Folder for daughter...

ROCK6

ROCK6

Joined
Feb 8, 2004
Messages
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Alright, I've been away from the knife discussions for awhile. My daughter turns 10 in June, and is really getting into camping/hiking. My wife is the Girl Scout Troop Leader, and has already done one Troop camping trip. This last weekend on our family camping trip, she used my old Benchmade Stryker for carving and general camp chores. Now she really wants her own folder.

I was already planning on getting one of the Swiss Army locking blade folders, but also thought about a dedicated-blade folder. I was looking at some of CRKT's offerings, as the locking mechanism is important. I also don't want to fork out $$ for another Sebenza...I'd like to keep her first one around $50.00. Of course she'd like "pink", but we've already discussed the importance of quality construction, sound locking mechanism and even blade composition instead of cosmetics. I was looking at the CRKT M16 (small version, spear-point blade), and she liked the 'red' Firemans' version. Any other recommendations for a 10-year old girl? Thanks,

ROCK6
 
I'd suggest a Vic Delux Tinker. Your daughter seems very active in outdoor activities and the Dx Tinker has 2 blades and a good assortment of tools for small chores around home or camp. It runs about 30-32 most places.
 
Ps, dont worry about a locking blade, teach her proper knife handling.
 
If you are looking form something that is a single blade folder and not a SAK what about a Benchmade mini griptillian? Good knife, good lock and available in various colors. For overall versatility it is hard to beat a Swiss Army but for larger cutting chores a larger single blade folder may be preferable.
 
chris in mo said:
If you are looking for something that is a single blade folder and not a SAK what about a Benchmade mini griptillian? Good knife, good lock and available in various colors...
Click to expand...
EXACTLY! A Yellow or purple one would be perfect for her, and you also have a choice between dual thumb-studs (556), or "the hole" (555).
 
I would also recommend the Grip' but let me also throw in the FRN Delica. I've seen a couple of Delicas with pink handles.
 
there is a pink Jester going for $18 in the Sales By Individuals forum here by sixfeetdeep.. great person to do business with, and altho it might not be top choice for her knife, it is pink and could compliment her main blade nicely..

if you don't mind sharpening her blade yourself, you might take a look @ Queen knives.. they have some very affordable folders with D2 steel, definitely under $50.. i've heard they don't come with a completely satisfactory factory edge however, so you might have to work on it..

:footinmou but since it sounds like you only planned on purchasing one folder here, i'd have to agree with the six others who mentioned one of the colored-handle Mini-Griptillians.
 
Hey Rock, why not get your daughter online, show her a couple of product lines, and innocently ask her which one she prefers? Then you can use you best judgement from there. The problem is that it's hard to buy a knife for someone else - you usually get what YOU like, not what THEY like...
 
I go with the others on the mini-grip---theyb have purple! I had a M-16 zytel fold up on me once so I wouldnt be comfortable getting my own daughter one of those. I have a BM AFCK and the axis lock is great.

Maybe think about putting a utility edge on whatever you get her. Shaving sharp may not be ideal for a youngster ;) Of course a sharp knife is safer than a dull one but kids arent as mechanically steady as we are. As said above teach safe knife handling.

My daughter is 9 but I havnt started her on a blade yet (at least not turned her loose with one) shes still a little motor skill impaired :D maybe in a couple years. Shes learning to shoot however --with a beretta 21 in .22. so shes not totally deprived! ;)
 
So, what will she be having: blue, yellow, purple, or green? Hehe, I agree with everyone else. The Mini Griptilian is the perfect knife for her!
 
Thanks all for the input! Can't believe I overlooked the Mini-Grip...That's about the perfect size. She liked the different colors as well. Some good points about knife handling...but I still think a sharp blade is safer than a "utility" edge. I started her on a .22 Chipmunk when she was 7 and now she has a lightweight AR with a .22 caliber bolt conversion...she understands safety pretty well :D I do understand the development of motor skills, and that is one thing I plan to keep an eye on. It really looks like the mini-Griptilian will be the choice...if I can just get her to decide between the purple and neon yellow :D !

Last question...I'm leaning towards the modified drop point, for the majority of utility purposes, should I get the combo edge or not? I prefer plain edges, but I also carry a dedicated (Spydi Military) serrated-blade knife, just thinking the combo would be more utilitarian for her. BUT, I do know it would be easier to teach her sharpening on a plain-edge???? :confused: Thanks again for all the replies,

ROCK6
 
Cool,I have a 'solution' for your color delema..... Birthday and Christmas. If you're using a sharpmaker or lansky that is designed for serrations, problem solved.
 
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