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.