Hi all. I am new to the forum.

B

Beth Forsythe

Joined
Nov 5, 2014
Messages
2
I joined the forum to help my husband and son with their pocket knife collecting. Our little boy Matthew is 6 and really enjoys learning about his collection. Their latest addition is a case xx barlow. My husband says he thinks it is pretty old. There appears to be an engraving on the blade. The guy he bought it from said it was the state of TN. Anyway, you guys have any advice on collecting for a 6yr old. What should we be on the lookout for or stay away from?
 
Welcome to BF. Good for you to help your family in such a way. The question on this particular knife would best be asked in the Traditional forum, as that is where the barlow classifies. Pictures are always helpful in making identifications.

More knowledgeable members will chime in with what to stay away from. Have fun.
 
Welcome! This place is a wealth of knowledge. I'm not into traditional myself, but I'm sure that someone will help you out. Enjoy!
 
The Traditionals forum, or maybe over in Bernard Levine's forum. They do knife ID there.

As for what I'd keep a six year old boy from collecting? Maybe automatics and machetes. Or anything really expensive. So, if I had a boy that age, definitely no Sebenzas! :)

Welcome to the forums!
 
My first knife was a Victorinox SAK when I was six years old, a gift from my great uncle. When I was 8, my father gave me a single blade case lockback, 3" blade if I remember correctly. They are somewhere at his house. I didn't get into modern folders until I was 18. I'd stick to SAK's and traditionals for now, maybe when he's a few years older introduce him to something like the Spyderco Dragonfly.
 
Welcome Beth. My advice to you is to always buy quality rather than save a buck or two on a cheap knife. You don't have to spend $500 on every knife, just know that there is going to be a difference between a Chinese made Gerber and an American made Buck in terms of quality and how long it will last. I wish I'd known that starting off, I'd have saved a lot of money buying quality first.
 
Welcome, Beth. This.^
Get a Sodbuster asap and... you do need a CQC7.
rolf
 
I'd suggest posting something similar in traditionals, they're pretty welcoming. Some of those guys have collections like you wouldn't believe, and the knowledge to go with it.

I'd also suggest checking out Great Eastern Cutlery.
 
welcome to the forum. Here is a chart that might help with the approximate date of your sons knife. With detailed pictures, the guys in the traditional forum can help you pin down a more accurate date of manufacture.
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Welcome to the forums Beth! I received my first knife at about age 6 from my grandpa, Victorinox SAK, and it has spawned a love of all things sharp. For a 6 year old, I'd stay away from super expensive blades that he may misplace, I'd say when he turns 10 or 12 get him an expensive blade. I'd say stay with about a $80-$100 cap on knives, but that's just me
 
I agree with Tyrone...you'd be amazed at what an $80.- $100. cap can buy. Have father and son both, pull up some of the retail websites and drool. They can research their next purchase and discard a lot of others stuff. Some well respected companies use Chinese manufacturing facilities, so to say stay away from "Chinese junk" is too much of a blanket statement. I would say though, and I think a lot of more senior members will agree, stay away from the popular internet "auction" site(s). You will get ripped off. Good luck and enjoy!
 
Well I have to say this is a first! Welcome to the forum! I remember as a 6-year-old I primarily collected whatever I could scrape up the money to buy at the flea market. When you're this young, buying expensive knives may not be the wisest idea. Maybe one nice one. I wouldn't collect anything costing more than $100, and he can get a lot of collectible Buck or Case traditional knives for $20-$40 easily. If you would like a very nice traditional knife, Canal Street Cutlery, Great Eastern Cutlery, or Queen also offer extremely well-made traditional folding knives for under $100.
 
I would let your son choose the kinds of knives that appeal to him. My first better knife was a Case Barlow and I'll never forget the pride I had carrying that knife around when I was out tromping around in the woods. Everything is a collection at that age if it is more than one knife. He should have a lot of fun if his interest holds. If you want to purchase more expensive stuff and maybe just put aside for him, I would look at some good quality knives; Case, Queen, Great Eastern Cutlery, Canal Street Cutlery as far as traditional knives go. Never hurts to pick up a Victorinox swiss army knife. They are serious cool for kids. Take a look at some of the threads (in the traditional forum) on the Charlow barlows.... very cool knives and will always be a good to great knife.
 
Welcome, Beth. When your boy is a bit older, you may want to check out the #15 pattern "Boys Knife" by GEC (Great Eastern Cutlery) - any boy would love to have this little beauty!







It also comes in many handle materials and colors to suit your tastes.
 
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Welcome Beth! And I think it's great that you care enough about your "two boys'" interest in knife collecting to actually take the time to join a knife forum. My first folders when I was about 6 were also a traditional style, and Victorinox SAK (Swiss Army Knife). Got both from my parents but lost them both. As others have stated, stick with less expensive knives for now until your son is a little older, and has proven himself responsible enough to own something more expensive. I'm partial to the SAKs (both Victorinox and the now defunct Wenger brands) because they offer so much utility besides just the knife blade.
 
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