what would be a good "kids" design

how about a friction folder along the lines of an opinel regular or spear point for shape?
 
What other interests do they have? Maybe you can also incorporate something else they like into the design. Generally kids especially at that young age often appreciate some sort of personalization that makes a gift "theirs"... Whether it's a picture or artwork of something they like or their name engraved. I notice this especially in kids with siblings. Whether it's because they always have to share their things or someone always gets hand-me-downs, lots of times I've seen kids get presents where their favorite thing about it is that it had their name on it. That said, in terms of recommendations, I would suggest either a simple two handed lockback for a folder (whatever is easiest for young hands to manipulate) or a railroad spike knife because of the shear novelty and coolness factor. Kids don't always appreciate practicality, so I wouldn't necessarily go hi-tech or anything.
 
For kids I would just get some kind of SAK maybe a buck 110. Something basic, small, useful, and proven effective.
 
Bushman5 said:
spydercos Bill Moran fixed blade perhaps?

http://www.rockcreek.com/spyderco/bill-moran-drop-point-knife/

EDIT: sorry, just releazied you wanted a SHORT blade. Maybe a Micheal Morris file necker??? short to your specs, inexpensive, and one heck of a great knife!


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I am really liking the wooden handled one on right. I will make them each something like that only I will add a guard to them so they cant slip forward and cut themselves

maybe I'll start next week after my cut heals lol sliced a chunk off end of my finger including a peice of fingernail lol
Pretty cool ..I even picked up the piece off the floor and it still had the fingernail attached
 
When I was around that age my uncle gave me a Case Trapper... It was my first real gentlemens folder.. IMO its a good blade to start out with Case knives are classics and make a great pocket folder..
 
How about something with a sheepsfoot blade? It might prevent undue puncture wounds, because the fine motors do not really connect with the hippocampus until later in life.
 
A couple years ago I found an old Kinsfolk 333 bird and trout knife. I think it would be a great design if someone were making it today, as it was toted as a young boy's knife. It is small, 3" handle and 3" blade, and thin. You can see a pic on this site; http://www.kinfolksinc.com/knives/hunting.htm

Sorry, I don't have pics of mine, otherwise I'd just post that with size references.

-MJ

BTW reading the others I should mention that yes, the first knife I got my son was a SAK as well. Later on I bought him a Spyderco...
 
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SAK, definitely.
It's good and affordable and kids love to experiment with those extra tools.
 
Agreed. I'm in the Scouts-first knife is an SAK and is still my most used, despite the three Spyderco folders and Opinel that have come along.

The Opinel is a great knife too.

For fixed blade, maybe a RAT Izula?
 
I had John of JK Handmade Knives (Stomper on BF) make this one up for my son, he is now a Webelo.It has a 2" scale to tip blade and is 4 5/8" OAL. 1/8" O1, with Indigo Diamond wood scales, and a pocket sheath. It fits perfect in the pocket of a boy's pants.

The matching firesteel was John's idea.And a nice surprise for my son and I.:thumbup:

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In hand..

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As he grows up it will still be a fine three finger pocket knife.
 
shaker since you said make a knife, i think a simple design is great, if you make from carbon steel kids will start off understanding about careful maintenance. good luck.
 
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