Boy's knife...

Hi Payette - what a great opportunity to the be coolest uncle EVER!!!

I'd start him out with a size-appropriate EDC bag - maybe a sling bag, maybe a small-ish MOLLE bag like this:

http://www.canteenshop.com/id78.html

Something size appropriate thats still highly functional (and doesn't break the bank!!!).

Also, as per your thinking, i'd also get him an emergency whistle, a size-appropriate ferrocerium rod/striker, compass, small LED light, and whatever other bit's-n-bobs that will reasonable pack into the MOLLE pack that you also carry.

For a knife, i'd definitely go with a fixed blade that will fit his hand - probably something like a RAT Izula, Becker Necker, Buck Paklite Skinner, etc. They're initially safer as he learns the normal place for his knife when he's not actually using it is in it's sheath. It doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line-custom knife because it will be his 1st true "survival/bushcraft" knife and it will be from YOU!!! There are many great "off the rack" knives to be had. From there you can always splash out for better, but why commit to one big thing that may cramp the over-all budget?

For example, i've been eye-balling this knife since i first saw it. I really, really like it - it has an excellent blade design, appropriate ergonomics, and probably excellent craftsmanship. However, my boy is only 4 so i'm not sure if it's a bit early and is a bit spendy (for me) for his 1st knife.... (i traded a higher-paying career for one more fulfilling and there are ramifications).


fixer said:
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http://backyardbushman.com/?page_id=403
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Otherwise, i'm thinking a RAT Izula for my daughter (6 yrs) in PINK!!! and 'some-other-color' Izula for my son (4 yrs). That way they would have matching blades and no additional competition than is otherwise present between them.
 
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Around here I have seen many children sized puukos at flea markets, antique shops/shows etc. I would go with one of these if you could as they are made for children and have been used by children for centuries. BTW my daughter started using her fixed blade at 2 after demonstrating at a restaurant around family that she knew to ask permission first, what end to use and proper usage of a knife. I was so proud of how she cut her food with a butter knife that my wife was the first to mention that she was ready. I agree with others that a folder is not really made for the strength of a childs hands, although if you wanted to go that route I'd start with a friction folder- they are usually smaller, the "tang" extension acts like a lock when held and they do not need much strength to open or close.

I love the picture!
 
I love it when boys are started correctly!
There are many good choices in knives and the choice will change with age and ability. However, the compass thing is incredibly important I think. Spend the extra $8-$10 and get him a http://trunord.com/ pocket compass or the key fob one should the lanyard be appealing. They are the real deal, and the marbles ones are not the quality product they once were.
 
Instead of the purse...I mean Duluth, I'd get him a gas mask bag like Indiana Jones.:D

As far as the knife? Folding or fixed...the folding knife may close on his hands but a fixed blade may stab him if he fell on it. I think I would risk the lesser of the two evils.
 
I would check out Ragweed Forge and either their Brusletto or Helle line of knives. Both have "scout" knives that are great smaller blades.
There are some other nice knives on that site, but one thing I like about Ragweed is that it is all great prices and a wide selection.
 
I wouldn't trust any 6 year old with a hatchet. It is far too easy to accidentally injure yourself.

As for a first knife, a SAK with lots of gadgets seems cool, but how practical is it, and consider how easy it might be for a sharp unlocked blade to fold across his fingers, or slice him while he's opening it.

I'd recommend a small custom fixed blade from a maker here on this forum. Between 2.5" and 3" blade length and wide, without too much of a point. Sheepfoot style would be perfect, but some wide spearpoints or clippoints might work well too. You'd feel terrible if he seriously injured himself with something you bought him.
 
I think you should be an awesome uncle and contact Bryan Breeden telling him your nephew needs one of these Kepharts made slightly smaller for a kids hands !

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pitdog said:
I think you should be an awesome uncle and contact Bryan Breeden telling him your nephew needs one of these Kepharts made slightly smaller for a kids hands !

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That is perfect. But with canvas micarta scales instead of stag.
 
that is a most excellent picture and I love the hat. when I have a son I am going to purchase him one of those....and a bullwhip and hope to god my wife doesnt kill me:D

As far as a knife goes I plan on buying my nephews SAKS here soon and hope they start to get into knives. Kids like options and lord knows SAKS have options. You could also consider a nice multi-tool like a Leatherman with an 154cm blade.
 
