Help me select a good first folder!!!

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bushman14

Joined
Nov 4, 2006
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Hello, gents. I need your help. My son is ready for his first knife. He has his mind set on a Case Seahorse Whittler. I want to find something of good quality that is similar in arrangement, most notably having a wharncliffe blade, but not so expensive. First knives have a habit of getting lost or abused, not to mention the damage from learning hone, so I don't want to spend quite this much money for such a knife. Some where less than $40, ideally.

The market for a traditional pocket folder is so huge I am finding it daunting to sift through what I can find and weed out a quality knife. Anybody have an idea where I can find what I'm looking for?

(p.s. I am assuming that damascus in this price range is not of good quality…?)
 
While not a wharncliffe blade, I’d suggest something like a Victorinox Alox Pioneer. Nice slim package with extra tools that every kid (and adult) would use. Stainless steel blades and aluminum scales make these knives almost indestructible for a kid. They can get wet, they’re easy to clean, easy to sharpen, easy to carry and look great too since you can find multiple colors.
 
bushman14 said:
Hello, gents. I need your help. My son is ready for his first knife. He has his mind set on a Case Seahorse Whittler. I want to find something of good quality that is similar in arrangement, most notably having a wharncliffe blade, but not so expensive. First knives have a habit of getting lost or abused, not to mention the damage from learning hone, so I don't want to spend quite this much money for such a knife. Some where less than $40, ideally.

The market for a traditional pocket folder is so huge I am finding it daunting to sift through what I can find and weed out a quality knife. Anybody have an idea where I can find what I'm looking for?

(p.s. I am assuming that damascus in this price range is not of good quality…?)
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Check out Rough Rider knives. They are traditional pattern knives made jn China but rhe quality is top notch. I would highly recommend them for a first knife.

I don’t believe they have a seahorse pattern but they do have a wide catalogue.
 
Thanks for the reply! I can't help but keep looking at that knife too. I think if all else fails I may go the pioneer or farmer route, as I trust that one from first hand experience and if he doesn't lose it, it will serve him for life.
 
I always get irritated when people suggest something priced higher than the original poster's upper price limit but in this case I'm going to be my own hypocrite.

I would go ahead and get him the Seahorse Whittler if that's what he wants. The Case 22511 2355 Seahorse Whittler can be had right now for only $9.99 more than your upper limit. He will love it and you will be the hero of the day.

EDIT: Sorry, I typed the item number the first time. I meant to type the pattern number which is 2355.
 
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Railsplitter said:
I always get irritated when people suggest something priced higher than the original poster's upper price limit but in this case I'm going to be my own hypocrite.

I would go ahead and get him the Seahorse Whittler if that's what he wants. The Case 22511 2355 Seahorse Whittler can be had right now for only $9.99 more than your upper limit. He will love it and you will be the hero of the day.

EDIT: Sorry, I typed the item number the first time. I meant to type the pattern number which is 2355.
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I second this, because I don't really know of another knife you're going to get in that price range with those blades, especially whittler. Maybe Rough Rider has one. But what I would do is get him that knife, and then get him a cheap five or $10 knife so he can practice sharpening on that. I'm 32 years old, and I still have the very first pocket knife that I was given from my dad when I was seven. And I know a 5 year old who keeps up with his knives pretty well. So it can be done... And if the seahorse is his dream knife, then it will mean a lot to him. Maybe check eBay or aapk for deals on one. Also, some cover materials are lower proceed than others.
 
I will add my vote for the 2355WH. I have the 6355WH in smooth chestnut bone and am making a serious effort to learn some whittling skills with it. It is a great knife and a really unique and eye-catching pattern. As stated above, if you go with the synthetic instead of the bone it is not too much outside your price range. The size may be a deterrent to losing it (it's big but not too big and feels great in the hand), and if you give him a knife that he really wants he may just be a little bit more careful with it (as far as risking loss).
 
We are here to help! Another vote for the Case and a cheap knife to practice sharpening. My first knife was a SAK camper, and I had it up until I lost it moving during college.
 
Misthailin said:
Get the boy the $50.00 knife!
If he chose it, trying to substitute will only get you in trouble dad!
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Very good advice! Probably costs way less than any electronic goods on the wish list as well. The seahorse whittler is large enough to be fairly memorable in the pocket. I have only ever lost smaller flatter patterns. Just sayin'.
 
My grandfather gave me my first knife (Swiss army knife) when I was six and it was my only knife for many years. I didn't even sharpen it for the first year or so. I always brought it with me when we visited during the holidays. I was 7 or 8 when he helped me sharpen it for the first time. I did end up losing it but not until after my final year of college during a move. Those many years of good memories and experiences sparked my interest in traditional knives. I even found that same pattern and vintage on Ebay to replace the one that was lost. I hope your son finds the same enjoyment.
 
I'm voting yes for the seahorse also. I had a couple of these and they are a real good knife especially for the amount they cost.
 
bushman14 said:
Dang it, guys! You are not letting my inner cheap-ass have the day. I really knew I should do the Case, but just thinking too deep about it. Maybe I'll get the ALOX Pioneer for myself…I miss mine.

Thanks for all the replies!
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I have spent a lot of $ buying knives that were similar to the knife I really wanted, which cost more than I wanted spend. The alternatives a never capable of satisfying the “want” for the one you really desire.
 
LastRodeo said:
I have spent a lot of $ buying knives that were similar to the knife I really wanted, which cost more than I wanted spend. The alternatives a never capable of satisfying the “want” for the one you really desire.
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I don't want to be the one telling the OP to go over his price limit, but this has been my experience as well. I've spent a lot of money not buying the knife I really wanted and trying to find a good substitute. It would have saved me money in the long run if I had just bought it.
 
popedandy said:
I've spent a lot of money not buying the knife I really wanted and trying to find a good substitute. It would have saved me money in the long run if I had just bought it.
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Absolutely correct. A good early life lesson as well. Since nothing satisfies like satisfaction, one generally purchases what one originally desired as well as the interim substitutes. Save up a little bit and buy what you really want in the first place. Money well saved is money well spent.
 
Thing is, Wharncliffe bladed knives are not over common and they are not going to be on the cheaper side either. RR as far as I know, don't make a Wharncliffe knife so they're out, nor do SAK. The CASE actually represents quality value, many, many handle options for him to choose from, the stainless blades are good enough for pocket carry, easy to sharpen and won't corrode, plus points for a younger owner. If it's what his heart is set on and you give from the heart then I'm certain he'll take extra care with it as well. I had one and I would have sent it to you but I sent it to Big Biscuit's memorial fund, it was a Smooth Chestnut Bone and was well finished indeed.

You could try the CASE Mini Copperhead with Wharncliffe blade but it's a very small knife, young lad might not be so keen on it....
 
If nothing else, go to one of the major Case retailers, platinum level I think, try typing in Wharncliffe, and see what comes up. Many will have slightly older models that they would like to get off their shelves at a lower price point. You can find the bigger dealers by going to Case’s own site, where they have a list of their retailers, and probably links to their sites. eBay is an option, but for Case, you might get a better price from the dealers.(Although I could certainly be wrong ;)). Usually the yellow Delrin and Amber Stag bone models are the lowest price, and the bone can be dyed as well, with RIT Dye. Good luck! Oh, don’t forget the exchange either, deals can be had. One last thought, although it’s not a Wharnie, the Blue Cub Scout knives (older models especially) can be found very reasonably on the ‘bay. They’ll have a bail, which means you can literally tie the knife to your son(well, his jeans or whatever,lol).
Thanks, Neal
 
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