Best folding knife for an 11 year old (Farm Boy)

steelhog said:
Hi all,

I'm looking for recommendations on a good folding knife to buy my nephew. He just turned 11, so this would serve as a birthday gift. His is quite responsible for his age, but is still a young boy and its only reasonable to believe that it will endure some hard use and possibly be lost a few times (Or taken by his slightly younger brother). I would like to spend under $40.00 (New or used). I would like to avoid a "made in china" knife and stick to under 2.5" blade that is preferable a locking blade. Good or ok blade steel is also a major +.

LOL - this is kinda ridiculous but this how how adults also post for recommendations.

His current EDC is a small generic "victorinox style" Swiss army knife - around a 2" blade. The new knife I buy him will primarily be used for (Farm chores, building forts, carving sticks, skinning various small animals, showing off to friends and lord knows what else).

My first thought was a Spydero Ladybug as it fits most of the needs outlined above (Lockable, made in Japan, VG10 and around $30.00) - but I am interested to hear some other suggestions. Thanks for the help.
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When each one of our 4 sons had their 10th birthday I gave them a camillus "demo" knife (scout knife). I carried one for 35 years until I wore it out. This knife just shouts "tool" to all who see it and will be an excellent tool knife for anyone's first knife.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...-oI8jkywH48YE4&sqi=2&ved=0CEcQ9QEwBQ&dur=1830
 
A first knife doesn't need to be the nicest in the world (and shouldn't be large). My first knife was an old (and rusted) Swiss Army knife my dad gave me out of his toolbox. It had maybe a 1 or 1.5 inch blade but I loved it because it was my father's. I thought it was lost but actually found it in a junk jar at my parents house recently... I will never lose it again.
 
I'd give him either a Vic Farmer or a mid size Case or Buck Stockman. When I was his age I had an SAK and loved it, but the stockman was what I thought of as an adult's knife. I have more stockman knives than any other pattern. They're great pocketknives for outdoorsy kids.
 
My first thought was sak, but as you mentioned he already has something like that (even if its not a real one) he might like something different. I would recommend a spyderco dragonfly instead of the ladybug. It's only a bit bigger, but I think the ergos are much better and it is much more of a "real knife". I carry one as my edc and love it.
 
Or how about a kershaw skyline?? I'm pretty sure most 11 year olds will appreciate a good flipper. :-). I know I would have.
 
Surfingringo said:
Or how about a kershaw skyline?? I'm pretty sure most 11 year olds will appreciate a good flipper. :-). I know I would have.
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This is what I was thinking. My first was a barlow and it was really cool for the times. (late 70's early 80's)
As a kid at heart still, I'd say get him something that is kind of Tacticool. Not a "traditional" knife like we grew up with.

Kershaw has a pretty good line of American made knives. Ontario has just released the RAT II folder which is built like a tank. Ka-Bar dozier's are workhorse.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: go modern, he will probably call it traditional when he's our age.
 
A Kershaw Skyline would be a good idea. If assisted opening is not a problem, then a Scallion would be a cool gift.
 
Case mini trapper in cv would fit your budget and is the perfect size for an 11yr old at 3 1/2" closed. Clip and Spey blades are perfect from whittling to field dressing small game. Nice half stops add a bit to the safety factor. My next choice would be a victorinox farmer.

Locking blade? maybe a Buck 112. Smaller in size, good for an 11yr old but would hande most anything he would need it for. Also comes with a belt sheath.
 
A 3138 Case Sodbuster in Yellow Delrin/Chrome Vanadium, would be an ideal "farm knife" IMO, and quite simplistic. Just a proven pattern, with a venerable, and useful blade profile.
 


svord peasant is deffiantely a good choice! go for plastic handles too, the wood ones are poop! ;)

Yes I know, it looks like it should vibrate! but it is a damn fine knife and cost bug' all!
 
Stainless Opinel Number 5. The Carbon are to prone to rust for a young man. Like 15 bucks you could even get him two if you wanted.
 
Case makes good knifes that fit your description but they might be a little expensive to get lost...
 
Coincidentally, my nephew just turned 13 today but we met yesterday for a little bonding time (went out and watched Pacific Rim).

My gift to him was that I handed down my SAK Explorer which I've had since 5th Grade/1985!

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Good selection of tools; scissors are most useful for me and the lens adds an element of "cool".

For a single-blades, check out the Aitor Castor series (comes in S/M/L sizes). . .

(Awesome picture by Jack Black over at Tradition sub-forum)

5nzh.jpg


. . . or one of the venerable Opinels

opinel_knives.jpg
 
You say "victorinox style", so I assume he doesn't have an actual Swiss Army Knife. If this is the case, then get him the real thing. Wenger does make some regular sized ones with a locking blade. The utility and value of the SAK cannot be denied.
 
A Sliver Alox Farmer with a few feet of paracord lanyard for retention. It should fair well with use and EDC, and you could enjoy outdoor activities with him while he is using it.
 
The locking blades that I am thinking of are an Opinel or a Buck 112. A sodbuster is also a great option for a farm boy. But, I can image they might be a bit too traditional for a modern young boy.

If you can find them, you could take a look at the Swedish knives made by EKA Knivar.
 
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