My Five Year Old Daughter Wants A Knife

Ares1307

Ares1307

Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
545
My daughter will be five in October. She was in my work place (sporting goods store) a few days ago with my wife, as they waited for me they looked around. When I was done with my shift I walked over to them and she immediately grabbed my hand and said, "Daddy, I need to show you something!" She walked me over to a pillar with alot of products on it and pointed to a dark red SAK and asked, "Daddy, will you please buy me a knife? Its really pretty and I wont cut myself, I promise Ill be careful..." When I asked her why she wanted it she replied, "I want to go camping and help you make firewood and make wood things like a fort." I didnt have the heart to tell her the knife wasnt adequate to make a big fort or really cut wood, but I figure if Im helping her she wont really notice. The one she wants only has three tools which is perfect for a starter. She is young but I have had many conversations with her about my guns and knives and what they are for. Ive been teaching her that knives are tools before anything else, but can be used as weapons... but never should be unless being attacked. Ive talked to her about knives in a manner that she can understand and she listens. She knows not to touch my knives and doesnt try to, but she likes looking at them and watching me sharpen them. I told her I would buy her one next year when we go camping, but she would only be able to use it on outdoor trips and other than that it would be in my room for safe keeping.

But I was thinking about buying it for her birthday, which is in early October, when she turns five. I was also thinking about my wife and myself taking her on a hiking trip with the knife as soon as she gets it to really show her how to use it. Do you guys think this is a good idea or should I wait the extra year? I know shes young, but shes smart and she would be safe, shes been around my knives since she was born. I would really like some advice, I know alot of members are fathers or grandfathers that have probably been in this situation. My wife and I discussed this by the way, she said shes fine either way so its really my call. Any advice, tips, past experience is welcome!
 
I'd say it really depends on her. I started using my dad's pocket knife younger than that, and had my own not long after. I only cut myself when I got older and complacent.

That said, many five year olds can't be trusted with something sharp without close supervision. I'm not a dad, but there's no way I'd give either of my nephews knives... And one of them is ten. I've seen them smash one too many shiny expensive toys on the ground to want to know what they'd do with a knife when I'm not around.

Take her camping, let her use your knife, teach her knife safety. If you feel she can handle it, get her one, only you know your daughter well enough to make that decision. I definitely think it COULD be a good idea.
 
Thank you for the input. IF I do buy her this knife, I will only be letting her use it when we are hiking/fishing/camping/hunting, but with close observation. But as soon as the trip is over the knife goes back in my pocket until we get home, then it will be in my room for safe keeping. So she will have "her own knife" but will only be able to use it when outdoors and only with me watching.
 
There is a SAK with a round tip.
This may be a good idea for a starter.
The round tip can be reground later, if need be.
Better though the round tip is very practial in everyday live (spreading butter and the like).
I would let her carry it and use it only under supervison.
A great b-day present.

All the best.
red mag
 
I've got a 9 year old boy and a 7 year old daughter. I've been giving my son knives since he was at least 5 (maybe younger). I think he's only cut himself once and it was on a very, very cheap SAK and it was nothing more than a papercut. I gave him a Leatherman knife that's actually very sharp. It's kind of funny b/c he knows how to unlock just about any knife.

You sound pretty conscientious. If you've taught your daughter to be careful and you think she can be mature about it, then I would definitely go for it.
 
You could buy her a cheap knife and dull the dickens out of it. Consider it a trainer while she develops some handling skills.
 
I think that the round tip SAK is a great idea, just throwing it out there but SAKs can be a bit stiff to open and can snap shut. Not hard for a grown adult but a five year old may have difficulties. Also the small size of the knife/blades can make for a hassle opening.

I may suggest an Opinel instead, not as "pretty" as a SAK but you can "pretty" it up for her.
 
I have 3 kids, a 4,8, and 9yr old. The 8 yr old (middle son) just last year got really interested in knives. My oldest (daughter) just this year got interested in knives, probably due to little brother. My youngest (son) is starting to get into them as well. The only reason I didn't start them younger, was because they didn't have an interest. My 4 yr. old carries a little red plastic butter knife in his pocket at home to be like daddy! The other two can only use them for now, when i am supervising. They get to carry their own when we go out in the woods or camping.
(figured i would say what they carry for clarification! My son a small wood handled sak with his name on it, My daughter a very small lock back Kershaw.)
If she is interested, I would personally go for it. Sounds like you have a good plan of action for her. Thats what a good parent would do.
The best part about it to me, is the fact that she came to you. You are not forcing her. She will be extremely more apt to listen to you and absorb the info because she is genuinely interested in it. Good luck and tell your little girl happy B-day from all of us on the forums!
 
Ares1307 said:
But as soon as the trip is over the knife goes back in my pocket until we get home, then it will be in my room for safe keeping.
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I don't feel this conveys the right message. My kids were handling knives around the age of 5, but mostly as a curiosity. If its to be her knife, then let it be her knife. I say, dull it until she can handle it properly, but hiding it away, says, "I can't trust you".

Pride in ownership and the trust of her parents is a signal that she will feel everyday and everytime she grabs her blade.

That my opinion by the way, my require my 7yr old and 10yr old to have a knife on them pretty much every minute, when they aren't in school.

Good luck, brother, whatever decision you make, it will be the right one.

Moose
 
Everyone will have different opinions here depending on the personality of their own kids.

If you don't want her to keep the knife unsupervised (I think I would agree for now). You could always 'suggest' that she store her knife with yours.

This could take away the feeling of 'lack of trust' and make it more along the lines of sticking together.

