Kinfe for 11yr old

D

danbruski

Joined
Oct 9, 2018
Messages
9
Hello.

My son is asking for his own knife for his 11th birthday. The knife he has now was won at a carnival. While he was proud of it then, he’s out grown the quality. What recommendations do you have with these criteria:

-Manual open. He thinks my assisted open and flipper or axis lock knives are cool (leek, mini grip) but he doesn’t think he’s ready for that. So a thumb hole or nail notch is preferable.
-Locking. I think it’s safer. He doesn’t seem very confident in my frame lock, so maybe an older style back lock?
-Used for whittling sticks, cutting twine or paracord, scout stuff.
-<$50, used is fine
-Decent enough steel for him to sharpen easily
-“typical” EDC length. ~3”

Ideas?
 
Check out the Spyderco Tenacious or some of the Cold Steel lock backs. Great introductory knives.
Here is a Cold Steel working man. Can be had for about $40
 
A Buck 110 Lockback can be had new for ~$35. A used Drop Point 'custom' model would be $50~$75 and would be a top unconventional choice. I'm really liking my Green Canvas Micarta Drop Point version from DLT.
 
I would look into the Spyderco Rescue Jr. (79mm). Blunt tip sheep’s foot, serrated blade perfect for cutting cord and whatnot, VG10 blade steel, lockback. Great knife for anyone.
 
Buck 112 would get my vote. 110’s a bit large for an 11 year old, both in size and weight. I mean the 112 isn’t much better, actually... if you can find one the Smoke Jumper sounds perfect! FRN, back lock, CPM 154. What’s not to love? For roughly $50 it’s not overly expensive, and we all know how much abuse a 110 will withstand.
 
I don't know how the Scouts work over there, but he might be only allowed a swiss army knife.
 
danbruski said:
Hello.

My son is asking for his own knife for his 11th birthday. The knife he has now was won at a carnival. While he was proud of it then, he’s out grown the quality. What recommendations do you have with these criteria:

-Manual open. He thinks my assisted open and flipper or axis lock knives are cool (leek, mini grip) but he doesn’t think he’s ready for that. So a thumb hole or nail notch is preferable.
-Locking. I think it’s safer. He doesn’t seem very confident in my frame lock, so maybe an older style back lock?
-Used for whittling sticks, cutting twine or paracord, scout stuff.
-<$50, used is fine
-Decent enough steel for him to sharpen easily
-“typical” EDC length. ~3”

Ideas?
Click to expand...

After buying my kids some knives, I learned that what I like was not always what they like. Unless it’s going to be super surprise I would suggest going to a good web seller who has the filter thingies.... Filter by price, blade size, etc. Get the results and then say “kiddo what do you think of these?” You then have a conversation with your kid and you learn what he likes. You can surprise then or later with a great knife! My two cents is everyone needs a SAK, then there are great low cost Kershaw and Sypdercos
 
I gave my 11 year old nephew/godson a Opinel #7 (carbon steel blade) when he was 5.

An Ulster Official BSA 4 blade scout knife and a Buck 389 Canoe when he was 8.

I gave him a Buck 110 and a SK Blades SFO Lil' Jack 112 for his High School graduation present this year.
He's a smart kid. He graduated High School (with honors) at age 11, from an accredited private school.
I think he's taking online courses from either Florida State University, or The University of Miami. I'm not sure which.

Personally, I'm not sure it is wise to start a youngster out with a locking blade.
They learn to depend on the lock rather than learn how to use a knife properly.
If you're using a knife the way they are designed to be used, you're forcing the blade open. A locking blade is not needed.

Get him a SAK Recruit, Farmer, Tinker/Super Tinker, or a Huntsman/Fieldmaster.

If you insist on a locking blade, get him a Buck 110 or 112.
The 110LT or 112LT if you want a light weight (3.4 ounces for the 110LT) knife.
The Ontario RAT 1 or RAT 2 with the AUS 8 blade might be another option.
 
I honestly think every boys first knife should be a buck 110. The lite and slim are options now too. My son got an anniversary edition because it was the same price as a plain one at the time.
 
Yes, a Buck 110 or similar seems to fit the bill. My two Godsons got Puma folders, that are basically in the pattern of a 110, as Baptism gifts, they fathers safe kept them till they got to the right age.
 
This is my Case Tribal Lock. $52 new in beautiful yellow Delrin.

IMG-20181012-233751.jpg


Pocket slip not included.
 
Spyderco Dragonfly is an awesome blade. $65 new.


You could probably get a good delica 4 for about $50 used.
 
danbruski said:
Hello.

My son is asking for his own knife for his 11th birthday. The knife he has now was won at a carnival. While he was proud of it then, he’s out grown the quality. What recommendations do you have with these criteria:

-Manual open. He thinks my assisted open and flipper or axis lock knives are cool (leek, mini grip) but he doesn’t think he’s ready for that. So a thumb hole or nail notch is preferable.
-Locking. I think it’s safer. He doesn’t seem very confident in my frame lock, so maybe an older style back lock?
-Used for whittling sticks, cutting twine or paracord, scout stuff.
-<$50, used is fine
-Decent enough steel for him to sharpen easily
-“typical” EDC length. ~3”

Ideas?
Click to expand...
Get him a scout pattern or SAK and a No. 6 Opinel.
 
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