Good learning knife for 7-10 yo

[ras]

What would be a good knife to learn about knives for a 7-10 yo? I'd like to start my nephews out right. My immediate thought is to buy them relatively inexpensive knives with good steel that they can use to learn basic care and learn to sharpen properly. Something like the Anza knives made from files -- fairly cheap but solid. They can learn all about rust too Having some experience and a track record, I can make a better decision regarding introducing them to a Randall Model 5-5 or 5-6 when they get a bit older. Any other thoughts?

 

[TAH]

Hi RAS,

That's a good question and one that I have often thought of as I have a 4 1/2 year old son. When he's ready, I think I am going to start him off with a Randall 7-5, leather handle, carbon steel model. Here are the three reasons. 1) I think it is a good size for a boy, but one he could use as an adult. 2) The expense doesn't bother me, because I plan on teaching him how to use and care for the knife right out of the gate. If he knows he has a knife of value then hopefully he will have a greater appreciation for it. 3) I feel it is a golden opportunity, on my part, to pick a boy's "first" knife that he will cherish, be proud of as an adult, and remind him of his childhood. To me, the first knife is the most important and the one that stories and memories are made of.

 

[ras]

Making the first knife very special is a good thought. With that in mind I may go straight to the model 26 or the 5-4, although the 7-5 is a nice alternative. My thought of starting with Anza first was because they aren't my kids and I'd like to ensure they don't have my bro's bad habits After I have a warm and fuzzy I can introduce them to RMK. The Anza'a are good knives but it won't both me too much if they're lost or destroyed.