What's the best knife for a child?

golok

golok

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Oct 20, 2000
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Say, if I want to give a little boy something useful. I think of a knife but what kind?

Certainly, I don't want to give him one of those tactical folders. Something safe, as his mother would say.

Maybe a Scout knife, or a little Swiss knife. The aim is to introduce him very gently to the wonderful world of blades but not to scare his parents.

So what are some of the lovelier models to pick for him? Let's say his age is nine.
 
a small stockman. shrade must have one in the 15 USD range. The high carbon steel would teach him to maintain the knife (and it's not as hard to sharpen as say, 440V). And it's non-threatening.
 
I gave my nephew (10 years) a Camillus camp knife (Boy Scout without the logo : he is a Royal Ambassador), and for my granddaughter (17 months) I already have a Remington Barlow sharpened and put aside for her (until she has pockets!). Have one grandson (8years) and one granddaughter(3 years) to go! Will probably buy to match the others.:D :D
 
My mom asked the same question for my 9 year old step-brother. About the best I can figure is a Victorianox Classic, w/ the scissors and the file and screwdriver.
 
It depends on the age and knife experience of the child and the parents' attitudes. Always ask the parents first. For a child under 10 who has not previously had a knife I would pick a Trim Trio. This very small knife has a pointless sheepsfoot blade, a screwdriver, and a nail file. I think having the screwdriver blade is important so that the child can use the knife as a tool without mutilating things. For a slightly older or more experienced child I would pick a Victorinox Tinker model SAK. It has two very handy knife blades or moderate size, 3 screwdrivers, a can opener, cap lifter, wire stripper, awl, tweezers and toothpick. All in a compact two-springs-thick knife. It works well for whittling and handyman tasks.
 
A sak is well made and less threatening than most others. In regard to which blades to choose, it might be nice to sit down with the kid and let him/her choose which blades. I think Victorinox has a website that shows all their choices. It's a fun thing to be able to do. My son still carries his many years later.
 
SAK...if they keep up with it and care for it properly, then consider getting them a nicer knife...a nice high end production folder, a Spyderco or the like. For a long time all I carried was a SAK so, I'm sure it would suit the needs of a child.
 
Like many others have said, SAK's are great choices. However, I would also look at the Spyderco Dragonfly. The blade isn't too big or scary, it is easy to open, has a secure lock, and a secure grip.
Matt
 
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