You know your daughter best. I'm sure you'll make the right call.
 
red mag said:
There is a SAK with a round tip.
This may be a good idea for a starter.
The round tip can be reground later, if need be.
Better though the round tip is very practial in everyday live (spreading butter and the like).
I would let her carry it and use it only under supervison.
A great b-day present.

All the best.
red mag
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+1 on this, I believe it is called my first vic. Bought it for my son and he still has it. Even if they don't get to use it there is always the pride and happiness that they feel because you trusted them enough to let them keep it in their pocket.
 
Yes its called ”My First Victorinox” my son (now 13) got it when he turned 5 and still has it with his collection. My daughter 8 can use knives but never really had much intrest in having her own until just recently when at a Gun show her eye caught on to a Kershaw Leek with the pink/ti finish. You should oblige her and sounds like your taking the right approch.
 
I disagree wholeheartedly on the dulling of the knife. It makes a knife much more dangerous when dull than sharp. More dull=more pressure to cut, and less control. If you're getting her a knife, let it be able to cut and teach her how to cut without cutting herself.

I love Opinels, so I'd tend to buy her a "my first Opinel" with the rounded tip. Of course, my daughter's first knife was a Buck Solitare, so what do I know?

For the record, I have five children. I just gave my daughter a mid-70s Girl Scout knife for her 10th birthday. Cherish the time man, and good on you for taking her hiking and such.

Also, I'd like to edit my answer a bit. If something about that dark red Vic caught her eye, I'd do that instead of an Opinel. Something about it made her happy. Indulge that and make a knife knut for life. :)
 
The ”My First Victorinox” is razor sharp, it just dosnt have a point, its rounded of at the tip.
 
At age 5, my daughters didn't have any experience with a non locking folder. I dulled her Spartan, until she got the hang of opening it and closing it. Which is good, because it got snapped closed on small digits a few times.

You want this to be a good experience, trips to the hospital, or significant damage to little fingers, are something to watch out for.

I made sure mine could open and close the knife properly, before I put an edge on it.

I agree wholeheartedly that a sharp knife is a safe knife, but beginners need to learn how to handle a non locking folder, before we start showing them how to shave hair off their arms.

For basic cutting uses, I taught my daughters on a small fixed blade.

Moose
 
My personal take is [just the opposite of many of you here] just say NO (sooner or later you do have to teach your child that word). I got my first 'jack knife' at age eight, had it taken away not long after (for awhile) for not following the rules that my father imposed with its possession. How many five year olds will always follow THE RULES? Let her use yours camping, etc. (with supervision always at that young age). Kids always have 'wants' and always accommodating those wants is not necessarily the best thing to do in life. Also, when you do chose make the decision/gifting it will be better appreciated. == Just My Opinion
 
Moosez45 said:
At age 5, my daughters didn't have any experience with a non locking folder. I dulled her Spartan, until she got the hang of opening it and closing it. Which is good, because it got snapped closed on small digits a few times.

You want this to be a good experience, trips to the hospital, or significant damage to little fingers, are something to watch out for.

I made sure mine could open and close the knife properly, before I put an edge on it.

I agree wholeheartedly that a sharp knife is a safe knife, but beginners need to learn how to handle a non locking folder, before we start showing them how to shave hair off their arms.

For basic cutting uses, I taught my daughters on a small fixed blade.

Moose
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I agree with you moose. Starting at a very young age with a "dulled" folder knife is a great idea. They are young and inexperienced at just about everything. Baby steps!

I could see if my son was 12 and never handled a knife before just giving him a sharp one to start, because at that age I would expect him to know knives are sharp and if not handled properly you could cut/hurt yourself. But when young or maturity/ responsibility level are on the low end, this is the way I would do it every time.
 
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MSgt said:
My personal take is [just the opposite of many of you here] just say NO (sooner or later you do have to teach your child that word). I got my first 'jack knife' at age eight, had it taken away not long after (for awhile) for not following the rules that my father imposed with its possession. How many five year olds will always follow THE RULES? Let her use yours camping, etc. (with supervision always at that young age). Kids always have 'wants' and always accommodating those wants is not necessarily the best thing to do in life. Also, when you do chose make the decision/gifting it will be better appreciated. == Just My Opinion
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I understand what you are saying, but My kids DO know the meaning of NO. They also know if i catch them doing something against dads rules there are consequences. They will then have to earn The privelage back. Not all kids are equall on the maturity/ responsibility scale. It is up to us parents to decide if our kids are ready or not. Mine were last year, My youngest has a couple to go if he wants to use or own one. I will say he is the first to run to my night stand when i ask the kids to retrieve my pocket knife and bring it to me. He even know not to open it. He makes sure to tell me " I No open it for you dad" while shaking his head!

It also seem that ares said she would only be using it in his supervision so i don't see any problem whatsoever.
 
MSgt said:
My personal take is [just the opposite of many of you here] just say NO (sooner or later you do have to teach your child that word). I got my first 'jack knife' at age eight, had it taken away not long after (for awhile) for not following the rules that my father imposed with its possession. How many five year olds will always follow THE RULES? Let her use yours camping, etc. (with supervision always at that young age). Kids always have 'wants' and always accommodating those wants is not necessarily the best thing to do in life. Also, when you do chose make the decision/gifting it will be better appreciated. == Just My Opinion
Click to expand...

Just because he's thinking about getting his daughter a knife that she asked for, I don't think it's a fair assumption that he's never told her NO.

If he did not think that she could abide by rules and follow his instructions, I doubt he would be considering this.

But again, everyone will have their own opinion based on their own kids/experiences.
 
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