Kids first knife

Only the parent would know what the ability is for their own kids. Some would have no problem with a buck 110, while others you may not want to give anything bigger than a keychain sak.

That being said, I think a traditional like a Barlow with easier pull would be a great first knife. When my boy started to get interested he was drawn to the cheap gift shop type stuff. You know, the kind with flames or scorpions and often assisted.

KSF has had a kids first knife program...at least I think he's still running it. He suggests a buck bantam. Basic lockback with near indestructible handle. I bought a couple for my kids, but they are not the smoothest knife around. I don't think a kid needs to start with a ZT with bearings or anything, but think it should be smooth with positive action. Just found the ksf link.... https://www.knivesshipfree.com/knives-for-kids/

After my son talked me into an assisted Kershaw, he immediately set his sights on a ZT0566. Which is now his Boy Scout knife.
 
I think an Opinel is a good idea. Personally I wouldn't go the "My First Opinel" with a completely rounded tip. It's easy enough to take a couple mm off the tip of a standard Opinel if you want to.

Opinels are inexpensive, well designed, no frills and user friendly. They also look traditional (which I think is a plus for a first knife ). If you want low maintenance get one in stainless but if you want to take the opportunity to help them learn about personal responsibility you could get them carbon so they have to maintain their knives.
 
This is the first knife my dad gave me
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The center one, very similar shape to a Fällkniven H1
 
I started my kids off with Opinels.

Young hand aren't strong and they're clumsy. This is a bad combination when dealing with blades that have springs and are active. The lack of spring allowed my kids how to open and close knives without the blade snapping shut.

After I was convinced they could handle a sprung blade, I gave my daughter an SAK and my son a variety of slip joints and lock backs.

I've not given my kids fixed blades and, instead, teach them about fixed blades in the kitchen. They don't have a need for a fixed blade yet.
 
Opinel mora spyderco bench made all of the above make nice knives for lil people check spyderco they make some nice small knives
 
Swiss Army Knife is what I'd choose for a kid. A Vic Spartan was my second knife as a kid. I carried it for 20 years, got a ton of use from it. The "other tools" make for a compelling package.
 
like one dude said, it comes down to wether you think theyre ready for whatever. give us guidelines of what they are and arent ready for. because at ten i got to have my own sak and it stayed in my room, but my 13 year old brother isnt allowed to have his in his room. it comes to how they have been raised and what you think theyre ready for. for younger ones i would honestly say fixed blade would be my choice before folding, especially for a girl who has smaller fingers less chance of it closing on fingers if it doesnt close
 
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