Two interesting pocket folders aimed at the child market, Opinel's "Mon Premier Opinel" and Victorinox's "My First Victorinox". Both are simple, low priced pocketknives featuring blunt-tipped blades resembling butter knives, presumably to keep the kiddies from accidentally stabbing themselves or others.
The Opinel comes in this plastic package, all French text describing the features.
The knife is basically a no. 7 with the round tipped inox blade and ring lock.
Reasonable size, non-threatening appearance.
Red SAK appears normal when closed.
Rounded blade provides non-threatening appearance.
Minimalist tools: blade, caplifter/can opener, toothpick/tweezer. Basically a Bantam with a rounded blade.
I'm not sure what I think about giving kids a blunt-tipped knife, but these knives are interesting if for no other reason than their marketing strategy.
The Opinel was not only blunt-tipped, it had a uncharacteristically unsharp blade. Sharp enough to cut fruit, but definitely not the near razor performance you may expect from a stock Opi. Perhaps this is completely intentional, to keep the kiddies from slicing their fingers open and to let them get some practice with the honing stone when they're up to the task. Lock is typically secure, as long as it's used. A child acquainted with the more typical locking blade may be unaccustomed to the Opinel system.
The Victorinox was plenty sharp out of the box. The red scales had a nice non-slip matte texture. I understand the knife is available with different colored translucent scales, as well as a model with an additional saw blade. The blade and cap lifter open and close with stiff, smooth, positive action.
Both were puchased for less than $10 each, I think the Opinel is going to get it's tip reshaped into either a sheepsfoot or tanto, not sure yet. The Victorinox will be a gift for my daughter. If she's comfortable with it, I'll grind a sheepsfoot point for her.
The Opinel comes in this plastic package, all French text describing the features.
The knife is basically a no. 7 with the round tipped inox blade and ring lock.
Reasonable size, non-threatening appearance.
Red SAK appears normal when closed.
Rounded blade provides non-threatening appearance.
Minimalist tools: blade, caplifter/can opener, toothpick/tweezer. Basically a Bantam with a rounded blade.
I'm not sure what I think about giving kids a blunt-tipped knife, but these knives are interesting if for no other reason than their marketing strategy.
The Opinel was not only blunt-tipped, it had a uncharacteristically unsharp blade. Sharp enough to cut fruit, but definitely not the near razor performance you may expect from a stock Opi. Perhaps this is completely intentional, to keep the kiddies from slicing their fingers open and to let them get some practice with the honing stone when they're up to the task. Lock is typically secure, as long as it's used. A child acquainted with the more typical locking blade may be unaccustomed to the Opinel system.
The Victorinox was plenty sharp out of the box. The red scales had a nice non-slip matte texture. I understand the knife is available with different colored translucent scales, as well as a model with an additional saw blade. The blade and cap lifter open and close with stiff, smooth, positive action.
Both were puchased for less than $10 each, I think the Opinel is going to get it's tip reshaped into either a sheepsfoot or tanto, not sure yet. The Victorinox will be a gift for my daughter. If she's comfortable with it, I'll grind a sheepsfoot point for her.
