First knife for son

[DangerZone98]

How about an ESEE Candiru?

I’d recommend the Izula 2 or even ESEE 3.

The Candiru looks great as a pocket fixed blade EDC though.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

8 years old is pretty young….. I would suggest this

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And once he has shown some responsibility and safe handling, I would get him a Buck 102 or 103, and then a Case Stockman, and then a GEC and he will be on the righteous path!

 

[Stringjam7]

Interesting thread - and timing. My daughter is about to turn 10, and I've been turning over which knife I want to give her (it will be her first one).

It won't be a fixed blade - a folder is just more reasonable for actual use and carrying. Of course, I want it to be a knife she will have for the rest of her life, and be meaningful not just because it's her first one, but because it's from Daddy, and I know how much the things my dad gave me mean so much more than just being a gift.

 

[norcalAF]

Interesting thread - and timing. My daughter is about to turn 10, and I've been turning over which knife I want to give her (it will be her first one).

It won't be a fixed blade - a folder is just more reasonable for actual use and carrying. Of course, I want it to be a knife she will have for the rest of her life, and be meaningful not just because it's her first one, but because it's from Daddy, and I know how much the things my dad gave me mean so much more than just being a gift.

I was gifted a very nice DM speed weasel by a buddy I met here on the forums, and it has turned out to be my 6.5 YO daughters favorite knife for cheffin' (chopping veggies her words ) with some tutelage from mom and I she hasn't hurt herself yet. I also have a couple of knives I've snagged that share her birthday, a large unique Sebenza born on her first, and an Arius born on her sixth that I have shown her and told her of my intention to give them to her in a few years. The kitchen has been a great place to practice safe handling and awareness of the task at hand at least with my kiddo.

 

[oldmanwilly]

It may be worth pointing out that my Opa gave me my first knife at the age of 4:

An already badly used Imperial Jack missing half of its clamshell handle.

First thing I did was try use it to open a pecan, against Opa's advice. I opened my thumb instead. I learned not to do that again and I wouldn't trade that little jack knife for King Tut's dagger (at least not the gold one, the meteorite one might hold an edge...).

Whatever you choose, your grandson will find a way to cut himself pretty quickly and will eventually learn not to do it again. Don't fret too much over which knife you choose. He will cherish it and use it in good health so long as you teach him well.

 

[Henry Beige]

When he was 6, I started giving my grandson knives. Mora, Opinel, SAK. The one he bonded with and used the most was the Marttiini Little Classic. With a sheath, $21.00. Think of it as alternative to Mora. Rubber handle typical for Marttiini economy blades. 3 1/2” carbon steel blade.

 

[Stringjam7]

I was gifted a very nice DM speed weasel by a buddy I met here on the forums, and it has turned out to be my 6.5 YO daughters favorite knife for cheffin' (chopping veggies her words ) with some tutelage from mom and I she hasn't hurt herself yet. I also have a couple of knives I've snagged that share her birthday, a large unique Sebenza born on her first, and an Arius born on her sixth that I have shown her and told her of my intention to give them to her in a few years. The kitchen has been a great place to practice safe handling and awareness of the task at hand at least with my kiddo.

Well, at minimum you're going to have to give her that David Mary by rite. lol

We've done the same - taught her to use a knife in the kitchen over the last several years. It definitely took a good bit to emphasize the "no goofing around" part of it, as she is a bit of a goofball. And a Seb and Arius in line - she's a lucky gal! Guarantee you they will mean the world to her at some point.

I'm still figuring out what to give her for her birthday. She loves to rifle through my folders, and her two favorites so far are a Spyderco Native with a pink FRN grip, and a Holt Haptic which she think looks like jewelry and loves how "shiny" it is. lol I'll probably give her that one - it's way more her and not so much me. It also has a gorgeous Sheepsfoot blade which is less likely to bite her on the pointy end. Plus, her mother has already claimed the pink Native.

 

[norcalAF]

Well, at minimum you're going to have to give her that David Mary by rite. lol

We've done the same - taught her to use a knife in the kitchen over the last several years. It definitely took a good bit to emphasize the "no goofing around" part of it, as she is a bit of a goofball. And a Seb and Arius in line - she's a lucky gal! Guarantee you they will mean the world to her at some point.

I'm still figuring out what to give her for her birthday. She loves to rifle through my folders, and her two favorites so far are a Spyderco Native with a pink FRN grip, and a Holt Haptic which she think looks like jewelry and loves how "shiny" it is. lol I'll probably give her that one - it's way more her and not so much me. It also has a gorgeous Sheepsfoot blade which is less likely to bite her on the pointy end. Plus, her mother has already claimed the pink Native.

