Multi-tool for a 9-yr old boy.

WA Martin

WA Martin

Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
3,106
Guys,

My nephew is turning 9 in a couple weeks and my brother says he is old enough for a multi-tool.

Something with a a blade for whittling, pliers, etc. My brother indicated something to learn to be responsible with. I'm pretty sure that it means he can come and ask his Dad if he can use his knife and if he has the time to supervise they will go get it and use it together.

Any suggestions? I'd like something easy to manipulate. But I don't want to shell out too awful much as he is 9. But I don't want to go so cheap that it breaks and hurts him too.

I got his brother a Gerber Suspension but he was 11 or 12 when I gave it to him.

Thanks in advance.
 
If all he needs is pliers and a knife I'd suggest the Leatherman Freestyle. It feels more like a knife than a blocky tool with a knife blade. If screwdrivers are required you could go with the Leatherman Skeletool for the same reason.
 
I'd go with a Leatherman Kick.

They are inexpensive, have the basic tools, and they don't lock. Now, I'm all for safety, and I certainly don't WANT anyone to get hurt. However, some of the most memorable lessons in handling a knife/tool came from being momentarily careless and having it close on me giving me a painful (but extremely minor) reminder to watch what I was doing.

If used properly, the Kick blade will not close on him. If he gets in a hurry and doesn't fold the tool back up before he jams the blade into some wood or something, it might nips his knuckles enough to teach him;) Besides, the back spring on one of these tools isn't even as snappy as a SAK. He won't lose a finger;)

You can pick up a Kick for around $20, and it has everything a tinkering boy might need. If you absolutely WANT to have locking tools, get him a Fuse for around $25:)
 
The Kick is a good, quality tool with basic features.

A Micra offers nice scissors, compact size, and I find the screwdrivers preferable to the Squirt series.

One nice thing about both these tools is that while the knife blades don't lock, when used with the handles closed, they can't accidentally close completely, as they are blocked by the handle. However, the value of locking implements is much more appreciated with screwdrivers than blades.
 
If his hands are big enough then go for the Kick, I think Steely Gunz has summed it up perfectly already.

Much as I love my Squirt P4, it's not something I'd want to teach knife craft with. Much to small overall.

SOG Pocket Power Plier (PPP) might be worth a look as well, as you could customise the tool fit-out to suit him exactly.
 
Their is a right of passage that many fathers have with their sons/children, and it's giving them their first SAK (swiss army knife).
It is a multitool and most kids that age don't really need plier-based MTs, but they even have them with small pliers.

The prices are really good, in case it's lost (check http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=27)

They are easy to keep on you and very accepted throughout the world. They are well made and come in so many styles and colors.
I suggest getting him a SAK and show him how to use it and be responsible with it, special for the both of you ;)
 
While I am not a big fan of Gerber's multi's, I did find their latest offering, the Crucial, to be an interesting tool. It is priced right and looks to be about the right size for a nine year old. I saw them at Academy Sports for a reasonable price.
 
I too would recommend a good SAK over a pliers multi at this stage. Specifically:
Vic Camper/Hiker/Climber
Vic Soldier (old model)
Vic Tinker
Vic Alox cadet

Although I mentioned Vics I would also recommend any of the similar Wengers as well, just don't know the models as well.

Don't forget. Another great young-uns knife is the "scout knife" style made famous by Camillus, Schrade, and the BSA.
 
one thing most dad's seem to do when ordering for their kid(s) (especially saks) is get one for themselves! :p

good luck and let us know what you get him ;)
 
I have a SAK Explorer Plus put away for my 4-year old son. I enjoyed magnifying glasses as a boy, and I think he might, too.
 
Ok, after much consideration I picked up a Victorinox Deluxe Tinker. I don't know how good they are but there is a pliers, a knife, and other fun stuff for a kid to learn how to use from his Dad. I hope they will be pleased, especially if I talk his aunt into getting him a Nerf gun to go with his "growing up" gift.

I think his Dad will like it and my nephew will have to go and ask for it when he wants to use it so that will be good too.
 
Last edited:
If you must choose one with pliers then get the kick, but personally at nine I had a SAK and thought it was the best thing ever. Give him that and then teach him about using each tool while making something simple like a basic fire and it will become a great memory.
 
I have a Deluxe Tinker, one of my favs! It's not thin lol (I like layers) I call the pliers
"Hobby-Pliers" small but they work fine on small things and good for small hands.

The back tools may be stiff when new but over usage they should loosen up some.
Now ask us about the "Hook" and what are it's uses?! ;)

Nice choice buddy, he is going to appreciate and use it for a long time :thumbup:
 
I went ahead and got this one with the pliers because hopefully they will be just enough to do small stuff with and won't let him get into too much trouble like taking the washing machine apart. Give him a chance to learn "righty tighty lefty loosy" and other good to know stuff.

Now ask us about the "Hook" and what are it's uses?!
Click to expand...

Hook, humm -

Isn't that so when you are working on your project you have a good excuse to pound in two extra nails, tie string between them, and then hang your knife/multi-tool where it will be nice and handy? Hopefully his brother doesn't teach him to use it to launch it like a missile. :eek:

Maybe I should have you all tell me what uses you've found for the hook so I can present my brother with a list of things to warn his son not to do with his new tool.

Not to do:

Launch knife as missile.
Catch brothers by collars or sister by hair.
...
 
Last edited:
LOL! originally it was for carrying parcels wrapped in string,
been used as a clothes-hanger,
picking up hot pots by the bail,
some people use it to grab/pull small things,
pulling tent pegs,
some say it's good for holding a pen while writing
(The hook is in the almost-closed position for this, with the pen under it),
helps with ring pulls,
tight or wet shoe laces and cordage,
knots,
wire pulling,
getting at tabs,

and these are only some of the things I've seen the Hook used for!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top