First knife for kids options

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Ruger 44 Redhawk

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Feb 19, 2021
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Just returned from a camp trip and my kids actually asked me for the first time when will they get a knife. I always have a fixed blade on my belt which is what probably gave them the idea. So I was thinking, maybe I should gift them their first blade for camping. Their ages are 9 and 7, girl and boy. So on the drive back, I was thinking about options I could pursue. The first folder I held was a good 'ole Buck 110 when I was very young back around 1984. I currently have too many folders to name and I will still rock the Buck 110 on occasion. But I was thinking about locking machisms and what might be a "safer" option for kids. I had seen several of my Boy Scout friends put some deep cuts into their fingers with their Buck 110's. But I presume they were being careless with them. So not sure if a Buck 112 would be a better option. But then there is the weight and it has to be sheath carried. The lockback would teach them to be careful and of course I would watch them use it and control it. So then I thought of the Buck 722 Spitfire. It's inexpensive, USA made, thin, a sturdy mid length lockback, has a pocket clip and the 420HC is easy to maintain. I also had a Swiss Army knife as a kid however they are slip joints. I've never been a fan of liner locks and have had more accidental cuts with those over a lockback, plunge lock, Axis or TriAd. I think something like a Benchmade Griptilian or Spyderco or Cold Steel would be an option when they get older. Just wondering what you all think regarding some good budget first folders for kids.
 
Hultafors heavy duty.

Super simple fixed blade with a proportionally large handle, long not wide. So they should have a very hard time slipping off it.

Carbon steel so it will rust of they neglect it.

Otherwise unkillable. Weighs bugger all.

Cost about 10bucks.


By the way with the sheath. If you do want to have it slip on the belt. You just cut that little plastic thing off.

If you want basically the same knife but upmarket they do the ok4.

 
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Mora Basic in stainless, stainless because it's their first knife, you don't necessarily want to tack on carbon steel care to it all, nail down the basics in safe handling and use first, helle also makes knives specific for youngsters with rounded tips
 
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My five year old has had great luck with his “my first Opinel” no 7. Folding, locking, rounded tip, cheap, stainless, variety of handle colors. He’s also had great luck with a Good Knife Company “Bush Buddy” fixed blade, which I bought him out of fatherly pride more than necessity, but it’s a knife that will carry him into adulthood. At this stage I’m watching him like a hawk, but he’s carving sticks into smaller sticks just fine.
 
victorinox SAK Spartan or similar is a great choice as a first knife for kids

For a single blade knife, the opinel is cheap and really do the job

For something more modern I would pick a backlock. A Dragonfly or a delica , even a buck 112 or equivalent are good options
 
I went the other way and got my daughter a David Mary in magnacut. (Bottom knife). It's never to early to teach them about quality knives and steer them clear of boys carrying crap in their pockets. She's 9 and has already claimed my knives when I die. I gave her a choice of 10 very fine options but she is stuck on this one.

view
 
Therom said:
victorinox SAK Spartan or similar is a great choice as a first knife for kids

For a single blade knife, the opinel is cheap and really do the job

For something more modern I would pick a backlock. A Dragonfly or a delica , even a buck 112 or equivalent are good options
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What he said... 👍
 
Ruger 44 Redhawk said:
Just returned from a camp trip and my kids actually asked me for the first time when will they get a knife. I always have a fixed blade on my belt which is what probably gave them the idea. So I was thinking, maybe I should gift them their first blade for camping. Their ages are 9 and 7, girl and boy. So on the drive back, I was thinking about options I could pursue. The first folder I held was a good 'ole Buck 110 when I was very young back around 1984. I currently have too many folders to name and I will still rock the Buck 110 on occasion. But I was thinking about locking machisms and what might be a "safer" option for kids. I had seen several of my Boy Scout friends put some deep cuts into their fingers with their Buck 110's. But I presume they were being careless with them. So not sure if a Buck 112 would be a better option. But then there is the weight and it has to be sheath carried. The lockback would teach them to be careful and of course I would watch them use it and control it. So then I thought of the Buck 722 Spitfire. It's inexpensive, USA made, thin, a sturdy mid length lockback, has a pocket clip and the 420HC is easy to maintain. I also had a Swiss Army knife as a kid however they are slip joints. I've never been a fan of liner locks and have had more accidental cuts with those over a lockback, plunge lock, Axis or TriAd. I think something like a Benchmade Griptilian or Spyderco or Cold Steel would be an option when they get older. Just wondering what you all think regarding some good budget first folders for kids.
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Really depends on the kid and on what you think they might need it for. I have 4 kids. The girls had knives at ages before the boys, and my youngest boy 11 yrs doesn't have one yet, he's got Aspergers and can get out of hand, so watching that carefully. Some I have bought for them and recommend are small SAKs, Morakniv Eldris with fire starter rod and neck lanyard, Honey Badger, Benchmade Bugout, Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit MX. (My kids never vibed with my Spydercos and broke the Buck Bantams). For a bushcraft-proper knife you could also look at Morakniv Companion 860 / Garberg / Bushcraft Black or Gerber Strongarm. If you can spend then LT Wright Frontier Valley / Bushcrafter / Small Northern Hunter or ESEE Ashley Game Knife or Buck Alpha Scout, and for folder Doug Ritter Mini RSK.
 
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EngrSorenson said:
My five year old has had great luck with his “my first Opinel” no 7. Folding, locking, rounded tip, cheap, stainless, variety of handle colors. He’s also had great luck with a Good Knife Company “Bush Buddy” fixed blade, which I bought him out of fatherly pride more than necessity, but it’s a knife that will carry him into adulthood. At this stage I’m watching him like a hawk, but he’s carving sticks into smaller sticks just fine.
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I really like that Opinel for younger kids. Though, all my deep cuts as a child were from the long edge, never the point. My most dangerous injury was as an adult from a point (a stupid mistake). More safety the better. But I think I've been cut by every blade I've owned :cool:
 
I just bought my 9 and 10 year old nephews Case Sodbuster jr's. I've yet to give them to them. I figured something simple is best, plus their 6 year old brother and 3 year old sister would struggle to open it if they found it.

I feel like just learning to safely open and close without fiddling with a lock is best for a beginner. Lord knows if cut myself enough on locking folders.
 
My oldest sons first knife was an alox pioneer. Followed by a leatherman wave. Then a benchmade adamas which he swapped out for crucarta pm2.

My youngest son, has a multitool.
 
My first was a leatherman. Needs to be locking. I probably wouldn't give a kid a slipjoint. Mora makes a good first fixed blade.
 
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