How-to size up a kid for his first fixed blade knife?

Stormstaff

Stormstaff

Joined
Dec 14, 2007
Messages
1,918
I know when a knife feels good in my hand but what do you suggest to get something the right size for my son?

Thanks!!
 
My 8 yr old is avg sized, and a Mora fits him nicely. Important not to get a handle that is too big for his hands to get a good grip on, and a blade too long to be easy to controll...
 
Well, one thing you could do is go to a store with a good-sized variety of knives, and let him hold a few. Try a few that are obviously too big, so he grasps that there is such a thing as "too big of a knife", and try a few others so he gets that there's a difference, and kinda see where he lands on comfort and dexterity.

When my son was about the same age, we did that, and (aiming for modest prices and traditional styles for his first knives) ended up with a Buck Woodsman 102 (small fixed blade) and a Buck Knight 505 (folder). Both fit his hand fine, and are easy for me to use, too. I bought the 102 from somebody on these fora, actually.

The next time we shot a deer, we used his folder for the whole process, to show him that a small knife is perfectly capable of all of that. Cleaning fish and whittling, too.

Pine
 
Awesome. Son's first fixed blade :thumbup:

I recommend checking out the Grohmann line. They have interesting handle ergonomics. Even the larger blades aren't consistently thick at any point, and the smaller ones (especially the no. 1 and no.2) strike me as being good for smaller hands. If I had to make a suggestion, I would say go with the Grohmann No. 2 'bird and trout', in carbon steel. Also, they are available in kit form (kit = completely finished blade, pre-shaped handle slabs, rivets, and some sandpaper for final shaping), which is cheaper and could be a great father-son project.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Go somewhere like Gander Mtn,Bass Pro, or Cabelas. You don`t have to buy one there, but they have a good variety to hold. I would suggest something like a Buck 102 Woodsman.
 
I think the RC3 handle is too small...just my opinion...it is a great blade that might just fit your son's mit.
 
#1 on the Izula, my 8 yr. old daughter just got hers, perfect size. She's also got a Buck 105.Good size too.
RatPack #102
 
I try to work with more 'tubular' handles for the kid sized knives. keep them not too broad and no too wide at the top and bottom. You get more growing room and better early safety that way, I think.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top