OK, what outdoors folder to teach kids with?

CSG

CSG

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Dec 15, 2007
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I've had a couple threads about this recently as I want my 9 and 11 year old boys to start getting used to using a knife themselves on our walks in the country.

I first thought about some simple slip joint like a SAK Recruit but after talking to a couple local dads, all felt that a locking knife made more sense these days. I don't tend to disagree with that thinking.

I was looking in the safe and I've got a couple Buck 501's that are the right size but pushing the lock release button is an effort. I'm not sure they could do it safely.

I've come to the conclusion (but am asking for your advice, especially dads) that perhaps the best knife to learn on and buy them is the one I EDC - a Benchmade Mini-Griptilian. A little spendier than some others but the Axis lock is brilliant compared to other systems.

But I also thought about something like the Gerber UL LST which are inexpensive, sturdy, and easy to release the lock.

What do you guys think?

BTW, I've got a couple spare Vic Farmers but I think the blades are a bit hard to open and snap shut with too much authority for little novice hands. I also thought about a couple SAK Classics (I EDC one of these too) but the tiny blade is pretty useless outdoors IMO.
 
Just for a twist, why not check out one of the FL series kits from knifekits.com (like this one)? They are an entry model frame lock. Nothing fancy by any means, but serviceable and - here's the best part - a great father-son building project.

Other than that, I would recommend a Buck (nice and traditional) or perhaps a Spyderco Delica.

All the best,

- Mike
 
my first folder and knife as a kid was also a buck 110. a sak would probably have been more practical though.
 
Don't get me wrong about traditional but we have much better designed knives now and I wonder if the single locking blade knife isn't a better training tool for woodwork these days.

As I said, I've got a couple Buck 501's but they're a little difficult to disengage and close.
 
Remember rule no. 1.....They will most likely lose the first 1 or 2 that you give them anyway, so just find a simple little lockback and let them be boys.
 
I gave my li'l sis a yellow sheepsfoot mini grip for her 9th birthday. She loves it and always follows the instructions I gave her. No cuts yet, but she's eerily mature for her age.
 
Gerber UL LST

easy to open and close

plus no biggie if they loose it,,
 
I think if you treat children as responsible people they will behave responsibly.

I also think that with many locking knives, a child is more likely to cut themselves struggling to release the lock than they would closing a simple slipjoint. It depends on the knife and the child of course. Some people seem to have a fear of slipjoints closing on the fingers. In my experience it is very hard to make a knife close on your fingers and even if it does, the spring is too weak to cause the blade to do much harm.
 
Mentor said:
Just for a twist, why not check out one of the FL series kits from knifekits.com (like this one)? They are an entry model frame lock. Nothing fancy by any means, but serviceable and - here's the best part - a great father-son building project.

Other than that, I would recommend a Buck (nice and traditional) or perhaps a Spyderco Delica.

All the best,

- Mike
Click to expand...

:grumpy: Why did you have to link that?:grumpy: Now I have to buy new knife stuff:rolleyes:
 
Vic, I've got one of those (and a tiny Buck Bantam) and those might be the best thing to start with. I'll probably just haul out a box 'o stuff and see how it goes. ;)
 
vic2367 said:
Gerber UL LST

easy to open and close

plus no biggie if they loose it,,
Click to expand...

Good call. I'd take a look at the LST Magnum Jr. too. The finger grooves in the handle offer a little better grip on the blade when opening and closing as there is more exposed.
 
In scouts you had to work your way up to a lock blade...we all got SAK first and maybe when we were ready we got a new lock blade of our choosing for a present saying we were responsible and a "man"....so try that...maybe when they are 13ish or something they get to pick...give them a budget limit and time on this forum and they will learn good lessons about money and how great this forum is lol...
 
I bought one of the little Gerbers to try out and stick in a Ritter PSP and I was pretty impressed with it, especially for $10-12!
 
I just bought my 6 yr old son and 12 yr old daughter a couple of Opinels for their first knives. Good quality, lightweight, very inexpensive, you can modify the handle, razor sharp, but one of themain reasons that I picked this one is the twist lock that locks the blade open or closed. I actually liked them so much that I ordered a couple for myself of the larger size.
 
Didn't think of the Opinels but those would be another decent choice and, like you say, a real bargain.
 
Another good choice is a Barlow folder. I know...Barlow isn't in the biz anymore, but the knives are still around. I love mine and have had it for years...
 
My dad gave my 8 year old an old slipjoint as his first knife. I liked him learning without the lock first. He has since gotten a lockblade.
 
SAK. The Buck 110 is an awesome knife but I think closing it is somewhat dangerous for kids your sons' ages. A SAK is more acceptable to Sheeple. You can also teach your sons how to use the right tool for the right job with all the various tools.

They can graduate to a lockback.
 
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