Daughter's first knife....

[markpmc]

I voted peanut since I gave one to my oldest as his first knife. I gave my youngest a choice between a peanut and a 3 1/8" stockman, he chose the stockman.

 

[zippofan]

While I voted Peanut, I'm wondering if the SAK or Opinel may be a better choice (Don't throw me out of the cult Carl ) for smaller hands.

My first at 8 y/o was an Imperial Barlow with carbon blades, somehow it survives to this day!

 

[jackknife]

I hope I don't end up with a civil war in the cult, but being torn on this issue, I went with an Opinel for a very first knife.
(Palace guard standing by to deal with riot.)

I love peanuts, and I love my little SAK classic, but being a father and grandfather, I feel a tremor thinking abut those little inexperianced fingers dealing with a snappy peanut. Peanuts are a little dangerous for young or inattentive users, and even the membrs of the cult get bit on occasion. Peanuts need to be handled with care, where an Opinel is basically a friction folder with a manual locking capability. No blade snapping shut on fingers if it gets away from them when hitting the half stop, and a great cutting blade that even if a bit dull, will still bite in instead of skipping off. Easy to learn sharpening on. I was really very torn between the classic and the Opinel. I'd say an Opinel number 6 to start, and a classic a bit down the road.

The cult can wait until they are a bit more mature, and have the dexterity to deal with the snappy little peanut. Very young hands are like very old hands; they need easier to handle items. Just like child proof caps are many times senior citizen proof as well.

Carl.

 

[nozyk]

SAK's have been a rite of passage within our family since I can remember. I received my first as a Ist Holy Communion gift at the age of 7-8? Still have and carry

it 45 years later. Practical,easily maintained, recognizable, non threatening and with many models,colors & configurations to choose from.

 

[mnblade]

For young girls? I'd go with the SAK Classic without hesitation. If you'd prefer a bigger knife, maybe one of the 74mm models like the Executive or Ambassador. If they need more blade later (for camping, for instance), you can get 'em something larger like an Opinel.

I have a daughter who just turned 10 and a son who will be 8 soon, so this stuff is really on my mind. One thing I see over and over on threads like these that I take issue with, is the warnings about not wanting the kid to get poked by a pointy tip, or nipped by knife closing. Here's what I don't get: Are you guys really suggesting giving a knife -- any knife -- to a kid who doesn't already possess an awareness of knife safety and the skills needed to use a pocketknife safely?! All three of my kids (even our 4-year-old!) have spent loads of time whittling on sticks under my direct supervision. By the time any one of them is given a knife of their own, they will already know how, when and where to use it. Sure there will be accidents -- I mean, I still nip myself from time to time. But knife safety and knowing the limitations of the tool will have been drilled into them. That way, the only thing I really have to worry about is making sure they don't carry the knife to school. YMMV.

-- Mark

 

[pinnah]

My daughter got an SAK classic as her first knife. She dug the tools.

My son got an Opinel #6 for his. The non-sprung blade was more manageable safely. Small hands aren't strong enough to deal with many slip joints or lock backs. This is where the Opinel reigns supreme.

Both were 8 when they got them. They had 24/7 access and instruction.

I would suggest stainless over carbon. I predict the knives will be the focus of attention for a week or two and then buried in the cave of their room. Stainless rests better.

A small SAK is also a sure bet. Kids dig the tools and having them dig the knife is the key. Should be fun (and safe).

 

[T. Erdelyi]

I voted SAK but after readin' Blaine's reply, I have to agree with the Opinel #6.

My daughter's 22 now I started the same battle when she was 10, back then I started with an SAK since then she's collected several scout knives on her own a few multi tools and recently bought her boyfriend a carbon fiber Lum Spyderco for Valentine's day.

Start with the# 6 Mongo...

 

[NYOutdoors]

Something that locks is a good idea in my opinion!

