Baby’s First Knife!

[zoogirl]

So, I’ve been thinking. Like most of us, I’m a parent and now grandparent. The kids are 11,6 and 4.
By my granddaughter’s age I was already borrowing my dad’s knife as often as I could and by my older grandsons age, I was getting my own for Christmas.
I know of one member who has collecting granddaughters, three and six, and another little four year old girl is on a current thread, whittlin’.
I’ve been thinking about starting the kid off with their first proper knives. They all like going fishing and the little guy just went on his first camping trip.
What do you guys recommend? I think a single bladed spear, Spey or sheepsfoot would be the safest. Something like this -

What age do you think is appropriate? What type of knife?

[Doc B]

That looks like a pretty good choice, to me!

[Quick Steel]

I think you are on the right track. A single blade Barlow should be ideal for smaller hands.

[Steve Warden]

I've heard a locking blade is best to start with. The added safety of not having the blade inadvertently slamming shut on their fingers.
Also something inexpensive if/when they lose it.

That said, my first knife was a stockman given to me by my Grampy when I was about 9. I still have it.

[Steve Warden]

As for age, I don't think you can or should put a number on it.
Each kid matures differently.

[Colonel26]

As for age, I don't think you can or should put a number on it.
Each kid matures differently.

I agree.

I’m not sure about lock backs. Some can be hard for a grown up to manipulate, little, weaker hands and a sharp blade and a lock back could be a problem.

I’ve known many people who give a kid a knife and first they “dull” it so it will be safer. To me this is a very bad thing to do. A dull knife is a dangerous knife and WHEN they cut themselves, dull knives make nasty cuts. I always made sure my boys knives were sharp.

[tongueriver]

I think beefy handle, short blade, any kind, sharp. I had already cut myself a few times by age 8 or 9, I am sure. No biggie.

[zoogirl]

I’ve known many people who give a kid a knife and first they “dull” it so it will be safer. To me this is a very bad thing to do. A dull knife is a dangerous knife and WHEN they cut themselves, dull knives make nasty cuts. I always made sure my boys knives were sharp.

Yes, and also, a dull knife is a frustrating knife. If the kid can’t cut what they want, sure as heck, he’ll start to hack at it. That’s when you get blades folding back and blades slipping off the item it’s not cutting.

[Gunsil]

This is me at five with my first belt knife which I had received for my fifth birthday the previous summer. My mom had made the matching snow suits for my sister and myself. I got my first folding knife the next year, a barlow and not a great brand. I think I was given the belt knife first because I couldn't shut the blade on my fingers. I probably lost over 20 pocket knives before I was twenty years old, some were fine knives, some cheapos. One rule for sure is never give a little kid something you don't want him to lose or break.

[Quick Steel]

I believe today in many parts of the country your parents would have been in serious trouble for allowing you to have a belt knife at age 5. Today's culture does not have a lot to recommend it. More importantly, you and your sister were wrapped up in the love your mom put into those snowsuits.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

I think beefy handle, short blade, any kind, sharp. I had already cut myself a few times by age 8 or 9, I am sure. No biggie.kid whittling.jpg

Neat photo Cal.

[eveled]

I got my kids fixed blade mora knives with hard plastic sheaths. Kids like to stab at things and blade closure is an issue.

My kids have “companions”. 4.1 inch blade. Comes in 7bright colors.

The Eldris has a 2.2 inch blade. Also available in 7colors.

[treefarmer]

Ann, I was thinking about the Opinel knives for a youngster. The blades are not under spring tension, no chance of the "walk and talk" biting the child. They make some with a more rounded blade points just for kids and the knives can be had in some interesting colors. Plus they are not expensive even compared to most used folders. The biggest problem I've had with an Opinel knife was letting it go through the washing machine. The wooden handle will swell up and it takes a bit to dry one out where it opens and closes with ease. Several years ago, I bought a couple for my grandsons to use as fishing knives, got the stainless steel bladed ones since they probably would keep them in their tackle boxes. I don't remember what size. Google Opinel and see what you think.
Treefarmer

[Jody744]

Victorinox has a my first, with a rounded tip so it’s not pointy, that was my daughters first knife

[zoogirl]

I kind of like the Opinal idea and I know where there are a bunch of smaller used ones at about five bucks each. I could actually paint the handles myself, now that I think about it.

[danno50]

I think your thoughts on the matter are right on, Ann. I have had a knife in my pocket since I was 6 years old. At recess, starting in Grade One, we would pull out our pocket knives and play stretch and chicken. I went through many single blade Richards and cheap wood handled German made pocket knives in my youth, all mostly spear blades.

[Colonel26]

I never thought I’d the Opinel. That’s a fantastic choice for a first knife.

[kootenay joe]

Victorinox has made a single blade knife, thin sharp blade but perfectly round at the tip. Little kids tend like to hold a knife and wave it around in the air. Poking themselves or someone else or the cat with a pointy tip is a risk. The round end on this SAK blade is safe. Plus it spreads PB very well and is sharp enough to slice paper.
I had a few. If i can find one i will post a picture.
Calvin is that a picture of you with the chaps ?
kj

[eveled]

Easy enough to round off the tip on whatever knife you choose.

I still have my first knife it is a 4 blade SAK from the 50’s I believe. My dad broke of the tips of both blades before he gave it to me.

In fact I still have a scout knife his uncle gave him again with broken off tips. That one is a real shame. Beautiful bone handles the spear point is turned into a coping blade. I think it is a Dwight Devine. Don’t quote me. I’ll dig it out and check my memory later.

A SAK is a great choice for a first knife too. The original MacGiver was inspired by my childhood. I thought I could fix anything with that knife.

[kootenay joe]

I could not find the single blade knife with rounded tip, but i did find this 3 blade example: rather nice too, very useful too with the saw blade.
kj

[New_Windsor_NY]

None of these kids are mine! I would rather have Baby's First Handgun, but this is a knife site.

[kootenay joe]

This kid is 'mine'. Taken 10 years ago with Tom Krein "Bulldog" knife and hat.
Note, as a careful father i made sure she had her snow boots on in case she dropped the knife. Taking her to hospital with her toes in a bag would have caused too many problems.
kj

[Old Folder]

Great post Ann.
Our first born was in June 1976, she will be 43 in a few days
I remember asking Mom to wait until July 4th to make her a official Bicentennial Baby. She would have nothing to do with that.
However, many Bicentennial gifts were purchased and received, to include many Hallmark First Edition ornaments, American Bicentennial Coins, etc.
Unfortunately, I was just a few short years of becoming a pocket knife collector.

Of the below, I ask myself: : "What would I currently prefer?"