Ideal age for first pocket knife?

K

knifedaddy84

Joined
Oct 8, 2002
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Remember your first knife? Mine was a Swiss Army style scout knife that I got in grade school. These days what knife is appropriate for a child's first, and at what age would you give it?
 
knowing myself i would say 10, do you know my brother cut his thumb open with a dull butter knife? it was funny as heck:rolleyes:
 
I think a swiss army knife for a first knife is good, they just have that look and feel, a great first knife, Id say anywhere around 9 or 10, Just depends on the kid, If they are a boy or cub scout a little eariler, all depends on how safe they can be with it.
 
Either Buck 425, or Buck 525 Executive I think would be great choices the sping is very soft but keeps it closed, the 2" blade is great. Even makes for a great user carry knife.:)

My first knife was a SAK when I was 8.
 
Originally posted by crosman177
Either Buck 425, or Buck 525 Executive I think would be great choices the sping is very soft but keeps it closed, the 2" blade is great. Even makes for a great user carry knife.:)

My first knife was a SAK when I was 8.
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I got a Cub Scout knife at 8 and had no real problems. It depends on the kid. He needs to be responsible and know how to use it safely. For a folder, you will need one of good quality. Don't get a POS knife for a kid, it would be more dangerous. A Victorinox or Wenger would be good unless he is a Scout and wants a Scout knife. Don't spend too much until the kid learns not to loose them.
 
About 2 months ago I gave my 6 yr old his first knife. Nothin fancy just a little gas station cheapy with almost no edge. It's one of those 1.99 keychin lock blades. So far he hasn't lost it, in fact he keeps it in the kitchen drawer and asks when he wants to take it out to use it. Although I wouldn't say this is a good age for all kids, mine has grown up with alot of adults and therefore is more responsible and more trustworthy then most kids his same age. Unless of course we're talking potato chips but that another story. I think it all depends on the child, the area, and the type of friends that are around.
 
I would go along with it depends on the kid. I wouldn't give a knife as a gift to someone else’s kid unless I was given permission by the parents first and I personally knew the kid and could make a judgment call on his maturity.
I personally grew up in Idaho and I had a pocketknife about the same time my pants started having pockets. I can’t remember an exact age, but it was the standard 3 bladed Boy Scout knife. But It was a different time and living on a farm and seeing knives used daily and being taught about them daily before I ever touched one, instilled a lot of respect for the knife that I don’t think most kids get today.
 
Just thought about my first knife, I was 7-8 I guess and my friends dad gave my friend and I each a two blade folder (case)? Probably a trapper I don't remember. Kept it all winter with no problems, then in the spring I was at my grandparents farm and saw a rabbit, Tried to throw it at the rabbit. I looked for hours and never did find that knife. So on a small farm in rural Minnesota theres an old case knife laying on a field road or right at the edge of the field with the clip point open. If anyone finds it, it's mine please return it.
LOL
Of course that was 19 years ago so i'm not sure if I want it back.
 
I was ten when I got my first knife, a Swiss Army. I will never forget that knife. My Grandmother made me pay her a penny for it. I am a little uncertain of the background of this tradition.
 
The Inuit Eskimos literally start their kids on the ability to use a small, sharp knife by the time they could walk.

I think it depends on how much the parent or guardian can instill the right skills in the child. There is no such thing as a safe knife. Only children taught safety well.

I saw something called My First SAK on the Victorinox site. It's a basic one with a knife with a blunt tip, the can opener / bottle opener / screwdriver tool, and toothpick / tweezers combo. It's meant for kids. Very cute and even appropriate for those people who are wary of using knives.

:D
 
I'd say 7. I still have scars on my hands from those formative knife years, though :D
 
My Bday gift for my 5th was a knife. My grandfather had lots of little ones laying around, and he gave both me and my sister one on my 5th bday(so she didn't need to take mine, smart guy).

Sheffield slip joint, I asked on this forum after giving stats and was told it was made in the early 50s... only worth like $5 back when I got it, but it's still surviving and the value is up there.

My grandfather taught me sharpening when it got dull(he helped me the first time, and after that I was on my own), and didn't panic when I cut myself a few times. I only got to use it at my grandparents house, until my 6th bday, then I was free to enjoy it anytime I wanted.

I am the youngest of the grandchildren, so I had lots of older rolemodels to learn responibility from, and I'm still very mature for my age.

I'm only 18, and the people at work were guessing my age at 23-25...
 
I was 7 or 8 when my grandma gave me an inexpencive 2 blade pocket knife that she picked up while on vacation. It's still in my collection nearly 30 years later.
 
Rev. Pete,

There is a superstition that says if you give someone a knife, it "severs" the relationship between the two of you. So you must pay some nominal amount, usually a coin, for it, thus you're not really "giving" it. Your grandma let you off easy with a penny. :) But any amount works. I follow this superstition myself. It's kind of fun and when the gift recipient understands why they have to give you a coin for their new knife, they seem to enjoy being a part of it too. :cool:

Johnny
 
Gave my oldest a small lock back when he was ten. My five year old felt bad so I gave him one too. But, the young one has to keep his in my safe.

Both kids have a few knives now and really seem to enjoy my knives. I try to explain the differences to them and what makes a quality knife. I'm sure they will both keep an interest in our hobby. This will also help them appreciate the value of my collection when I'm gone.

Alex
 
Ten sounds about right. At least I'm giving my grandson a Spydie PE CoPilot for his 10th birthday in a few months, with his mother's approval, of course. (Can't say I didn't raise my daughter right!)
 
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