First Pocket Knives for my boys? Suggestions?

SAK!!!!!!!

1. Excellent quality.
2. Red or StayGlow handles, easy to find if dropped.
3. The "extra" tools above having a knife blade...name me a boy that doesn't like to take stuff apart! (that might be a reason not to give them one :D )
4. Affordable if they do lose it, it's not a huge investment, and also cheap enough to get them each one without breaking the bank! i.e. A Victorinox Tinker can be had new for $15.00 each, most anything else of decent quality is gonna be at least double.
5. They are just great knives.
6. "Sheeple" friendly, and if seen in the hands of a younger person by someone outside your family, THAT is a big plus!
 
Lots of great suggestions here. I gave my daughter, and then son, when they were about 7, Swiss Army Knives in their favorite colors. The Classic, that is. Great knife, sharp to cut, needs careful handling, easy to replace when lost. My daughter is driving now, and hers is on her keychain.

Case in a classic pattern would also be a standard classic, and would resonate with the "pass it down" mentality of getting your grandfather's knife.
Also won't break the bank if lost. Antique stag bone is my favorite.

Giving vs. earning--good arguments on each side, and if done properly, the youngsters are likely to remember the occasion regardless of how it is done, as we have seen from the above posts.

Let us know what you pick up at the Reno show! :thumbup:
 
Try to get them something they'll cherish their whole life. When I was eight and we were vacationing in the Adirondacks, my father decided it was time for me to own my first knife. We went to the local gift shop/hardware store/general store where they had the ubiquitous (back in those days in NY) Schrade and Old Timer display case. He bought me an Old Timer 3-1/4" jack. I used (and abused - I still can't get all of the sand grains out of it from the many times I dropped it in the sand) that knife hard. It served me well in the Boy Scouts (it outlasted my lockback and do-it-all SAK phases) and in later life. I lost it a few years back and just recently recovered it.

Anyway, to make a short story long, get them a nice traditional pattern (link to the past) in carbon steel (so it ages with them - and they can learn how to take care of it). I'd recommend a pattern where the blades aren't on opposing sides of the knife (i.e., choose jack over pen - less likely to be tempted to pull out both blades into a "ninjitsu fist of death"). Something like a Case mini trapper or peanut in yellow plastic.
 
SAK definitely!
Maybe this one- "my first Victorinox" Available under 15$ on Ebay.
http://www.victorinox.ch/index.cfm?page=207&lang=E
It has A Blunt nosed but sharp blade, Canopener/Bottleopener,woodsaw, toothpick and tweezers. plus a sturdy neck lanyard and a chain pocket lanyard included.
If not that one then a Vic Alox Cadet (I or II) or a Recruit.
In 91 mm an Alox Pioneer or Farmer or a Celidor Compact or Huntsman.
Any of the above will provide a lifetime of service.
 
Thanks for sharing that great story, James. In case you don't follow the Schrade Collectors forum section, here is the set of Prince Albert Old Timer knives that was on display at the Schrade factory:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/Bobthearch/knives/UlsterOldTimers2.jpg

My first knife was an Old Timer from my grandfather too, a 34OT in the old wood grain box.

Back on topic: I haven't read any poor suggestions yet, but would like to add one thing. Since there are two boys, I recommend ~not~ getting the exact same knife for both.
 
sh00ter01 said:
I’d recommend having them do small jobs around the house and paying them a little for each task. ... I feel that to many children (and teens) these days are just given thing and have no respect for what they have.
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Excellent point!
 
Bob W said:
Thanks for sharing that great story, James. In case you don't follow the Schrade Collectors forum section, here is the set of Prince Albert Old Timer knives that was on display at the Schrade factory:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v287/Bobthearch/knives/UlsterOldTimers2.jpg

My first knife was an Old Timer from my grandfather too, a 34OT in the old wood grain box.

Back on topic: I haven't read any poor suggestions yet, but would like to add one thing. Since there are two boys, I recommend ~not~ getting the exact same knife for both.
Click to expand...


