SS or CV for a first good knife

S

stockdog

Joined
Jun 25, 2006
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As our friend Jackknife once said “gained another one”. From friends I have recently met a young kid (15) from a broken home and it has gotten back to me the he really wants to go fishing, camping and anything outdoors. Well we took him on a weekend fishing trip and he seems to have enjoyed it even thought it was too hot for the fish. New friend needs a knife because if he travels with this old hillbilly the mall ninja knifes got to go. For you that have the fortune to teach kids what make a better first good knife stainless or CV? I am thinking this young man need a Trapper in pocket worn red bone or yellow CV. Thanks.

Bob
 
SS will be fine, but CV will provide the opportunity to teach him how to properly maintain and care for his tools.
 
Jackknife it’s an honor to have you answer my post. I am thinking CV so he will learn his knife needs extra care.

Oh by the way it is your writings and the traditional forum that has caused me to slow down in my life and reach out to help other. Thanks to all.

Bob
 
His first knife should me memorable, not only for its uses, but for
it's lessons......proper maintenance among them. I'd say CV for
that reason, and for its better cutting performance.
 
You are thinking right. There is something about carbon steel that just feels right. Watching the patina form and knowing that your use did that is a good feeling. The boy is lucky to have you.
 
That is very nice of you. I also say CV. Not just because most of us prefer it to SS, but because it'll age better, making it even more memorable for him.

Also, the CV will be a better "learning" steel for him, too, I think. He'll learn how to take care of a knife better (Or it could rust) & I think when his interest increases, he'll appreciate the knife even more.
 
stockdog said:
Jackknife it’s an honor to have you answer my post. I am thinking CV so he will learn his knife needs extra care.

Oh by the way it is your writings and the traditional forum that has caused me to slow down in my life and reach out to help other. Thanks to all.

Bob
Click to expand...


Sorry. I think you are mixing me up with Carl Jackknife

I'm Steve Jacknife (one k) I'm in the UK. Confusing I know.

I'm sure Carl will be along later.
 
Stainless Steel is fine but there's just something about a CV Yellow Derlin handled knife (in this case a Case Trapper) that makes a positive impression on a youngster getting his first knife.
casecvtrapperyellowderl.jpg

On, by the way, a trapper makes a good fishing knife and slips into and rides in a tackle box just fine.
 
What kind of knife does he seem to gravitate towards?

You may try to introduce him to the traditionals, but if he's really into the one hander jobs, he may not be ready to make the jump. Are the mall ninja knives at least decent quality? At least he knows to carry a knife, somewhat of a good thing in this day of video games and keyboard fixation by the kids.

I'd try to introduce him to a nice yellow CV soddie. Good wide thin blade with great slicing geometry, it'l let him experiance the almost sensous glide of a sharp blade through what it's cutting. The Cv will make him aware of blade maintanence, and the lack of a lock will teach him good safe knife handling tactics.

I think I'd feel him out a bit before giving him a knife. Maybe even let him choose, if you have a place near you where they have a selection. Handling and feeling the way each knife feels in hand can be a big deal. Not everyone likes the same flavor ice cream.

He may even like a Buck 55 or something like that.

Good luck, its a good thing to take on and mentor a young person in need.:thumbup::thumbup:

Carl.
 
If you are not set on a trapper or that sort of traditional, I have a Victorinox Fieldmaster SAK that would make a nice outdoor companion. It has a saw (for cutting branches) and scissors (for trimming line) in addition to the rest of the typical SAK tools. If interested in that for the boy, just drop me a PM and I'll be more than happy to send it. My 13 year old son has one just like it that he takes along when we go fishing.
 
I'd say for the time being, let him use what he has, and let him see you use yours. If he shows an interest, talk to him about it. He might not like the patina. He might think it makes the knife look old and ugly (regardless of what others say). In this case, a nice Case Trapper in SS might be a better choice. I say subtly let him decide for you. A knife should, after all, be a personal thing.
 
stockdog said:
New friend needs a knife because if he travels with this old hillbilly the mall ninja knifes got to go. For you that have the fortune to teach kids what make a better first good knife stainless or CV? I am thinking this young man need a Trapper in pocket worn red bone or yellow CV.
Click to expand...

Kudos to you for being a mentor to this kid! :thumbup: If more people got involved in young people's lives ..... well, you know that sermon.

I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other regarding CV or SS. They're both fine. But I would suggest something a bit smaller and more pocketable than a trapper. A mini trapper, for instance. My reasoning is that it'd be nice to ingrain in this kid that carrying a knife (a tool) makes sense, enables him to be more self sufficient, etc. And the best way for this to happen is for him to carry a knife. Well, if he decides the trapper (or other 4" folder) is too much of a boat anchor in his pocket, he's more likely to only carry it when you're around and, eventually, stop carrying it altogether. With a smaller knife, he's more likely to get in the habit of carrying it every day. And he can always move up to a larger knife if need be later.

-- Mark
 
Great input, this place is awesome. Never thought about a knife being big, I am 6’5” and a lot of knives are small in my hands, great ideal letting him pick, CV requiring more care, the knife coming from someone and spending the time for training. Being I have the knife disease and input from you all I will dig some up and let him choose.
Thanks to all.
Bob
 
This is a wonderful thread. Everyone has put forth great ideas. I feel CV soddie or mini trapper would be best to lend him. :)
 
I've always had a soft spot for the nostalgia of a carbon blade personally. There is just something cool about carrying a knife on you that ages with you. Man's best friend in cutlery so to speak.:thumbup: I use enough stainless but I can't help but still go back to my roots quite a bit in the way of a good carbon steel like grandma's ole butcher knife was made out of you know? One of my favorite CASE knives is a CV Mid Folding Hunter http://vintageknives.com/morepics.asp?prodid=2461

Great knife!

STR
 
i would go with the s s. a 15yo is going to change his mind a million times about what is important to him in the coming years. give him a good ss knife and after a while see how it was cared for. ss will take alot more abuse than a 1095. if after 6-8 months the knife is still a prized possesion, buy him a cv one and explain the differences. but make sure the knife is of a size that doesnt make it a "chore" to carry. bettter yet show him the styles and let him pick from your collection. then buy yourself a new knife to replace your gift.
 
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