Folder for 10 year old

K

KFU

Part Time Knifemaker, Moderator
Joined
Sep 10, 2007
Messages
4,255
Hey folks, I am looking to get some recommendations for a folder for my 10 year old. He is quite proficient with a knife as Ive made him a few fixed blades over the years. He really wants a folder, and since I don't make them yet, am looking for one. Im not a huge folder guy but I do own quite a few Spydercos and a couple Emersons. They are all too big for his hands. I was thinking a Kershaw Leek or mini griptilian might be the best bet. The only requirements are lightweight, good lock, and something smaller.
 
the leek is nice but the tip is very thin and Im sure kids being kids it isn't overly hard to break it off. I would recommend a dragonfly2, skyline, mini grip with sheepsfoot blade. the dragonfly although small has a very fulfilling feel to it even in larger hands it also comes in some great steel choices VG-10 one of my favorites overall and the ZDP189 is also a great choice.
 
You should clearly get him a Cold Steel Espada XL. Obviously the best choice there is for a child's first folding knife. :thumbup:

Okay, serious answer, try an Opinel. It's simple, it's classy, it won't scare grannies, it's got a good lock, cheap and does the job. I would recommend getting him a carbon steel Opinel to teach your boy about proper knife maintenance.
 
What im gonna throw out here is something both cheap (in case lost) and extremely easy to sharpen. The first being any Opinel can be had for around 10 bucks. The second would be a Spyderco Byrd Robin for around 30 I believe.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys. He has an Opinel and a SAK. He is wanting something with a pocket clip
 
My first knife was some sort of boy scout lockback. No idea who made it. My grandfather got it for me from the trading post at scout camp. I think it might've been a Camillus? Either way, that one lasted me a good long while.
 
Last edited:
My first two real folders were Kershaws. A blur and a leek. If you can find one, a kershaw packrat would be my suggestion. I have an orange packrat and its great.
 
Last edited:
Spyderco also makes a number of smaller offerings that are pretty solid. I've got a dragonfly in zdp-189 that's a fantastic little folder (though a bit too little for my sizable paws lol)
 
Spyderco dragonfly has a nice thin profile that I think would fit great in little hands. Lots of different colors available too.
 
What style lock?

I've always preferred liner/frame but if you want his fingers to stay out of the way of a closing blade then the Axis (mini Griptilian etc) or small spyderco with a back lock or even compression lock would make sense.
 
Don't get assisted folders like the Leek. Not sure about your kid, but he might not have the motor control skills to handle assisteds, especially if he has small hands. Maybe save them for when he's 12-13.
 
Good point on the lock. That's what I was thinking when I thought the mini grip might work out good.
 
I bought my daughter a dragonfly 2 for her 10th birthday. I think the mini grip would be a great 1st folder too!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top