They must have had several differant offers, because I remember the amount and that the tobacco tin did not have the offer on the front just a picture of Prince Albert in an ovel and red background on the front and the offer was used as a liner in the tin. I wish I had keep the tin and one of the offer papers. I'll never forget my Grandmother saying "A watched pot never boils." and my Granddad saying "It's a waste of breath."
 
They must have had several differant offers, because I remember the amount and that the tobacco tin did not have the offer on the front just a picture of Prince Albert in an ovel and red background on the front and the offer was used as a liner in the tin.
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I've seen two different Old Timer - Prince Albert tins, and there could have been more. The tin in the photo does still have the coupon inside, and it's even still full of tobacco!
 
Bob W said:
I've seen two different Old Timer - Prince Albert tins, and there could have been more. The tin in the photo does still have the coupon inside, and it's even still full of tobacco!
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This would have been 1966, bet that tobacco is well aged by now. Hey that's what my wife says about me, but I think she means it in a differant context.:D
 
Back before 2004 when Schrade Walden was was making knives in the US, this would have been a simple question you bought a 340T. I've told hundreds of people to buy a 340T and never seen any of them unhappy. just keep in mind young people lose things, so I would not spend to much money. I think buying your kids pocket knives is a great idea and if they get cut a few times all the better! getting cut is a part of life and builds character!
 
Bob W said:
Here is the Collectors-of-Schrades website. Scroll down a bit and there are two different articles about the Prince Albert offers. Great reading. :thumbup:

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/
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Thanks Bob W, was very interesting, but it has left me with the question of why I only sent in .99 cents, maybe there is more to this story then even I was let in on. Will have to call my mother tonight and find out what she knows. The funny part of this all is Pop only used Bugle Brand of tobacco, Mr. Allen was the one who used Prince Albert, he was the school superintendent. My Grandfather worked as an environmental engineer (janitor) after arthritis stopped him from riding a horse, we were all raised on a ranch in west Texas. He was the janitor for the High and Junior High school both the same building, very small town. This gave him and me a chance to see and talk to each other on a daily basis, not to mention that his house was less than a mile from school and we would walk home together for lunch. He was always a mentor and there for me though those trying years of adolescence, he always had a chair, stick, knife and an ear to listen. I was truly blessed by all of this. He was highly respected in the community and on more than one occasion I was told that if I grew to be half the man my Grandfather was I’d be a great man. I hope in some small way I have achieved this lofty goal. I go back to that small town twice a year. For my mothers birthday and Christmas and every time I visit his grave to pay my respects, but mostly to thank him for everything he did for me, that little impatient five year old boy, waiting on a knife.

Thanks Pop (J.T. Gibson), I wish only to sit on your porch and whittle again and tell you how it all turned out. Pet Tip for me, best dog we ever had even if he did'nt like Grandma, Scooter's the same way.
 
Geez, thanks for that. Its printed for future review. I will keep you posted. Thank you.
 
Culpeppj: Thanks for the story, that is an amazing memory to have. I have one question though. What happened to the knife you ordered? Or was the post man in on it too, and just never sent in your envelope? Did you see the add on the prince albert container or were you told about it by someone?

Sheaman: "lasting quality"? A Case in CV and a natural handle material(stag, bone, wood) will be something they would be able to pass on to there grandchildren, if there responsible and able to keep from losing them.
 
stingray4540 said:
Culpeppj: Thanks for the story, that is an amazing memory to have. I have one question though. What happened to the knife you ordered? Or was the post man in on it too, and just never sent in your envelope? Did you see the add on the prince albert container or were you told about it by someone?
Click to expand...

After a lenghty conversation with my mother she had very little insight into what really happened, she did explain that my Grandfather and the Post master were fishing buddies along with Mr. Allen.
I never asked what happen to the other knife as it had been many years till I was told about him ordering one prior.
My Grandfather was the one who told me of the offer from Prince Albert and he allready had the proofs of purchase.
 
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