Hunting knife recommendation for nephew

What size is the kid? Hand size will play a huge part in usability for him. As much as I love my 119, the Buck handles are a bit chunky for a small stature kid. I would lean more towards a Schrade Sharpfinger (USA made) or Mora. Maybe even an Opinel. Maybe take him along on a shopping trip to a local outdoor store and let him handle a few knives while you browse and see what he likes.
 
BearMGCHafter said:
What size is the kid? Hand size will play a huge part in usability for him. As much as I love my 119, the Buck handles are a bit chunky for a small stature kid. I would lean more towards a Schrade Sharpfinger (USA made) or Mora. Maybe even an Opinel. Maybe take him along on a shopping trip to a local outdoor store and let him handle a few knives while you browse and see what he likes.
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Good point on the size. The 119 has a very chunky handle, though it is a big knife. My Buck 102 has a small handle more suited for smaller tasks like rabbits and squirrels.
 
BearMGCHafter said:
What size is the kid? Hand size will play a huge part in usability for him. As much as I love my 119, the Buck handles are a bit chunky for a small stature kid. I would lean more towards a Schrade Sharpfinger (USA made) or Mora. Maybe even an Opinel. Maybe take him along on a shopping trip to a local outdoor store and let him handle a few knives while you browse and see what he likes.
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He's 5'3" and about 150lbs. I'm not too worried about getting something to big for his hand, but also dont plan on going crazy.


I'm leaning towards a buck 102 right now though. I think I'll keep an eye on the exchange over the next month and if nothing pops up I'll probably end up going that route
 
emtyhopper said:
I'm definitely not opposed to used and have started keeping an eye on the exchange.
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Good, I have a heck of a deal on a vanguard, as long as your nephew doesn't hate George Strait. I posted on your profile.
 
While the fixed blade seems like a good option, for a 12 year old a fixed blade sticks out like a big red flag. The Buck 110 has become iconic for a reason, more deer Hunter's started out with that blade and still carry it decades later because it works. It's easy to carry on your belt, stays out of the way, and doesn't attract unwanted attention. Oh yeah, it lasts forever too. If you think it's still too heavy you can try one of the slim models.

If a fixed blade is a definite, then the 102 or 105 is a great place to start for a 12 year old. Like the 110, he would likely still be using these blades when we have flying cars!
 
USMCPOP said:
Good point on the size. The 119 has a very chunky handle, though it is a big knife. My Buck 102 has a small handle more suited for smaller tasks like rabbits and squirrels.
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Honestly, I think the 119 is too big for a whitetail knife. It is one of those knives that catches your eye in a store and you buy it. But you discover it is bigger than you prefer for field chores. Since I used a Case jack knife for years as my only hunting knife, I know that you don't need a really big knife. Knives called "bird & trout" are just about perfect for whitetails regardless of your age.
 
bikerector said:
Costly words :D
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Can be. But I started with a simple Case jack knife.... It doesn't have to be expensive, just something that the nephew will feel is a "good knife". I gave my nephew a Frost folder for Christmas.... first thing out of his Dad's mouth... Ahhh, a Frost.;) His Dad is a knife knut. There is a lesson somewhere in that.
 
22-rimfire said:
Can be. But I started with a simple Case jack knife.... It doesn't have to be expensive, just something that the nephew will feel is a "good knife". I gave my nephew a Frost folder for Christmas.... first thing out of his Dad's mouth... Ahhh, a Frost.;) His Dad is a knife knut. There is a lesson somewhere in that.
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Yeah, let his father give him the expensive one...:p.
No, I don't really mean that and I gifted my nephew one from my collection of Fällkniven knives. A TK5:

TK5.jpg
It will last him a lifetime.

Regards
Mikael
 
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Got my little bro in law a Buck Small Selkirk last year and he loves it. He's about the same age as your nephew. Honestly for sub $50 it was a sweet little blade, I almost wanted to keep it... almost :)
 
I like my Buck Vanguard so much that I bought a custom sheath for it.
FUhT5s4.jpg
 
I agree with the Buck 110 or 102. Both are classic hunting knives. Another iconic hunting knife is the Schrade Sharp Finger. I have a few vintage models but I'm not a fan of the new ones made by Taylor. For the price they may offer reasonable performance but I prefer the older USA made knives. Bear & Son Upswept Skinner is extremely similar and still made in the USA.

https://www.bearandsoncutlery.com/i...oducts&srctype=detail&back=products&refno=989
 
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