First pocket knife

[Shankly]

I need some help or at least some advice and pointing in the right direction, the problem you see is that my 5 year old will be coming out on his first over-nighter with dad in a couple of months, (after his 6th birthday), and I had told him that he would have his own knife to mark the event - but as I prsonally feel that he is a little too young for a Mora/Clipper (and his mother would divorce me) Im left looking for a good folder that he will get some use out of and learn to take care of for the next few years. The thing is what kind of folder do I go for, any advice greatly appreciated, or even any tales - pros and cons about your own first folder may help.

Thanks Shankly

 

[Garnett]

Remember my first penknife - a Victorinox Waiter. I must have been 8 or 9. I was so damn happy. Even when my new mate, the Hotel owner's son asked to have a look and then tried to close the main blade the wrong way.

6 does seem a little young to me (but then I was never the most responsible child) but what about a little Opinel? You can pick the right size for his hand, and you'll be spoiling him in terms of blade quality...

 

[nobby]

He'd like the gadgets on a small SAK at 6.

 

[weekend_warrior]

I got my boy a "My First Victorinox" from Germany (search Ebay across teh EU and you'll find 'em) Nice blunt point blade, but sharp along the length - they do a locking version too. Has the saw, bottle opener, toothpick and tweezers. Also comes with a lanyard and a pocket chain. I think they're a great first blade.

Try this link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VICTORINOX-My...ryZ16042QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem My First Victorinox[/URL]

 

[Chopper]

If you are going ahead with this, remember to buy a big box of plasters for the mishaps.

 

[Shankly]

Thanks guys, certainly some food for thought there, I do like the "My First Victorinox", the lad can cut himself as often as he likes, but he will have a hard time trying to stab himself - which is my only worry. I shall make sure the Fisrt Aid box has lots of plasters but to be fair I had my first edc at his age, it was used to sharpen pencils basically but because of the way things are now, my lad will only be allowed to carry his when he is out camping/walking with me.

 

[led]

Roselli do a kids safety knife.

 

[silvergirl]

some good suggestions on here .

I like the look of the Roselli, could be a good option.

I've looked at the opinel site, as I know Magikelly has ones with blunt ends for his kids, but I can't find any that haven't got a razor sharp point. You could always grind them down.

I have been looking into getting my kids a basic SAK, but have been putting it off til the summer hols. as we'll hopefully have more time to sit down and do some supervised practice then.

In some ways a fixed blade (like the Roselli) might be better. My Opinel managed to fold across my fingers on monday , and the cut is still rather tender.

 

[FGYT]

Roselli do a kids safety knife.

i think opinal do as well

though im not convinced on the blunt ends for kids

i vote for a basic SAK like a spartan

atb

Duncan

 

[weekend_warrior]

i think opinal do as well

though im not convinced on the blunt ends for kids

i vote for a basic SAK like a spartan

atb

Duncan

Having watched my boy using the blunt tipped sak I am convinced! He would have stabbed himself more than once by now it it hadn't been blunt...

I started him off sharpening pencils - good practice in accurate, easy cutting and good basic technique, safety etc. Once he mastered this we moved onto sticks in the woods etc..

 

[addyb]

I got my boy a "My First Victorinox" from Germany (search Ebay across teh EU and you'll find 'em) Nice blunt point blade, but sharp along the length - they do a locking version too. Has the saw, bottle opener, toothpick and tweezers. Also comes with a lanyard and a pocket chain. I think they're a great first blade.

Try this link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VICTORINOX-My...ryZ16042QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem My First Victorinox[/URL]

I second that. In fact, that was the first pocketknife I ever owned. My Dad bought it for me when I was about six years old as well. I still have it kicking around here somewhere....