child's 1st knife suggestions

It is lame that sheath knives are not allowed in Boy Scouts (even for adults). I agree that it was great training and I'm still proud of my Eagle Scout status. It's kinda funny that so far in life, I've never met anyone who attained Eagle who ended up a failure. Guess it has to do with teaching discipline, respect and moral values rather than the BS that seems so popular today. Sad, isn't it?
 
Apparently, from the logo on this one, there are some places where there is still such a thing a fixed blade Boy Scout knife.

<A HREF="http://www.chaicutlery.com/brusletto/speider.jpg" TARGET=_blank>
speider_small.jpg
"Speider" by Brusletto-Norway</A>


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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001



[This message has been edited by James Mattis (edited 15 December 1999).]
 
I see your "point" but our scout district specifically prohibits fixed blades and it's my understanding that it's a U.S. policy as well.
 
I would recommend a non-locking folder. It will teach him to not rely on the 'hit-or-miss' qualities of most locks. Also, a good quality 'slip-joint' can do most of what is required by a 9-yr-old (heck, it can do 99.9% of what most adults really need a knife for; I was 32 years old before I started regularly carrying a locking folder).
Also, I would suggest a high-carbon, non-stainless metal. Unfortunately, I don't have a good reason for that suggestion. Just that the best knives I have owned, especially when I was growing up, were non-stainless steel. Sentimental reasons, I guess.

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"Absolute safety is for those who don't have the balls to live in the real world."
St. Mary's County, Republik of Marilundt

 
When I was 10 my dad gave me his M6 bayonet which he used with his M14 as an MP in Korea. I still cherish it greatly. But, a knife for a kid to carry, I suggest either a swiss army knife (the tinker has always been my favorite) or a simple but efficient lock back knife, like a buck or an old timer. In any case if you want to cough up the cash why don't you get the kid an mini ACFK and make him happy.
 
An Umfaan, huh? Why couldn't I have a dad like you
frown.gif
?

Well, my vote goes to the Spyderco Calypso Jr. It can be opened or closed with either hand thanks to the hole in the blade and the mid-lock lockback, and I think the blade is around three inches in length. Plus, you get to choose between stainless steel handles or Micarta handles.

I guess it depends upon what you are willing to spend. Something a little more economical would be along the lines of one of the Gerber Magnum or LST series knives.

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Yeah! Drop the chalupa...


 
As mentioned previously, a very good reason for getting a carbon steel knife is that it will serve as a good lesson on tool care, as most tools are not stainless.
 
Right, James. I didn't take the time to follow the link, but I noticed it said Norway; there's your explanation. Hmm... I suppose I could move. True, there are very few "failures" who make Eagle. There are some "losers", on the other hand. That is more a matter of morals, etc. Theses days, there are a lot of little kids getting Eagle. As far as I'm concerned, these prepubescant punks haven't earned SQUAT!!! They don't impress me at all... on the other hand, I turn 18 in January, and I'm having to work double-time to get it. Well, I am the first generation of my troop, so I've got an excuse.

Anyway, it looks like most of us are on the same wavelenth, which is a rare sight indeed! Something funny must be goin' on. Tell us what you end up doin.

Howie
 
Just wanted to update you on my son's reaction to the knife. I finally decided upon a Victoronix SAK (adventurer) as it had enough neat tools but also had a locking blade. He went ballistic and had a great time carving whatever he could. I appreciate your input and hope you all had a great holiday.
 
No matter how many big folders I pick up and play with, I'll always have a warm spot in my heart for multi-function knives. I know he'll appreciate it for years to come.

Howie
 
I know this has been hashed, but.... I opt for the Scout knife. Not because the knife is anything special, but if an interest in Scouting develops, I believe for the most part BSA is a great character builder. I know there are exceptions and problems here and there, but the principles it was founded on are still there.
Tom
 
Hi Blunder,

I sure agree with your choice of the Adventurer. Not only do I carry one at all times, but a few years back I had a chance to buy them for $13.00 each and I bought one for every member of my family (including my wife). By the way, when the toothpick and/or the tweezers get lost you can buy them at most good knife shops.

I was just looking at the Victorinox page on the Blowoutknives.com website and noticed there is a version of the Adventurer available that has the Boy Scouts of America logo on it. That says a lot for the social acceptability of the model. It is also the largest knife that I have routinely been able to bring on airplanes.


[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 29 December 1999).]
 
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