 

[Kcuff]

I'm going to say SAK as well, it's got a few nice handy tools. I'm sure they will like whatever you choose

 

[ptradeco]

I think a SAK would be a wonderful choice for a youngsters first folder. Not too small, 3 or 4 blades to keep their interest, metal handles, maybe orange...think I just talked myself into getting one for me!

 

[Stich2442]

I voted Swiss Army, the peanut & Opinel are two of my favorite knives, but a Vic SAK is a hassle free knife & the utility can not be beat. My first knife was a Imperial Kamp-King carbon steel, I still have it. A lot are suggesting the VIC classic, in your opening post you mentioned the Executive, that would be my pick, you get a lot more knife in a not much bigger handle, & the nail file works the best of any SAK, plus the scissors are much bigger, get two knife blades that are much more useful.

Just my two cents, I'm sure she will love and treasure whatever you get her.

Pete

 

[jimmyd1982]

Another vote for opinel. A locking knife is a good place to start and you can make a project of modding the handle together. Even something simple like burning her initials into it would make the knife that much more special for her.

 

[Chinpo]

I voted SAK. I think you could find one of the myriad of versions that would suit your daughter's needs easily.

 

[mr_badexample]

I'd lean heavily towards what your daughters want within reason. Perhaps giving them a choice of the three you listed. I agree suprises are nice but they will be more likely use and care for something they want/pick more than something picked for them by others. Kids love to have the ability to choose, it gives a sense of control at a time in their lives when many choices are made for them. By limiting the choices you actually stay in control. Its win win. If your youngest likes the SAK I'd go for it. There are lots colors and designs to choose from. As others have mentioned the multiple tools can be very handy.

Best of luck. I'm sure they will both be pleased with their new knives.

 

[Cisco Kid]

My daughter chose a SAK for her first knife. She was about 10 yo when she did so, very close to your daughters' age.

 

[pertinux]

C'mon, everyone. Where's the Bladeforums Answer®?




Get 'em all.




~ P.

 

[Humppa]

Opinel #6

My daughter got carbon steel Opinel at the age of 12, easy to use and handle and she got responsibility of taking care of the knife and oil it.
Mike

I would recommend an Opinel, but a No. 6 for several reasons. The round handle ensures a firm grip (Going too small makes it hard for a new user to control a knife, I have found.) It's the smallest one with the locking ring. Yes, it's important to learn how to handle a knife so that it doesn't close on you, but rather than throwing everything at them at once, I think it best to let them develop one skill at a time. Also, since it has no backspring, there is no danger of it snapping shut on a finger even while opening and closing, as especially peanuts have been known to do. I think I am more concerned with the new user learning how to actually hold and cut with the knife at first. After they develop some skill and confidence, they won't be afraid that they will fumble the opening/closing on a knife with a spring.

I agree with this post. The Opi #6 should be perfect.

Ed J

My vote goes for an Opinel #6, too. For the main-reason: When she has alway access to the knife I´d go with an Opinel #6. First there´s the locking ring which will fix the blade nicely. Second there´s no backspring when she will open or close the knife she wont get her hand between blade and handle. Especially when she´s using the knife alone and on her own.
Another vote for the carbon steel Opinel, here too.

Peanuts and Vics are nice knives but when she will using it without your observation, she could hurt her very bad. (And could even loose the interesst in knives at all, after such an event).

Just my 2 Cent.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Small classic. I've gotten them for my sisters, cousins and friends, with pink covers, flowery covers etc. Does she like knives now because daddy likes knives? She'll always use that classic, until she loses it and you get her another.

 

[pinetree]

My daughter is 9 and I think a Classic is exactly what she needs. Opinels are great but you need to know what you are doing. I have more Case yellow handles than any other knife but I don't see my daughter using it as much as the Classic. On camping trips, I'll give one of my Mora #1's to carry.

 

[GarnetandBlack]

SAK of course, isn't that how we all got into knives in the first place anyways?