox... very cool gift, gave one to my 11 year old daughter (loved it). comes with neat stuf too
 
My Great Grandpa gave me my first Case XX when I was 8 years old. I never destroyed anything with it or cut myself. I mostly whittled just like he did.

I gave both my daighters small slip joint pocket knives at the same age. No problems, no cuts. With proper instruction you'd be surprised how well kids can behave.
 
Actually, I bought all 3 of my kids SAK's when they were young as their 1st knives - at about 10 or 11 yrs old. I don't recall the models they were the same but had just the basics, blade and a couple of other gizmos. Slim and lightweight.
 
My dad gave me an old SAK, along with a little sharpening stone when I was 8 or so. Blades were dull when I got it, It was up to me to get it sharp and keep it that way. By the time I could it good and keen, I had plenty of respect for that edge
 
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