What issues do you run into with locks and opening mechanisms as a lefty?
1. It can be a pain in the ass to disengage. plus It just doesn't feel right.
2. It can be a pain in the thumb to disengage the lock. The way you have to position your hand makes it more susceptible to being cut.
3. The show side is on the opposite side. You get stuck looking at the usually unadorned lock side. Especially if it's a framelock.
4. You pay the same amount for less. Essentially, I'm paying top dollar for something that wasn't made for me.
Last time I checked Reate does not make a Left handed model under their own name. They recently did a limited run of Micro Evo Typhoons for Sharp By Design, but those will be tough to get. Most of the guys who bought them don't want to sell.
The other is Liong Mah. He has two models made by Reate under his name. The KUF V2, and Warrior 2 V3, A bit expensive though (over $400).
WE made a lefty Chimera. which is very nice. I don't think they have done any other models though.
Spyderco makes a lefty PM2 and Military
Kizer makes a few models that are lefty as well.
Gemini is a fantastic EDC
They make two others but they are a bit large. Megatherium and Sheepdog
I also believe Bestech has made a few as well.
Finally, most Benchmade Axis lock and some of the newer Hogue Able lock knives are fully ambidextrous. Meaning they work exactly the same for a righty and lefty.
Hope this helps.
Do the kid a favor and get him a REAL lefty or something fully ambi. I know I would've appreciated it when I was a kid.