What's a good folder to start an urban 8-year-old?

fulloflead

fulloflead

Joined
May 3, 2002
Messages
6,192
I got my first SAK when I was 7.

My buddy's kid wants a pocket knife and he doesn't know what to get him. I don't even know.

I'm thinking, in this modern world, probably not a nail-nick opener.

I suggested a "rescue" knife because it would have a rounded point but my buddy is sure his kid would hate it.

The only other thing I have to contribute is that it's probably better not to have a pocket clip. Sheeple don't need to see a kid with a knife clipped to his pocket. Better he keeps it in his pocket and not draw attention to the fact he has it.

Thoughts?

.
 
AG Russel Featherlite, Buck Prince, some other medium-sized lockback.'
Also, get him some trads. Case Yellow Handle in CV, a few cheao Rough Riders.
Also an SAK for camping. Tinkers are easy to find, as are Hikers. A belt sheath is nice for thease.
Oh and also a Mora.
 
I think an sak but if you want a one hand opening one I suggest a spyderco ladybug, salt1 or the smallest rescue model. A sheepsfoot is a good idea as it is way safer if he falls with the knife or drops it on his feet, which kids do alot. If you don't want a clip you can remove it but I don't reccomend letting him carry it in the city anyway until he is at least 10, you would probably set off a mob of angry sheeple.:eek: A bright yellow salt1 would be great for two reasons
1. Easy to find if he drops it (more sheeple friendly too)
2. Rust proof, He won't dry his knife before putting it into his pocket all the time so the H1 is low maintainance.
I suggest getting the salt and rounding he tip (unless you think he is responsible enough).
 
I started both my son and my daughter with slip joints. I feel that it forced them to learn safe cutting practices and not to depend on a lock. Both of them are careful with knives to this day and neither has ever had any serious cuts. Worked for my family.

The Buck 30x line (301, 303, etc) are made in the US and are pretty darn good users. I've always felt the 303 was a nice medium sized knife, so I'd probably go with that.
 
I'd recommend a spyderco dragonfly, or maybe a benchmade benchmite. And I know an 8 yo would love a kershaw chive or scallion, but AO might not be the most appropriate.
 
Personally I think every kid's first knife should be a SAK, but if you are set on a standard folder I think one of the cheaper, smaller Spydercos would be a good choice. Good quality for the price, easy to open with the spyder hole, etc.
 
the kid is only 8 lol...

i think these are more appropriate for 8 year olds than benchmades and spydercos lol....


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Get him a good SAK, or a knife with a blunt tip but is easy to open, my dad got me crap SAK when i was 6, i hated it because the pivot was soo tight and i couldn't adjust it, i found it again last month, it was still truly a peice of shit, i oiled up the pivot and still needed a plier to open the crap up, i threw in in the bin.....
 
I believe in the SAK Tinker for this. That's what I've bought nephews etc as first knives.

In addition to a large and small blade, it has: bottle opener/screwdriver/wirestripper, can opener/small screwdriver, reamer, phillps head, tweezers, toothpick.

There's no mistaking the fact that this knife is a tool, not a weapon. Great message for an eight year old receiving his first knife and hopefully this will stay with him.
 
Your basic SAK would be perfect imo. Just like my hero MacGyver (when i was that age). Do kids still watch MacGyver?
 
Man every kids first knife should be a SAK, dont you know that. HAHA J/K. Seriously and SAK or a Boyscout knife is what I would get him. Let him clip it on his belt and he would think he could fight the biggest bear in the woods. I know thats how i felt at that age. God I miss them days.
 
Id get him either a barlow or, if you dont want to go traditional, a simple SAK.
I wouldnt get him a one hand opener at his age.

And be sure that he knows how to use it safely.

just my 2ct.
 
Times are not what they used to be and an 8 yo is too young. I have been a Boy Scout leader for a long time and have seen a lot of scouts who are 10 to 12 years old do some pretty foolish things with pocket knives. We have an extensive safety program for them and it also covers use, maintenance and care for your knife. There is also a way that a Scout can loose the priveledge of carrying a knife if he is not using it in a safe manner.

Considering what I have seen in the wilderness where knives are almost a requirement and you are saying that this boy would be in a city environment, I'm sorry but I can not agree that an 8yo in the city needs a knife of any kind. You are asking for troble both safety wise and legally. If you are going to get one for the kid anyway (which I am sure will happen) I also think a one hand opening knife is a mistake. A small lockback is the only thing I would even consider like a Gerber LST or similar.
 
All three of my boys got Victorinox Alox Cadets as their first knives. The two 10 year olds got them when they were 8 years old. The older brother was 10. Yes they have done some stupid stuff with them and I've either caught them or they ended up cut. So is life.....they rarely do the same stupid thing with the knife and the words "hand behind the edge" ring in their ears every time they need to cut something. They are also getting pretty good at sharpening......freehand is still a little tough so they usually end up on the Sharpmaker but they are learning.
 
Get him a My First Knife from Vixtoinox. Its a SAK so it won't scare the sheeple and it also has a rounded point. You could always get him a Victorinox classic, it is small but very useful.
 
I believe strongly that kids today are constantly sent the message that they can't be expected to act responsibly, and it becomes a self-fulfilling expectation.

I know 8 year olds that could absolutely be trusted with an SAK. I also know a couple that shouldn't ever be let out of sight. It depends upon the individual child and the standards to which he has been raised. If your child can be trusted to:
-not take it to school
-not be a show-off with it
then I say go for it.

Incidently, the inevitiable small cuts, if not life or limb threatening, are educational opportunities, not crisies.
 
MikeH said:
I believe strongly that kids today are constantly sent the message that they can't be expected to act responsibly, and it becomes a self-fulfilling expectation.

I know 8 year olds that could absolutely be trusted with an SAK. I also know a couple that shouldn't ever be let out of sight. It depends upon the individual child and the standards to which he has been raised. If your child can be trusted to:
-not take it to school
-not be a show-off with it
then I say go for it.

Incidently, the inevitiable small cuts, if not life or limb threatening, are educational opportunities, not crisies.
Click to expand...

Well said:thumbup:. I aggree %110.
 
I got my first SAK (well, SAK knock-off) when I was seven, before a camping trip. I whittled a lot with that knife. Yes, I cut my self a few times. It was a leaning experience. I've cut myself a few times seven years later.
I often point out that age is no indication of maturity. I know people in my class (high school freshmen) that I wouldn't trust with a butter knife, and ones I would trust with a Claymore mine.
Back on topic- if you fell he is responsible, get him a knife. If you want one-handed opening, than several excellent suggestions have already been made. An SAK is always appreciated, but getting one with tools he'll use more (as opposed to say, corkscrew and hook disgorger) would be good.
Also, traditional Case slipjoints are great.
When you say urban, do you mean apartment living concrete jungle use public transportation and play in the park or live in neighborhood with backyard near a city (suburban)?
 
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