First knife for a 9 year old - suggestions

I’d definitely go with a slipjoint. It’ll help him learn good knife habits, and respect for the blade. Slipjoints, with their multiple blades, also have that great gadget appeal for people of all ages.

I’d personally go for a Buck Cadet or a Victorinox SAK. The Buck is small, convenient and actually ships with a sharpened blade. This is very uncommon for stockmans. SAKs are just fun beyond words. I had a SAK when I was a kid, and felt like I could do anything with it. The SAK was very empowering.
 
I'm with Buzz. I would definitely go with a slipjoint. The only place I would differ with most of the ones who have posted so far is that I would give him a knife with a carbon steel blade, perhaps an Old Timer or Camillus slipjoint.

Why? He might as well learn to maintain and take care of a blade early. With a carbon steel blade, you get nearly instant feedback if you don't take care of it. Also, the ease of sharpening 1095 is good for youngsters who can get frustrated easily.

I guess it's kind of the same school of thought as learning to drive a standard shift before you drive an automatic. If you learn one, you can do the other.
 
Since you asked me, I would suggest the Swiss Army Hunter, Boy Scout Version, by Victorinox. It has a slew of cool tools including the very useful saw and it is very well made. The steel isn't the best, but that has the compensation of making it easier to sharpen, which is fortunate for he will have to do so often. That will, however, teach him how to do that task properly, if you work with him on it and not do it for him. Regarding sharpening, I would stay away from serrated edges, as they are very difficult to sharpen as well as being viewed askance by authority figures such as Scoutmasters and others.

Among locking knives, I suggest the Spyderco Delica. It is inexpensive, downright cheap for the quality you get, and the steel is excellent. But I agree with the recommendation that his first knife should not be a locking blade, as he will learn respect for the knife more easily if he must remember to use it correctly to protect his fingers.

Oh, and TELL HIM NEVER TO TAKE IT TO SCHOOL. I think that his is stupid, but it is the way our society has gone.
 
Thank you each for your thoughtful responses. You have given me much more to think about than I had anticipated... and reminded me how important it is to let this be my son's choice and not *my* decision.

It's a shame society's grown so paranoid about knives, which are tools with many purposes. My initial reaction when this was mentioned in the thread was concern about "that old argument" but your replies demonstrate that handled correctly, ownership, proper use and care of a knife can and do build character. And isn't that one of the things we want in our children?

I will also take time and care making sure my boy knows not only how to use it, but where and when it's appropriate (i.e, not school!). This awareness is something we've all had to adapt to in our lives.

But don't think this conversation is over, though! Please feel free to continue it, as I will, until the purchase decision is made and we're on our way.

Besides, you've told me about a lot of great knives *I* missed as a kid... now I want to go shopping as badly as my son!

I'll let you know how we do.

kirkhere
 
I have a Gerber LST. They also make a smaller one. Also, Schrade make a couple small lightweight LB's - see http://www.schradeknives.com/; click on Products & Lightweight LB's. The SP2 Raider is probably about right.

Either is probably ideal as a tool for that age, but lacking in the gadget appeal of a SAK. No question that more stuff = better to a 9-year-old.

Considering the mindset of a 9-year-old, I vote for letting him make the choice, but trying to lead him toward a LB, and teach him to think of it as a tool, not a fun thing to show off & wave all over.
 
Go with the Swiss Army Knives!
Every kid (heck, every person) should own at least one SAK.

Not only will he learn how to use a knife, but he will also learn to use the right tool for the job.

It's also a low maintenance knife so it will not be a rusted paperweight in one month.
I'm all for teaching kids how to maintain a non-stainless knife but I'm also a realist.

And another reason for the SAK: he will not scare his friend's parents when he uses it in front of them.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
RYAN MODEL 1

Just kidding!

Honestly a SAK,Spyderco Native,Camilus UDC,Spyderco Dragonfly,or any other inexpensive yet robust folder would do.

Things to keep in mind

*What will he be cutting when your not around to tell him it's not a good idea? Bricks come to mind.

*How strong is the lock? Nothing would put him off knives more than losing a finger or two while stabbing a tree or better yet a tree frog.

*What's the price/childs ability not to lose it? We don't want him losing a 100$ knife and yet we want to spend money on a quality blade.

*Wear resistance. (falls under lock strenth logic) How often do u wanna have to sharpen knicks out of the blade/ sharpening the blade period. We also don't want the blade snapping in two pieces when he tries to pry something.

