All About Pocket Knives

Christmas gift. She is a tom-boy, LOVES bush craft... Les Stroud and Bear Grylls are her heroes. She has some inexpensive Swiss Army knife. I want to get her a "real" knife and my son already said, he would make sure she gets "real" knife safety instruction. She is excellent about not losing things and she knows how to shoot a bow already. She's right handed.

What ideas do you have for a real knife for her? I was thinking of a 556 Benchmade Mini-Griptilian. Plain blade drop point.

EDIT: she'll be 10 in 3 weeks

Perhaps a Mora?

How about a Barlow, one or two blade. Something traditional and it's historical a common starter knife for kids. Maybe a Rough Rider and then in a year or two if she proves to be as responsible as you believe she is, move her up to a USA made knife. I know you're proud of her grandpa but steady as she goes.

Edit: Mora is another good choice. Or maybe one of each. Different knives, different functions.

How about something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Erik-Frost-K-Je ... SwHMJYNyCC

or this
https://www.smkw.com/ka-bar-little-finn ... her-handle

Great ideas so far, I have nothing to add except the training that we give our Cub Scouts (ages 9-10) for knife training can be found here: http://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/aw ... ip-434.asp

While I'm sure your son can handle the instruction, you might find some helpful hints in the above link. Tom

What's your budget ?

philco wrote:What's your budget ?

it's open Phil. A mini-grip like I was thinking, is in the $80 range.

"Mora is another good choice. Or maybe one of each. Different knives, different functions."
I'm with Jerry My granddaughter just went away to college and I gave her a Camillus "Sizzle" out of my collection. She has carried a pocket knife since she was 9. All types of frame styles and brands.

Do you have a mini-grip? Maybe let her try several of your knives to see which one suits her fancy. Just because that's what you want to get for her doesn't mean that's what she'll like. And just because you can afford it doesn't mean that's what's best for her. Just some unasked for advice. Feel free to tell me to suck an egg.

"Les Stroud and Bear Grylls are her heroes."
If I'm not mistaken both have knives out there with their name on them. At least I know Bear Grylls does. They strike me as being China made knives priced higher than I would pay for one but they are her heros....................

How about one of these little critters? Fairly easy to open and prices are reasonable. Nice little starter knife.

jerryd6818 wrote:Do you have a mini-grip? Maybe let her try several of your knives to see which one suits her fancy. Just because that's what you want to get for her doesn't mean that's what she'll like. And just because you can afford it doesn't mean that's what's best for her. Just some unasked for advice. Feel free to tell me to suck an egg.

"Les Stroud and Bear Grylls are her heroes."
If I'm not mistaken both have knives out there with their name on them. At least I know Bear Grylls does. They strike me as being China made knives priced higher than I would pay for one but they are her heros....................

No. I have 5 other Benchmades though. Not an option for her to try any of mine, she's about 1300 miles away. My son has a Volli I gave him, she has handled that one.

Re: Mini-Grip.... I was thinking about immediate knife size for her now, versus maintaining desirability and utility in the future.

She loves Les's and Bear's TV shows. A knife doesn't have to have their name on it.

Thanks for your additional thoughts!

I have looked at Barlows and Moras since you all have posted above. There are some options there but I'm not locked in yet. Still considering and thinking. If you have any more ideas, I'm listening!

I would suggest the common Opinel.
A very functional folding and locking knife. Easy to sharpen and offers a wide choice of sizes.

Last year I bought my two grandsons and my son each a Case trapper made in the year of their birth. A year ago and I wouldn't guarantee any one of them still has his knife.

I give Case mini copperlocks to people who are interested but new to knives. They are easy to open, lock up tight, easy to close, have a thin profile, come in a variety of handles, reasonably sharp, low maintenance, reasonably priced, and traditionally styled (i.e., don't look aggressive).

RalphAlsip wrote:I give Case mini copperlocks to people who are interested but new to knives. They are easy to open, lock up tight, easy to close, have a thin profile, come in a variety of handles, reasonably sharp, low maintenance, reasonably priced, and traditionally styled (i.e., don't look aggressive).

Exactly what I was going to suggest based on all that has been posted. Traditional lockback is my suggestion.
Jerry

I agree with Garry....100%....A MORA!!!

Or a vintage Imperial Scout Knife.

