The first knife to give your kid

I got my first knife from my Opa at the age of 4 simply because I asked for one. Thinking about it now, I would probably opt for a small fixed blade from Mora, Russell Green River, etc. as my future child's first knife. I think a small fixed blade would be safer since it won't fold shut onto small fingers. However any knife is only as safe as its user so slipjoints are not out of the question.

Ultimately I will probably follow Velitrius Velitrius 's example and just get my future kids what they ask for, within a reasonable budget.
 
I gave my son his first knife last year for his 8th birthday. It was an orange Kershaw DWO and I allow him to carry it with my supervision
 
This really depends on the kid. They all mature at different rates, from quick to never. They'll have different interests and personalities. There are really two categories here. First would be good starter knives for young people. Second would be valuable knives for you that will be worth passing down someday.

My first was an early SAK Spartan. That thing was amazing back in the day. I'll never forget the glee in finding excuses to use it, even if not all of them were good. (I carved a few things I shouldn't have into trees, park benches, etc.) The corkscrew was an oddity even then, but my grandma was nice enough to let me open a few bottles of wine for her over that summer.
 
Chronovore said:
This really depends on the kid. They all mature at different rates, from quick to never. They'll have different interests and personalities.
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Pretty much why I left it in the kids' hands.

I could have come up with some really awesome ideas as to what they would want... and I'd have been wrong.

Could've posted here and asked for recommendations and got a pile of great ones... all wrong.

Aw well, I grew 'em up right... so whatever they get will be quality, and will be well cared for and maintained.
 
DangerZone98 said:
....What knife would you give to your son or daughter? What do you think is the right age for this gift?
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I would gift a Vic Tinker personally and about 2nd grade age, possibly 3rd grade. It depends on how interested they are in knives in general and if their lifestyle suits a Vic or some other choice. But I would not spend big bucks on a knife for a pre-teen. If they are real interested, I would let them choose their own as you can't force a kid to like something even if you do.
 
My dad gave me a Victorinox SD when I was 6 or 7. I would def pick something that locks, I had that knife for less then a day and it folded on my finger.
 
It has to be a Busse , my daughter got this one, not to big , not to small , it is just right. Also pink purple all she cares about
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First knife I received, when 7 or 8 was a "Demo" knife my uncle gave me when he returned from Viet Nam.
First knife I gave my nephew/godson (with his parent's approval) was an Opinel number 7.
Second and third knife I gave him are a Ulster Official Boy Scout 4 blade knife, and a Buck 389 canoe, for his "if you lose or break one, lose or break this one" knife.
He still has all of them after 6 years. (he 12 now)
 
The first knife I got was a Victorinox, so I intend to give one to my kid someday. All those tools implements were fun to play with and use, even till now.
 
Helle scout knife was my first. I believe it’s still a good choice for a first knife.
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Kids are 7 now, and have been using Mora companions under my supervision for a few years, but when it’s time for them to wander off with their own knives, I think a scout knife or similar would be a good place to start.
 
I think I got mine in a blue jigged plastic around 1972 when I was nine years old. I was a Webelo, and the knife and a Scouts emblem on the scales. The age all depends on the personality of the child and the relationship with the parent who is giving it to them. I mean if you teach them about safety and then watch how they handle sharp objects, that would give you clues.

If I were a kid who liked the outdoors, I would love to get something like a Rough Rider barlow.

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NJMyers said:
My dad gave me a Victorinox SD when I was 6 or 7. I would def pick something that locks, I had that knife for less then a day and it folded on my finger.
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Just part of the learning process assuming the injury is not too substantial. I don't like to be over protective. They have to learn and they want to learn at young ages. In terms of closing (lock less), choosing a larger than Classic size makes more sense. Classics close on you easily and without much pressure applied.
 
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