what is a good knife to give a 12 year old boy?

I would go for a Mora personally, One of the models with a guard like the clipper. I would like to add that this is coming from 17 year old guy who has been around knives since he was 9. I screwed up once when I was 14, got 9 stitches and haven't gotten any since. It really depends on the kid like has been said throughout this thread, If you think hes ready than go ahead because he will learn real quick not to cut himself one he does. Like I said I have been collecting for a good portion of my life and got myself a BK-7 when I was 13... And I was ready.
 
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I personally think it is great to have the input of some younger folks here. I admire and appreciate the passion they bring to the discussion. I would certainly advise against trying to belittle their opinions or make them feel less than welcome. Without young blood in our hobby, we would surely see it wither and die quickly.

With all of that said, if the young man does indeed already have a SAK, I stand by my suggestion to move him up to a Buck 112. A timeless well-made design that will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. I would not suggest a fixed blade just yet. That could come in a year or so. YMMV
 
Not a problem. You need to realize not all people mature at the same rate as others. Also a kid from the country may be more experienced with knives and other such tools as another kid from a city area. The main thing to remember is it is really up to the parent to determine what a boy or girl may be ready to handle. A 12 or 13 year old regardless of how long they may have handled knives is still a child and it is ultimately up to the parents to ensure their safety.

mountainmist said:
I was not trying to infer that at all, just answer you're question. He has about as much experience as a 18-20 y/o man that got his first knife at 10 or so.

Sorry that I came off all know-it-all most of you guys have 40+ years of experience
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Mink said:
I personally think it is great to have the input of some younger folks here. I admire and appreciate the passion they bring to the discussion. I would certainly advise against trying to belittle their opinions or make them feel less than welcome. Without young blood in our hobby, we would surely see it wither and die quickly.

With all of that said, if the young man does indeed already have a SAK, I stand by my suggestion to move him up to a Buck 112. A timeless well-made design that will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. I would not suggest a fixed blade just yet. That could come in a year or so. YMMV
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Thinks for making us feel welcome! :thumbup:
 
spyderchop said:
id go with a Direware solo v4....:p
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I don't know what world you're living in but I imagine she is not going to want to spend that kind of money on a knife for a 12 year old. That's a huge chunk of change. Ya'll can bash me all you want but I think a multi tool would be more practical. Whether it's Leatherman or Gerber that's what I did for my kid at that age.
 
Mink said:
I personally think it is great to have the input of some younger folks here. I admire and appreciate the passion they bring to the discussion. I would certainly advise against trying to belittle their opinions or make them feel less than welcome. Without young blood in our hobby, we would surely see it wither and die quickly.

With all of that said, if the young man does indeed already have a SAK, I stand by my suggestion to move him up to a Buck 112. A timeless well-made design that will last a lifetime if taken care of properly. I would not suggest a fixed blade just yet. That could come in a year or so. YMMV
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Thanks! Too many people here turn their nose up at our opinions. :)
 
ron finkbeiner jr said:
I don't know what world you're living in but I imagine she is not going to want to spend that kind of money on a knife for a 12 year old. That's a huge chunk of change. Ya'll can bash me all you want but I think a multi tool would be more practical. Whether it's Leatherman or Gerber that's what I did for my kid at that age.
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I agree Leatherman is a great tool for a 12 year old
 
CluelessMother said:
Ok, I'm going to be short because I'm not in a familiar area of intrest here. I am a 'step"-mom to a 12 year old boy. Who wants a knife for xmas. Both parents agree he is responsible enough, so althought I'm uncomfortable with it I waved the white flag and tried my best to bite my tounge.

Question 1. Is a Crk&t - f.t.w.s Elishewitz an appropriate and safe choice to give a 12 year old boy. (His first knife aside from a swiss pocket knife)

Question 2. What is a good knife to give a 12 year old boy?
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Hello and welcome to the Forums, CM!

Since the young fella has asked for a knife for Christmas, you can bet he has a wishlist of knives he's been drooling over for a while. Anything else could potentially disappoint! But perhaps you can find out what he's interested in and tell us a bit about what he intends to use it for so we can offer up some suitable alternatives/suggestions.

I would only assume that the CRKT FTWS is a knife he's already been talking about for you to know of it. Here is a YouTube video from the manufacturer:

[video=youtube;S0hrw371LFU]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0hrw371LFU[/video]

Based on its intended design, I don't feel that it would be a very good choice for a beginner's first fixed-blade--especially with that sharpened spine (note: some places prohibit double-edged knives and this knife might be interpreted as such; know your local laws.)

Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
A Swiss Army knife first. Kabar has a series of very well made but inexpensive lockbacks called Kabar dozier folding hunters. There is a well made but inexpensive sheath knife called a Mora. Last, a Case sodbuster jr would be a great choice. Lots of great choices out there, might save a ton of $ with these. Start out simple. Also you can get a three issue subscription trial free from Knife World, very kid friendly. If he likes it, subscriptions are cheap.
 
mmarkh said:
No offense, but why would the mother of a 12 year old boy take advice from a 13 year old boy?:confused:
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Honestly that's the very best advice she could be getting. A 13 year old knife nut knows what someone his age wants, and has similar sized hands.

Some of the knives suggested here, while absolutely functional, are wicked boring for a kid that age, especially one who already has a SAK, and has shown a clear preference for a more serious knife.

You also have to realize the generational changes in taste. A Buck 110 or an Opinel is like suggesting the kid wear bellbottom jeans to school - that would have been awesome in the 60's-70's, now not so much.

The kid was born in the 21st century, he's going to want a 21st century pocket knife.
 
While I must say that I feel a little bit trolled, no, that is not a good knife for anybody.

Opinel or a good little lock back, he'll be fine
 
Perhaps try him with something from Spyderco's Byrd range. The Cara Cara or Meadowlark are excellent folders at a reasonable price.

As already mentioned there're Ontario's RAT I and II or the Ka Bar Dozier folders as well.

Taking him to a knife store and letting him look around (although clearly stating what budget he has to work with) may be the best answer. Make sure he knows you're not going to buy him something that Rambo would have rejected as too big and impractical. Talk with the staff. Usually they'll be quite enthusiastic about knives and have some information to share.
 
I agree that needs should drive the type of knife, then budget should help figure out what model will be selected. If he's a camper or hunter and goes with his father or uncle a fixed blade is very appropriate. Knives that are only useful as weapons that are useless for food prep, skinning, building shelters etc. should really not be needed at that age.
 
attention, mom!
huckleberryfinn.jpeg

"Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Black"
a valid knife for the resourceful and intrepid pint sized adventurer...
which even dad, would certainly be occasionally borrowing.
1077_0ab19c8a7a5d6a1363b4956a0be9a92e.jpg

http://www.moraofsweden.se/adventure/bushcraft-survival-black
 
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