Having 4 children and having given them many knives each, i have some experience with children and knives. First point is that as much as you love and admire your grand daughter, there is no need to get her an expensive knife. Many knives under $30 cut very well and are well made so will stand up to years of use and quite a bit of abuse. They also have steel that is reasonably easy to sharpen, which is something that she can learn to do with an inexpensive knife.
Basic decision is: fixed blade or folder, and then, if folder, single blade or more than 1 blade. If fixed blade look for a handle of 'less' girth as her hands are not yet full size.
A lanyard looks good and is useful' so maybe a knife with lanyard hole or a bail.
The SAK Alox knives break my $30 suggestion but are great knives and this year some are a purple-ish color and look GREAT ! and some have a ring to attach the lanyard.
You could also give her one of your knives, maybe one of the new Schrade USA slender Stock knives (895, 825, etc.) A gift of 'Grandpa's knife' would have lifelong meaning for her.
There is no one correct knife or answer here, so don't get too stuck on trying to find the 'perfect' knife for her. And you will have many more opportunities over the years to give her different knives.
And for Christmas how about a SpyderCo sharpening rod 'kit'. They are fairly easy to use and the good results will give her a sense of pride in accomplishment. I also think this system of sharpening is a good lead into free hand sharpening.
My final suggestion is to stop thinking about this. In a few days time you will get an inner 'knowing' of the knife you want to give her.
"What knife do i give to my grand daughter" is a lucky person's problem. 4 children, eldest 39, i have no grandchildren, so i don't have this problem.
kj

if your going to do it just once do it right. my 2 cents, Grohmann D H Russell trout and bird. 95.25 stainless or carbon saber grind. flat grind is $ 20.00 more.

Maybe I got stuck on the word "bushcraft" plus her heros being who they are. Which is why I suggested a Mora. However, if you are looking for a more general purpose EDC then many of the previous suggestions are fine. The copperlock seems a reasonable candidate but I'd guess all these suggesgtions are revealing more about our own experiences and preferences.
This is a fun exercise, but you best know the young lady. I say go with your gut.

You guys are great! Now you know why I asked the question... it's harder than you think! But it is fun! All very good points being brought up.

I have gone through my collection and there are some candidates in there, for sure. A new in box, Schrade 5OTG Green Bruin is one of the leading choices. It seems to touch all the right buttons. It's new, medium sized, thin, single blade, lock back, easy to open and close, capable of doing small bushcraft chores and durable. What do you think?

I think a lockback is a great idea. Springs are not strong so always easy to open and will not snap back onto your fingers. When open it is solid and her gripping hand is safe.
It is a better idea than all my suggestions.
A knife that would make a great gift in a couple of years time is an Alox SAK called "Lumberman" or ?? something like that. Has a blade, a saw and an awl, two springs but still slender. This one does it all: slices, saws & pokes. A bit hard to find. If you see one get it for yourself. You could always 'gift' it later.
kj

kootenay joe wrote:I think a lockback is a great idea. Springs are not strong so always easy to open and will not snap back onto your fingers. When open it is solid and her gripping hand is safe.
It is a better idea than all my suggestions.
A knife that would make a great gift in a couple of years time is an Alox SAK called "Lumberman" or ?? something like that. Has a blade, a saw and an awl, two springs but still slender. This one does it all: slices, saws & pokes. A bit hard to find. If you see one get it for yourself. You could always 'gift' it later.
kj

kj,
Thanks! I found a NIB Swiss Bianco Victorinox Bushcrafter, that is what you describe. Blade, saw and Awl. Is this what you had in mind...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swiss-Bianco-Ex ... Swqu9VOrLo

CheckSix wrote:

kootenay joe wrote:I think a lockback is a great idea. Springs are not strong so always easy to open and will not snap back onto your fingers. When open it is solid and her gripping hand is safe.
It is a better idea than all my suggestions.
A knife that would make a great gift in a couple of years time is an Alox SAK called "Lumberman" or ?? something like that. Has a blade, a saw and an awl, two springs but still slender. This one does it all: slices, saws & pokes. A bit hard to find. If you see one get it for yourself. You could always 'gift' it later.
kj

kj,
Thanks! I found a NIB Swiss Bianco Victorinox Bushcrafter, that is what you describe. Blade, saw and Awl. Is this what you had in mind...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swiss-Bianco-Ex ... Swqu9VOrLo

Absolutely! Or any of many U.S.A. made official Boy Scout or Cub Scout utility knives with several blades. All very common on ebay. The blue Camillus scouts would appeal to most kids (uh... and me). Try to think like a kid but with a view to continued interest as she ages. A fixed blade knife (and I love them more than chocolate) may not be as versatile or discrete in most situations. Multiple blades will stimulate a child's mind.

Along similar lines of thinking...

The Victorinox Walker... https://www.swissknifeshop.com/swiss-army-walker
Schrade (China) 97OT Buzzsaw... http://taylorbrandsllc.com/collections/ ... cket-knife

All great choices Dave. Personally would not do a tactical if it were me.

I realize you are looking for answers and not donations but...

Here are 2 CASE Stag Copperlocks I have. What says "outdoors" more than stag? There are yours if you want them as a gift. Maybe the mini for your grand daughter and you or her Dad carry the full size a few years and give it to her when her hands are larger. Adds some sentimental value. My opinion, up to you. Please don't let this sway your ultimate choice, but I would be glad to do it. Your call.

I would be happy to do it and no reciprocity is desired nor expected. Up to you.

Regards, Jerry