My daughter is a goofball as well. She does take her knife handling pretty seriously though, I just have to occasionally remind her to slow down and that safe is much more important than speed the DM is already hers, ownership transferred the second she figured out how to push the sheath off with her thumb

 

[norcalAF]

And yes she is on a stool, I would be concerned about her heritage if she was that tall at 6YO

 

[Drop bear]

Having a think. On the cheaper side. The strongarm camp?

 

[Ironbut]

I'd go with a Buck 119. My son still has, and uses the one we bought him the first year he got his hunting license. That was about 40 years ago.

 

[donnord]

Fow what its worth. Boy Scouts of America does not allow fixed blades to be carried by scouts. At least that was the case when my son was in BSA 15 yrs ago.
So my vote would be an older Camillius scout knife, a SAK, or budget is not a concern a Terrain 365.

 

[Boattale]

8 is way too young for a 119 and really any fixed blade in my opinion. My First Opinel would be a far better choice. Stow your ego for a while and let the kid have a few years to learn how to use a knife. And then let him pick what he wants.

 

[DangerZone98]

8 is way too young for a 119 and really any fixed blade in my opinion. My First Opinel would be a far better choice. Stow your ego for a while and let the kid have a few years to learn how to use a knife. And then let him pick what he wants.

I could definitely be wrong, but wouldn’t a fixed blade be better than any folding knife? Folding knife means moving parts = more fiddling with the blade part = uncoordinated child hands = whoopsy daisy, my thumb is covered in red liquid thingy.

The 119 is definitely huge for any small kid. A smaller fixed blade would be more ideal.

 

[spict]

No matter the brand, for a first knife I'd go with something the boy feels and knows at all times. A good and proper fixed to respect and trust. Not to be mistaken for a pack of gum or keys.

I was that boy once and also didn't get the "fancy and biggest". Therefore my posts (all of) on here.

 

[Ruger 44 Redhawk]

So, still been searching for a first knife for my son for a b-day present. Thanks for all of the good advice given by everyone. However, I did happen to find a new Ontario 499 that I purchased about ten years ago and forgot about. Just found in the bottom of a drawer. Hasn't been used once and is dated 3-11 on the pommel. I might just give that to him. It's got a good guard for finger protection and the handle is small enough for his hands and it's 1095 (I think). It is sharp out of the box and I can treat the stacked leather with mineral oil and beeswax. Since I have it and it's not being used, I figure why not. That is one that will last a long time until he decides to get something better or more modern.

 

[norcalAF]

So, still been searching for a first knife for my son for a b-day present. Thanks for all of the good advice given by everyone. However, I did happen to find a new Ontario 499 that I purchased about ten years ago and forgot about. Just found in the bottom of a drawer. Hasn't been used once and is dated 3-11 on the pommel. I might just give that to him. It's got a good guard for finger protection and the handle is small enough for his hands and it's 1095 (I think). It is sharp out of the box and I can treat the stacked leather with mineral oil and beeswax. Since I have it and it's not being used, I figure why not. That is one that will last a long time until he decides to get something better or more modern.

Great username! Love my .44 Redhawks! Awesome idea to give him one you already own, it will mean more to him if he gets Dad's knife. I've already been showing my daughter all the knives that will be hers eventually

 

[Plainsman]

So, still been searching for a first knife for my son for a b-day present. Thanks for all of the good advice given by everyone. However, I did happen to find a new Ontario 499 that I purchased about ten years ago and forgot about. Just found in the bottom of a drawer. Hasn't been used once and is dated 3-11 on the pommel. I might just give that to him. It's got a good guard for finger protection and the handle is small enough for his hands and it's 1095 (I think). It is sharp out of the box and I can treat the stacked leather with mineral oil and beeswax. Since I have it and it's not being used, I figure why not. That is one that will last a long time until he decides to get something better or more modern.

Id still get him a “pocket knife” i.e. folder like an SAK, stockman, etc.
He will get more ‘regular’ use out of the pocket knife than the sheath knife.
Good luck!

 

[Boattale]

I could definitely be wrong, but wouldn’t a fixed blade be better than any folding knife? Folding knife means moving parts = more fiddling with the blade part = uncoordinated child hands = whoopsy daisy, my thumb is covered in red liquid thingy.

The 119 is definitely huge for any small kid. A smaller fixed blade would be more ideal.

No. Cub scout knives are folders. Fixies are a no go.