Kids first knife

I'm a fan of locking knives for a first knife.

Yes, I know for decades slip joints were a kids first knife and millions of kids in the last 100+ years survived without a locking knife. Yes, using a knife that closes on your fingers is a learning experience but I would probably try to avoid that by getting a locking knife.

A basic Buck or Spyderco would be fine for a first knife.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/BU...nch-Plain-Satin-Blade-Mossy-Oak-Blaze-Handles
 
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If this will be the first knife they’re using and/or it’s a younger kid, I would suggest either a fixed blade or something with a lock.

I consider slip-joints to be better for experienced users. I cut myself at least a couple of times while making a mistake with a slip joint.

I also suggest a guard or substantial choil on a first knife for similar reasons.

In the Netherlands they have “Forest Schools” and at least some of them give the kids Moras with guards for craft projects. Something like this:
09444687-5E01-4DE0-A62A-30D9823F3848.png
 
scdub said:
If this will be the first knife they’re using and/or it’s a younger kid, I would suggest either a fixed blade or something with a lock.

I consider slip-joints to be better for experienced users. I cut myself at least a couple of times while making a mistake with a slip joint.

I also suggest a guard or substantial choil on a first knife for similar reasons.

In the Netherlands they have “Forest Schools” and at least some of them give the kids Moras with guards for craft projects. Something like this:
View attachment 1872497
Click to expand...
Mora even has a scout model for kids. Large finger guard. I thought about picking that up too
 
Geez, mine was a simple Barlow pattern that came in a blister pack. Think my dad got it at the local Coast-to-Coast hardware store. Like A Alberta Ed above, I don't know where my first knife is. I'm kinda sad about it.
 
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A lot would depend on the age and maturity of the child.
My 1st knife (being the early 80s) was a Pakistan knockoff 110. No doubt I was given it with the knowledge it would be abused and/or lost.
Opinel actually makes a no.7 called my first. It has a rounded point and comes in several colors.
 
Age and maturity is a good point. When I got my first knife, it was a big deal. I was in cub scouts, so my first knife was a scout-branded SAK. I went to pick it out with my parents, but I wasn’t allowed to have it or carry it until I had earned the Cub Scout whittling chip badge, which taught a lot about knife safety in addition to use. Once I had earned that I was allowed to carry the knife.

Because of the way I “earned” the knife, and knife privileges in general, myself, there are a lot of memories (and yes one still-visible scar) attached to it, so I’ve always been very careful with it.

-Mike
 
I don't have kids but if I did have a son, probably my first love of a brand, Cold Steel. One that has a lockback. I am very confident in their locking mechs.
Or, a Case pocket knife with Stag 👍🏻
 
SW-EDC said:
I don't have kids but if I did have a son, probably my first love of a brand, Cold Steel. One that has a lockback. I am very confident in their locking mechs.
Or, a Case pocket knife with Stag 👍🏻
Click to expand...
Backlocks seem like a great option. I love my back lock knives. Maybe a Buck 112 slim or something along that nature. If my sons like knives they can earn a more expensive one.
 
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