[vart]

My daughter informed me that her and her husband have decided that my 8yr old grandson is responsible enough to get his first pocket knife for Christmas. They wanted to give me the honor of purchasing it for him.

My initial thoughts were something traditional like a Schrade folder with a blade lock.

But, I am now thinking something a bit more foolproof with a blade lock and larger bolster to prevent inexperienced hands from slipping forward and getting cut. Cost is not an issue, but I don't want to get him a $200 folder that he loses or breaks. I'm thinking something nice and decent, but nothing that if lost or damage will cause too much grief.

I don't remember my first pocket knife, nor do I have any idea what it was. But I do have my first nice pocket knife that was gifted to me. So, I think it might be appropriate to get something on the lower end, then when he gets older, get him a really nice knife.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

 

[Julius Seizure]

my first was a swiss army knife, I loved it.
The opinel series for kids look solid. They won’t be nearly as enamored as you are but 12 or 13 it’s a different story.

Medium Pocket Knives | Victorinox (USA)

Medium Pocket Knife is the original Swiss Army Knife. Over 100 years later, each knife still possesses the DNA of its forefathers – inspired functionality and reliability.

www.victorinox.com

No.07 My First Opinel Folding Knife

The No.07 My First Opinel Folding Knife features a round-ended blade for added safety. The knife also utilizes our patented Virobloc locking ring which keeps the blade locked shut during transport and securely opened while in use. It comes in a variety of colors and is the perfect scout knife...

www.opinel-usa.com

(edit for sausage fingers)

 

[rtz]

Personally; as a first knife for a young person to see if they even take a liking to knives; and if they proceed to carry and use it into the future; ~$15 at Home

Milwaukee FASTBACK Stainless Steel Folding Knife with 2.95 in. Blade 48-22-1520 - The Home Depot

Discover a perfect and great addition to your hardware fastening job with the help of this Milwaukee FASTBACK Blade Length Blade Folding Utility Knife.

www.homedepot.com

 

[pgg00]

Rambo knife 😁

 

[21Dad]

A Buck folding lock blade is a good starter knife.

 

[vart]

My first nice folder was a Buck, so thinking along those lines...

 

[warbow150]

Buck 110 or 112.

 

[warbow150]

Rambo knife 😁

Only if it has the crossbow feature. We have standards, after all.

 

[DMAR]

I say a nice Case, or Buck knife. Something that’s quality and enduring. Gave my sone a stag handled Case Stockman for his first knife.

 

[DirectDrive]

Old Timer

 

[Lt. Donn]

I vote for the victorinox swiss camping knife...size is just right for small hands, the multi use features would teach about more than just cutting...and a jeweler etc could easily engrave his name on the scales or something like: to Johnny from Grandpa.... making it a keepsake for sure.

 

[BucsBilly]

Buck 112 - smaller blade than the 110, comes with a sheath, and classic for a reason.

Also you can have it laser engraved to your grandson for like $9 extra I believe which makes it extra special and something he will always value.

 

[badger3actual]

My first knife was a Victorinox Swiss Army knife. It was a single blade model that was easy for little hands to open and close. I completely understand the appeal of a lock blade knife for a kid, but sometimes simple is better. This is especially true while they learn the importance of safe use and handling.

Once the child has mastered the fundamentals of operating the knife safely (and maturely), then he can step up to a more complex design, perhaps a Buck 55. The 55 is a small version of the 110/112.

This gradual method worked great for my two kids. In fact, I used the same methodology to introduce them to firearms. JMHO

In any case, good luck with the process-having a good knife with you is never a bad idea! 😊

 

[TheDirtyGoT]

swiss army is the way to go! this would be my choice! 0.8231.26

 

[ScottMn]

Another vote for Buck. I just got my 8 year old grandson a 284 Bantam. The blade needs to be short since they don't have a lot of hand strength to operate a knife at the tip and it needs to lock open. The 284 was a little stiff but with some oil and breaking in it's been fine. It's not expensive but I've always liked Bucks 420 steel.

PS. I thought I might add that he's on his second knife. If you're going to let them use it they're going to loose it. They're danged hard to find in the leaves next to a fort.....LOL. Don't spend a lot of money.....wait until they're 14 and hunting with you for a nicer one.

 

['Ol Grandad]

Lots of good ideas in here.
When I was young, about 6 or so, my Grandad gave me my first knife. All I can remember is that it was a Case, only because it was what he had. I don't really remember what exactly it was, but it was some sort of Stockman type. I cut myself with it a few times before I learned to really respect it.
At 8 years old, I believe he'd really love this one. I suggest it because I have a lot of knives and this one is literally the only one that is on me during waking hours.
I thought I lost it when my knee was healing, and I had to ride the mobility cart at Walmart. It was such a loss that I purchased another one three days later. About a week after that, I found the one I thought I lost in my easy chair so now I've two of them.

 

[Gl0ckw0rk1983]

My first knife was a sak but I would probably buy a spyderco roadie knowing what I know now about knives. Get him on a brand that is reliable and high quality, like a spyderco!

 

[Maccabeus]

Junior 09

Round tip, locking blade, & other cool tools.

Check this out: Junior 09

Victorinox Junior 09 - 2.4213.SKE ++ Explore the world of perfect Swiss quality online ++ Home of the Original Swiss Army knife ++ Find a store close to you ++

www.victorinox.com

When I bought my son his first knife (a Wagner as above but without the saw), I filed down the tip of the nail file to create a flathead screwdriver so he would have both screwdriver types.

 

[cityborncountrylivin]

Victorinox "farmer", has the aluminum sides not the red plastic.

or a multi tool of some kind, boys always have to fix something

 

[ashton69]

When I was his age this knife was my dream:

If you decide to buy one of these, just don't go all in one as it gets bulky especially for a small hand of a kid this age.
The only thing I don't like in this knife is lack of any locking mechanism, I call it finger crusher because of this