knife as a present for a 12 yr old

Yes. Certainly old enough. Show him safety advice (like don't stab hard objects with non locking folder) if the knife locks, show how to safely operate it.

Safe cutting, etc.
 
When I was 9 years old I received my first "real" knife, a Barlow folder. I do not remember the manufacturer, but it was great for everything from camping to whittling to peeling an apple (or opening a bag of candy.)
 
This was my first knife. Mine may have been a Colonial, Imperial or even something else, but this is what I remember. That has been well over 60 years ago, when I was about 7 years old, so that illustrates how important to me it was at the time. Not only do I remember getting it, I remember my father laying down the rules that I would have to follow to keep it. There wouldn't be anything wrong with a similar knife for a kid today.DSCN33~1.JPG
 
My Grandfather gave me my first pocket knife when I was six years old. He taught me how to safely use, sharpen, and maintain it. It was one of the many things for which I will always be grateful. When he passed away, I reached into his casket and slipped his Case knife into his suit pocket so that he would be buried with it.
 
I haven’t read through all of the comments, but I believe that a responsible 12 year old is old enough for a Victorinox, as I’ve seen others mention here. I can’t think of a better choice for a first knife. I’d just advise to keep it relatively simple - no need for a Swisschamp right off the bat.

I was 10 when I got my first SAK from my grandfather while staying with him for part of a summer. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen well enough about how to handle it with enough care. I cut my thumb decently badly almost immediately, but I was afraid that if I let anyone know, I’d lose the knife. So nobody ever found out. I still have that knife 35 years later, and I’ve never cut myself with it again.
 
Boss Hogg said:
I haven’t read through all of the comments, but I believe that a responsible 12 year old is old enough for a Victorinox, as I’ve seen others mention here. I can’t think of a better choice for a first knife. I’d just advise to keep it relatively simple - no need for a Swisschamp right off the bat.

I was 10 when I got my first SAK from my grandfather while staying with him for part of a summer. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen well enough about how to handle it with enough care. I cut my thumb decently badly almost immediately, but I was afraid that if I let anyone know, I’d lose the knife. So nobody ever found out. I still have that knife 35 years later, and I’ve never cut myself with it again.
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I agree. One reason I liked the Buck is the fact that it locked. A SAK has a slight learning curve. For us it’s not a big deal, but kids that are learning knife safety might need a couple band aids before they understand what cutting away means.
 
At that age or a bit older I had my first edc, more or less. A boy scout folder. Carried it through high school. And when I left home.
A good equivalent today would be a SAK.
 
gazz98 said:
I'm a fan of giving a youngster a locking knife as their first knife. Yes, I understand that thousands/millions of kids over the decades have learned to use a slip joint as their first knife and some say that "if you close a knife on a finger, you will learn not to do that again". Kids can do some unpredictable things and I just think a locking blade makes the most sense as a first knife. YMMV.

I'd suggest a Buck Bantam or 112. For $20-30, you won't cry much if they lose it.

I could also understand a small multi-tool (most tools lock) if you think they would get a kick out of the tools.
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Thats how I learned. Thank god it was as dull as a spoon or 'Id be a few digits short.
Not a proponent of this method of learning now that locking blades are common place.
A quality multitool would be my choice. Decent leatherman from Depot or Lowes wont break the bank either as they can get pricey.
 
mickb said:
Someone asked me being ex-army and an outdoors person whether a knife is an appropriate birthday gift for their sensible lad of 12 years. I thought I would throw it out to you guys for comment too as I am only a 3 or 4 knife guy and no kids. I was thinking of suggesting maybe a multi-tool type knife like a smaller leathermans or even a cheaper victorinox.Their family is not overly outdoorsy themselves but the kid has shown an interest in hiking and field craft with his dad recently. What sayeth the learned members on this one?
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I had my first knife when I was much younger than 12.

Honestly for a kiddo, a Kershaw is a good buy. That knife is absolutely going to be abused, and kids like how Kershaw knives look. He will be excited about it until he breaks or loses it.
 
My grandson got his first knife at 7, an Opinel 7. Not too exciting for him. In subsequent years. I gave him the Marttiini Little Classic, a Vic Cadet and a Mora. The knife he really bonded with was the Marttiini. I stayed with my son while recovering from knee surgery, coincidentally the first six weeks of the lockdown. The grandson and I passed many fine afternoons in the back yard, turning big sticks into little sticks. Several years later, the Marttiini is still the knife he uses most.
 
mickb said:
Someone asked me being ex-army and an outdoors person whether a knife is an appropriate birthday gift for their sensible lad of 12 years. I thought I would throw it out to you guys for comment too as I am only a 3 or 4 knife guy and no kids. I was thinking of suggesting maybe a multi-tool type knife like a smaller leathermans or even a cheaper victorinox.Their family is not overly outdoorsy themselves but the kid has shown an interest in hiking and field craft with his dad recently. What sayeth the learned members on this one?
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This reply might be too late already, but I’d say go for it! You mentioned that the kid has an interest in hiking and field craft, and I think that’s really the important factor. If he were into other non-knife related hobbies like musical instruments or sports for instance, it wouldn’t be my first choice of gift. But for an outdoorsy young person, it’d be awesome. Something like a Swiss army knife or Morakniv.
 
He’s 12.
Buy him something that would be attractive to a kid. Hopefully his parents let him “play” with it. (that’s what most of us do) His taste will develop.
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mickb said:
Thanks for the replies fellas. I learnt a lot more than I already know myself. I see enough votes above for a basic multi-tool to feel comfortable as a starter. The kids father agreed so we decided on a Victorinox Hiker. https://www.victorinox.com/us/en/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Medium-Pocket-Knives/Hiker/p/1.4613
Not too big, some field implements, a few other items that might be useful.
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This may not agree with everyone, but I learnt a trick from a parent where they dull the blade a little bit when they first started teaching the really young kids. Eventually, as they develop more skill and good discipline, the parent sharpen the blade back to its full sharpness.
 
Family and local culture should be part of the thought process.

I had a kbar style fixed blade at 10 it was smaller than full. I'd guess a 4 inch blade. Anyway, dad gave me a coarse stone and taught me how to "sharpen it" this guaranteed it was never very sharp. I'd be surprised if that stone was greater than 80 grit.

I would have it on my hip with my pellet rifle walking through the neighborhood to the woods. Thus was in a Houston suburb.

This was 42 years ago. Same location today and people would freak out. Imo

So I say local culture, family culture are key. If it is not your kid definitely ask the parents first. If it is your kid consider what my dad did. Dull the blade teach them how to "Sharpen it" with a low grit stone.
 
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