What makes For A Good First Knife?

Bob Denman

Bob Denman

That OTHER Guy...
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The backstory:
My Kid (Aged 34); has never been much of an outdoorsman. In fact: he specializes in being an indoorsman! :eek:
But now that he owns 30 acres of field and woods (GREAT hunting!): he should have at least one knife.
What would you suggest for him?
Chores might range from picking sliver out of a shrieking Wife: to cutting the rope used to secure his firewood.
I'm thinking Dragonfly 2: Are there any other knives that I should consider?
Thanks!
 
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The 113.
 
I would look at a utility knife. Like a carpet or lino knife.

Something like this with replacable blades so he doesn't have to sharpen it. And orange so it is harder to loose.


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From what I’ve seen with young men and their first knife having very little experience using them, a mid sized lock back that is easy to maintain and don’t cost a lot but is still a quality, sturdy knife that can take rough use. Young folks who aren’t used to carrying a pocket knife usually loose or misplace them, and need a steel type that is easier to sharpen until they get better skilled.
I think a smaller knife is good for a small person or kid with small hands but a bigger person needs a bigger handle for farm and outdoor work. Just my opinion anyway.
 
Fencing: He's only got about 2 acres of it fenced-off, and that stuff is plastic.
There's little fun to be had there...
Hi Bride isn't too much into knives; so I was thinking of something with a non-threatening look to it...
 
Fixed blade.

Nothing to go wrong, no finicky locks to worry about and less chance of injuring himself opening and closing a folder (since you did say he was a knife noob).

Suggest looking at anything from Becker (KaBar). The BK18 is my current favorite Becker. It does all things well (except tree felling, perhaps....) It's affordable, easy to sharpen with tried and true 1095, has great heat treat and is relatively maintenance free. A wipe down with some oil now and then and that's it.

My experience with folders in the woods and for general outdoor use, is they get full of crud and crap after a day out, and that can easily compromise any locking mechanism.

EDIT - Or SMATCHET. :p
 
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tinfoil hat timmy said:
I'll probably be getting my kids a SAK.
Click to expand...

Not to move off topic too badly, but for the love of God, at least get a folder with a lock as a kid's first knife. Kids do stupid things with knives no matter how well you think you've taught them, and it's really easy for a non-locking blade to snap back on a child's finger.
 
I’d start him with a Buck 110 and a good boys axe for work on the farm. That will give him a good idea of what he likes and what he uses them for, and subsequently what he likes/dislikes and wants out of a cutting and/or chopping tool.

I also second the Leatherman. I use the rebar on the ranch the most. But I also have the original which I like a lot as well.

ETA: I’d also second the Buck 105 fixed. I’m more partial to the 117, but you might also look at the 102 if you can’t find a 117. They are great knives, not too big and not too small.
 
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