Boy's first time knife - fixed blade

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Rapt_up

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I'm looking for a recommendation for a small-ish say 3-3.5" fixed blade for a boy's first knife.

I'm taking a neighbour's 12yr old son under my wing as it were to teach him camping and such as he is interested and his parents don't camp/hunt, But even if they did they have too many kids to do it even if they wanted to. I have his parents' permission to give him his first knife.

I don't want it to be too good to start as I'm sure it will get some abuse as I know my first knife did. :eek: But I also don't want it to be total crap. Somethign that will reward him with a decenty edge and useability if he cares for it and learns to sharpen it etc...

I'm thinking $40 or less price point.

Lets hear your recommendations.!!!
 
AG Russell Bird and Trout. About 30 bucks in AUS-8. Sheath the knife wont fall out of, simple drop point with a small guard and grippy handle, nice slicer.
 
When I was at the world scout jamboree in 81 they had DH Russel belt knife kits for everyone, The scouts rate it as good boys knife and for a 12 year old a perfect project. Just sandpapering, treating the handles and peening the rivets but his connection to the knife he MADE will be priceless. I was very proud of mine and took it everywhere I could for many years.

A mora with a good guard would be my other pick.

Good on you for mentoring a kid with citybound parents.
 
becker bk 11 or bk14. can be had on non-supporting dealer omitted for that price range
 
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Gerber Big Rock
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or Gerber Freeman. Sog Seal Pup too

I'm not a huge Gerber fan, but they do make some decent stuff at affordable prices.
 
It's not too terribly robust or tough, but IMO the Buck 102 woodsman should provide an excellent cutting tool for lighter more delicate outdoors task and it's a fantastic looking knife as well (not that it matters) also the Mora 2000 would make a fine serviceable general use fixed blade as well and offer a bit more in the way of ergonomics.
 
I would recommend a mora for the handle and all around user. A becker BK 14 with handles for a good hard use knife that would be forgiving. A Gerber profile is a great worker for camp chores and piercing with a nice comfy handle. Kershaw antelope hunter 2 is a great hunting all around knife with a finger grooved comfy handle and it holds a good edge. Another awesome all a rounder is the kershaw fixed blade skyline. I have a 8 and a 9 yr. old who are begging for their own knives. And these are the ones I have looked at purchasing when I feel they are mature enough to use /own one. Something I am taking into consideration is how I feel they will use it, and how ruff they will be on it. My nine yr old will be careful, but her brother is a different story he will get something very sturdy and forgiving. Good luck in your decision and let us know! These are all 3 5/8" and under except which mora you would decide to look at.
 
Yup, a Mora for sure. A very capable knife for a very reasonable price.

And, to echo Brad, kudos for your kindness and generosity for taking the young lad under your wing.

Edit - Mora knives are available at Bushcraft Canada.
 
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Helle makes a kids scout knife that fits the bill, it's called the helle-speider and has a 3.5 in blade. But for the money, maybe a mora #1.....
 
I think with a little guy, couple things to keep in mind might be that you want to set him up to succeed, so a stainless steel blade might be the best way to go, along with a knife that has a guard for safety, no reason to take chances while he is learning. In addition, he's twelve, so the 'cooler' the knife looks the happier he'll be (of course, it's a knife, so it's inherently cool anyway!). In any event, I'm thinking something like the Kershaw Skyline Fixed, or the Mora Craftline TopQ or More Bushcraft Series Force if you want to go with Mora, might be good ideas.
 
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