Suggestions Please

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Quick Steel
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Suggestions Please

Post by Quick Steel »

I am giving two knives to a friend for his grandsons; 8 and 9 years of age. I am undecided. Two Scout knives or two Barlows? I think both patterns have advantages. Your thoughts are appreciated.
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by jerryd6818 »

Those boys won't give a flying flip. All they will see are KNIVES. :shock: :shock:
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herbva
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by herbva »

I would guess they might be a bit more interested in scout knives because of the additional gadgets/blades. I was given a fully loaded swiss army knife at about that age and the gadgets were a huge attraction for me. I think I actually might still have it tucked away somewhere. ::groove::
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by kennedy knives »

Every bout like Scouts :lol: :lol: ::handshake::
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bestgear
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by bestgear »

Personally, I'd gravitate towards the 3-blade Cub Scout knife that has a locking main blade and awl as depicted in this example in LDF Knives store: https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... y-camillus. Worked for me in 1964 and both of my sons 2004 and 2006 and we all still have all of our original digits! ::nod::
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Mumbleypeg
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Mumbleypeg »

Might want to show this to their parents too, but your friend will know better whether needed or not.
https://www.ted.com/talks/gever_tulley_ ... anguage=en

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Sharpnshinyknives
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Sharpnshinyknives »

Garry, I’m going to lean toward the Barlow’s. When I was a kid and had a scout knife, I just didn’t find many things to do with those other tools. I used it mainly for cutting and all the extras made it clunky and heavy to handle. So I think the Barlow’s would be better.
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1967redrider
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by 1967redrider »

Scout knives have something for every occasion. 😉
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Steve Warden
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Steve Warden »

My Grampy gave me a stockman when I was 8 or 9. That became my standard.
Which ever you give, can't go wrong with either, just may be what they'll gravitate to.
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edge213
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by edge213 »

Without question.......Barlows!!
Every kid NEEDS a Barlow.
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by ea42 »

I'd choose whatever's easiest to open. Kids don't have tough fingernails like adults and if they have to struggle to open them they probably won't use them.

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Colonel26
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Colonel26 »

Even as a kid, I wasn’t a fan of either pattern. But if I were choosing between the two I’d probably say Barlow just because there are two blades, and I always found the pen more useful.
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Dan In MI
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Dan In MI »

As a kid, I'd have gone for the scout. That would be the case today, as I haven't warmed up to Barlows. Your friend's grandsons may be different...perhaps they could choose the knives themselves?
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robpa
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by robpa »

I had a scout and a barlow as a kid. I much preferred the scout. But then I was in the woods alot and on a farm. Those other blades all got plenty of use. I rehandled an old Utica w buggered up plastic handles with white oak and gave the knife to an Amish kid for Xmas, he surely loves it. he is 11.
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Madmarco
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Madmarco »

I tend to agree with Mark and David's vote for Barlow's, Garry. A couple of the Rough Rider brown micarta Barlow's should fit the bill nicely. Small, compact, easy to carry, perfect! 8)
8)
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Ridgegrass »

Scouts for sure. More blades, more useful, some with liner locks. My grandsons, 6 and 8 both have 50's vintage ones and really are proud of them. J.O'.
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by knife7knut »

I would do two things: make sure that whichever you choose for them is fairly easy to open. As most Barlows have half-stops, that would likely rule them out. You might want to add a blade opener along with the knife.
Second: some good instruction on the proper care & USE of a knife! I speak from personal experience! Almost severed a finger at the age of 8 attempting to open my grandfather's KAMP KING. I still have the scar 71 years jater!
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Quick Steel
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Quick Steel »

Thank you all for the abundance of suggestions. Which ever I finally decide on I won't be buying new knives. All are NOS, never been used. I may have to let their dad decide...or give one of each to the boys.
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Oledadsknives »

Maybe a couple of case peanuts would be a safer starter knife for youngins!! Easy to open and carry in smaller pockets. IMO!
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Quick Steel
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by Quick Steel »

Thank you Jimbo. Good suggestion but a Peanut is the one pattern I've never collected.
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ken98k
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Re: Suggestions Please

Post by ken98k »

I'd say Barlow.
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