* We must keep in mind that a 8-10 year old can put any tool through more abuse than most of us adults.
 
I'd like to second the nomination for the Gerbers. I'd suggest the small EZ-Out model with a straight edge. It's a lockback, so no complex mechanisms to master. It's inexpensive enough for a first knife (i.e. he can abuse it without breaking your heart). It has an opening hole, rather that a peg (which is just a good idea for everybody).

If I hadn't found a Gerber EZ-Out, I'd never have started carrying folders. It completely converted me from fixed blades. Now I carry all the time, which is as it should be.

Bear
 
Bear - The Gerber EZ-Out was my first "real" folder...helped spur my interest in high quality folders. I would also recommend it for a young person's first knife. I beleive Gerber has upgraded the steel to ATS-34 which makes it even better. Last time I checked, you can get one for about $35 at Walmart making it a hard bargain to beat. In fact, I might just go get myself one to use as a beater. You could do a lot worse for you first folder.
 
If I can recall my first knife was a SAK Voyager, I would deffinitly go with a SAK for your son. Make sure he can fully operate the knife. I remember mine the Lock spring was strong, had a tough time with, my fingernail crack blade came flying down onto my thumb had to get 3 stiches, wasnt a good experience.
 
My first knife was not an SAK (gasp!) nor a Buck (huh!) nor a Spyderco whatever (what?!?).

It was a very plain and simple 2 bladed cheapy with fake wood scales. Not even a lockback.

After I had learned on that, I eventually earned my way up to a Buck lockback.

Then, eventually, I got a small SAK. But by that time, I had come to really appreciate (and use) a long blade. Sure, I had nearly cut a fingertip off, but I now have a neat scar to talk about...:D So, my SAK got tossed into the drawer to never return to use.

What's the advice in this big mess of a post?

I'm a learner. If your boy is too, then he will outgrow any knife you give him. So give him something that he will be able to master. One step at a time.

If not, and he values trust and loyalty more (which is OK), get him a Buck lockback and just replace it if he loses it, breaks it, etc.

I hate it when parents "skip chapters 1-9 and plow right into chapter 10" and get their kids things that are "over" their abilities and desires. What a waste. Usually, this is done just because of the higher price and assumed higher quality of the thing.

Dan
 
Get a regular carbon steel scout model from Camillus or another good brand. It will be useful for him to have, inoffensive, and he will be able to learn to sharpen the lower RC steel. It will also NOT LOCK (very important) to teach about safety. And if he does not take care of it it will rust like hell. IMO. Stay away from anything with a pocket clip. Go with the style, and not anything one hander or tactical. The scout design is made for scouts and was designed for what they need. It is also easily recognized as an official knife. :cool: Getting anything super cool or out of the ordinary is asking for trouble. (He's only 9). Now for Dad on the other hand.......ever hear of Talonite.........? :D
 
The case trapper is a nice one, not too expensive. I like the blades and it is easier to sharpen because of the softer steel. All buck knives have pretty soft steel, so those are also good learning tools. But i think that you may get a better knife for your money if you go with a case or camillus scout knife. (Not to say that buck knies are bad). Here's a link:
Camillus Scout Knives

Regards,

Steve C.
 
Originally posted by The Magician
Get a regular carbon steel scout model from Camillus or another good brand. It will be useful for him to have, inoffensive, and he will be able to learn to sharpen the lower RC steel. It will also NOT LOCK (very important) to teach about safety. And if he does not take care of it it will rust like hell. IMO. Stay away from anything with a pocket clip. Go with the style, and not anything one hander or tactical. The scout design is made for scouts and was designed for what they need. It is also easily recognized as an official knife. :cool: Getting anything super cool or out of the ordinary is asking for trouble.
Click to expand...

This is terrific advice. Better than I tried to say.

Dan
 
The Gerber LST, as others have suggested, is a great little knife. I would still go with a slipjoint, though. A Camillus scout knife would be a pretty cool gift for him.
My 9 year old son has a V'nox classic and a schrade tough chip. When school's done this year, he has an Uncle Henry medium stockman, Buck cadet, or a bigger SAK waiting for him, if he keeps his grades up.
I must admit, he does alot of whittling with the Schrade chip, and carries it everywhere, except school and little league.
 
SAK !

And if that doesn't do it for ya. . .

Try something in the Case line-up.
 
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