He's a real good kid, that's for sure. I love the naturist notebook and pencil deal, I drew up a write-in-the-rain leather bookcover stencil last night. I love taking notes in the woods-either studying survival manuals, keeping a journal or just general observations. I'm either cranking out the miles or sitting dead still on a stump, observing with a notebook.

I'm kinda stuck on the large old school brass Marbles pocket compass-when he gets older he can get something more detailed like a Suunto or Commenga. Just something he can use to get a gist of map reading with, and feel important carrying on the trail. Made a set of ranger beads with some wood ones I got at JoAnn Fabric and some leather strapping.

Thanks for all the great blade ideas. That Brian Andrews boy's knife sure is sweet! I might wind up re-handling one of those Moras-small diameter Sisu style leather stack with blue micarta end cap and finger guard. I want something that's small enough for him to use now but would also make for a good neck/PSK knife as he gets bigger. Good thinking on the hatchet-though I think a chopped off Cold Steel Frontier Hawk would be sweet for future reference. I really like that Duluth field bag, though if it really looks that much like a purse I'll find or make an alternative.
 
I agree with the SAK (almost any of the full size models although I'm partial to the Huntsman and the Farmer) and check out the "bushbaby" from Blind Horse Knives. It's a traditional bushcraft design with a smaller size for smaller hands and it comes with an great dangler leather sheath from JRE. If you wanted something in stainless for ease of care for someone so young try the WM1 from Fallkniven. It would fit his hands perfectly and it comes with a relatively nice sheath and is in VG10 steel.
 
Great pic ! He looks like he is really into it ! My boys (Identical Twins) are also 6. Koyote made me a sweet set of knives for them last year.
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I haven't got the twins a Folder yet...their little hands just don't have the strength to open & close it safely. When I get their first folder it will be a medium Case Caliber.
Another great "First Combo Set" would be the Buck - BuckliteMax Small Fixedblade &Bucklite Max small lockback folder :thumbup:
 
+1 on a Mora Clipper.

a great knife and very inexpensive so he can learn all about how to properly care for a blade before big $$$ are spent.
 
I say Izula. As long as that "if you break it, we replace it" warranty stands, they will have a knife. Well, unless they lose it.
 
As much as I like Jeff Randall I'm lookin for something a little more woodsman/bushcrafty and a little less... fabricated/survival junkie. I am 90% set on the Blind Horse Patch Knife/Tiger Knapp, and unless some other design really knocks me off my feet or costs less then I think that's the route I'm going to take.
 
I think maybe a Mora 511 as the guard will offer some protection and if lost it will not break the bank.

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A 546 would work too. Same knife but in Stainless.
 
coaldigger said:
Great pic ! He looks like he is really into it ! My boys (Identical Twins) are also 6. Koyote made me a sweet set of knives for them last year.
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I haven't got the twins a Folder yet...their little hands just don't have the strength to open & close it safely. When I get their first folder it will be a medium Case Caliber.
Another great "First Combo Set" would be the Buck - BuckliteMax Small Fixedblade &Bucklite Max small lockback folder :thumbup:
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Those knives are fantastic. Good for you to outfit them in such a cool way.
 
+1 on the SAK. My father gave me one of my own for my 9th birthday and I still have it. It's a little worse for wear but still fully functional; the only reason I don't EDC it is for fear of losing it (sentimental value and all that).

I don't know how close you and your nephew are, but there's a good chance anything you give him will mean something to him both now and in the future. With that in mind, make sure you give him something with room to grow. That boy is going to grow into a man mighty fast, and he's going to have the same discerning eye for gear that you have.

The SAK is a good choice because as he gets older he's not going to find it any less useful. When I was 8, I got a mil-spec lensatic compass for my birthday and to this day, that sucker is tied to my belt every time I hit the woods (Dad sure knows how to pick 'em). Get him that essential something that has the potential to outlast you. Even if he doesn't latch on to it now, he'll come back around later.
 
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