My kid needs his first pocket knife

My son would likely get a Cadet or a Buck from me; and if it gets lost or stolen,
no huge loss. However, as everyone is different, would it be good idea (if possible) to take him to a place with good selection and see what he likes? As recent as yesterday, I was able to see knives in person that I thought I’d like, and was surprised that I did not. And if he really likes something that’s pricier or he may need to grow into, that could be something to build towards after he demonstrates responsibility.
 
My kid started with a leatherman micra then added small fixed blades as she got older still keeping the micra on deck
 
Victorinox small tinker, or tinker. Openel # 6 or #7, or you can get a my first Openel, if you want one without a point. Or go to ebay and find an old camp knife in good shape. Something like an Imperial Kamp King, or Colonial Forest Master. Good ones can be found for under $20 shipped, If one is willing to look for them.

O.B.
 
Some good suggestions, but take my advice as one who was also given his first knife by Dad when I was 7 or 8 ......

Do NOT give him a knife without a locking mechanism - no slipjoints, SAKs, etc. Why? Because 8 year olds will do dumb things with knives, no matter how careful you teach them to be. They will use the knife in ways they are not intended to be used. My first knife was a slipjoint and I ended up with 9 stitches in my fingers when the blade closed back on my hand while I was carving some initials into a tree. I still bare the scars 50 years later...
 
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shane45-1911 said:
Some good suggestions, but take my advice as one who was also given his first knife by Dad when I was 7 or 8 ......

Do NOT give him a knife without a locking mechanism - no slipjoints, SAKs, etc. Why? Because 8 year olds will do dumb things with knives, no matter how careful you teach them to be. They will use the knife in ways they are not intended to be used. My first knife was a slipjoint and ended up with 9 stitches in my fingers when the blade closed back on my hand while I was carving some initials into a tree. I still bare the scar 50 years later...
Click to expand...
On that note the Opinels have locks but of course it doesn’t engage automatically.
If fixed blade is an option you could also check out Mora’s Rookie and Scout series.
Re SAKs, Swiza makes a junior folder with a locked blade, link
 
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I'm a big fan of SAKs but I hesitate to give one to a young child. I would highly suggest a knife that locks (yes, I know some SAKs lock). You don't want blades snapping shut on young fingers.

8 year olds also have the habit of losing toys so I wouldn't buy anything expensive.

I'll suggest a Kabar Mini Dozier or Dozier depending on which size you think it best. Lock back, decent AUS 8 steel, plenty of colors to choose from, and $18-20 range.
 
I got my son a Buck small Pursuit. That is a nice knife. Can't go wrong with an SAK or a Stockman either. Something really basic that can stand up to some "teaching" when it comes to proper use and care.
 
If he is like most youngsters, it will get lost or abused. Or both.

Personally, I would start with a SAK of some sort. Yes, I know the blade does not lock. A non-locking blade will help teach the youth proper knife skills. A few minor cuts and scars can leave a lasting impression.

How about getting matching knives?
 
Vicrorinox Classic. The tools are useful and it's not a good fantasy weapon. Put it on some paracord and he can wear it and wil be less likely to lose it. If he does lose it, it doesn't hurst to replace it. If it closes on his finger he needs a bandaid and learned a lesson.
 
Part of me says - "Get him a carbon steel slip joint".

Nothing beats experience to teach you about life.
shane45-1911 mentioned his 9 stitches 50 years ago. Care to bet he's a whole lot more careful after that? (not to pick on him)

I have my own list of things I learned not to do because it hurt. (stupid should hurt)

Carbon steel and not stainless? Yeah - treat carbon wrong and boy will it let you know in a hurry. Moral of that story is -take care of what comes your way because if you don't it won't last.

2nd knife?
Any good stainless steel with a lock.
 
shane45-1911 said:
Some good suggestions, but take my advice as one who was also given his first knife by Dad when I was 7 or 8 ......

Do NOT give him a knife without a locking mechanism - no slipjoints, SAKs, etc. Why? Because 8 year olds will do dumb things with knives, no matter how careful you teach them to be. They will use the knife in ways they are not intended to be used. My first knife was a slipjoint and I ended up with 9 stitches in my fingers when the blade closed back on my hand while I was carving some initials into a tree. I still bare the scars 50 years later...
Click to expand...
On the other hand. I have carried a slip joint since I was 4 or 5. I can't member when I got my first knife. I also Can't remember not having a knife in my pocket. In the last 60 years, I have never collapsed a slip joint on my fingers. I have once collapsed a lockback on my fingers, when I relied on the lock to protect my finger and it failed. I think it more important to teach the child, that using a knife in a way, that puts pressure on the back of the blade, can make the blade collapse on ones finger, lock or no lock.

O.P.
 
My first thought would go to an SAK Cadet. What I have actually given him are: 1) Opinel 7 Inox. (I gave him one of my old Carbones first, but thought better of it, and subbed the stainless.
2) Marttiini Little Classic. This is the knife he uses most. He can spent hours turning big sticks of wood into little shavings.
3) the aforementioned Cadet. He is not as wild about this one as I think he should be.
4) Maserin Plow in bocote. The wood on this knife is really pretty. It may be pearls before swine, Hopefully his tastes will evolve to appreciate it. Under the lockdown, I have not been able to spend much indoctrination time with him, except for the first couple of months.
5) Mora 510 Allround. One of the coolest Moras in my opinion. I’d like to see how it stacks up for him against the Marttiini.
 
yes shorter and less pointy
would minimize accidents.

also, the young are fairly impressionable
the faster they learn about something
the quicker they will get over things
and move on to other things.
feed the curiosity when they are young,,
and one just might preempt teenage knife delinquency
try the introduction of novelty aids
whilst minors are still under your control and have ears to listen to adult advice.
with any hope the attraction for the wrong type of cool would wear off, long before a communication gap (if any),
sets in ;-)
good luck with the huge task at hand :)
 
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