How old for a bushcrafting knife?

[koyote]

Well, my son just turned six and has had one for well over a year.

someone else here has a pair of children about to get some, too:

shortfinger style- 2 inch blade range with one having a convex taper to a final V grind edge and the other a traditional saber grind to a V edge. Edges not put on yet

You'll notice the tips no being done, I'll hand sand and file the spine to make the tips work with a straight spine after everything else is done- it helps keep from burning steel earlier in the game.

 

[perksy]

Age would depend on the person. I had a rough bush knife my Grandpa made me when I was 3 and a pocket knife at 5. I also know some adults I wouldn't give a knife to..

 

[coaldigger]

I know a set of Twins who are going to be very excited !!!!

[/IMG]
Thanks again Koyote :thumbup:

 

[raylaconico]

I want to give knives to some kids but have never been able to. Everytime I ask the moms if their son can have a knife, they always freak out and tell me that it's too dangerous. Just last week, I wanted to give a folder to my 19 year old nephew and his mom said he didn't need a weapon.

 

[coaldigger]

I want to give knives to some kids but have never been able to. Everytime I ask the moms if their son can have a knife, they always freak out and tell me that it's too dangerous. Just last week, I wanted to give a folder to my 19 year old nephew and his mom said he didn't need a weapon.

I grew up with a knife on my belt & in my pocket ! I've been working w/ the twins on knife safety & I let them (under close supervision & instruction) whittle on sticks w/ my Mora Clipper or Breeden HLK. The Twins Love knives !
I also buy my Nephew a pocket knife every year for his Birthday.
Hay..anytime you got a blade to giveaway to a child I'll never say No The only thing is I need double of everything

 

[koyote]

Leif had his first 1/16 inch thick, 7/8 inch broad, 40 degree bevel, round nose chef's knife at 3. He now has a round nose sharper one (11 degrees each side) and is fine- he has a field knife and a ncekr that I gave him just before he turned 5. Mostly he cuts cardboard, tape, or food with them.

He's 6 now and also has the leatherman Riley sent over- dude, that Wave is a workshop in a pocket for a kid. He makes everything from spears to robots with that thing.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

IMO, the right age for a child to have a knife is as soon as they are ready.

Two factors are involved.
1.) You. Have you trained them in knife use and how to do so responsibly?
2.) The child. Some will be mature enough at 3, some shouldn't be given anything sharp when they are 63.

He's 6 now and also has the leatherman Riley sent over- dude, that Wave is a workshop in a pocket for a kid. He makes everything from spears to robots with that thing.

LOL, I would have been an unholy terror at 6 with a multitool.

What am I saying? i WAS and unholy terror -- I just carried a little toolbox around with all the individual tools in it, making "engineering improvements" to just about everything I could find.