Spyderco Forums

I'm looking for some advise. I have a young brother (13) with a birthday coming up. He has started collecting knives, but doesn't have any Spyderco's yet, so I'm going to get him one. My question is, which one? He's a little guy, so I'm leaning towards something not too big like the Efficient. Anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.

Delica! Classic Spyderco ergonomics, big enough to handle most anything a 13 year old would be cutting but still not huge, safe and easy backlock. If the Delica is a little large maybe a Dragonfly, but the Delica feels more like a “real knife” to someone younger, where the Dragonfly might feel more toy-ish. Plus lots of fun colors :D

The Efficient is a great choice and a great price. Lots of color combinations too. I personally wouldn't spend more than $50 on a knife for a 13 year old as they are more likely to lose the knife or damage it. Which is all part of the learning process, but still.

I'd start with a Byrd.

I would vote for a Cat. It's a good value and one of my favorite Spydies at any price.

what about a tenacious lw? the tenacious is highly praised for a budget knife and the lw gives the spyderco textured frn experience. it's a good size for edc that will fit him now, but he won't likely grow out of quickly.

Spydergirl88 wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 3:14 pm

The Efficient is a great choice and a great price. Lots of color combinations too. I personally wouldn't spend more than $50 on a knife for a 13 year old as they are more likely to lose the knife or damage it. Which is all part of the learning process, but still.

I feel the same way. I just wish it was offered in brighter colors. Makes them a little easier to find if dropped in the grass.

jdw wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 3:31 pm

I would vote for a Cat. It's a good value and one of my favorite Spydies at any price.

That's a good option that I hadn't even thought of. Thanks.

Couldn't go wrong with something from the byrd line.

Para 3

As others have suggested, something from the Byrd line may be a good option. Perhaps to broaden his young perspective on the usefulness of certain types of knives as functional tools, may I suggest a serrated knife like one of the non-pointy rescue models. Spyderco/Byrd serrated serrated 8cr13mov is actually pretty decent stuff. IMHO a real bargain.

How about a VG-10 Dragonfly?

Big enough(grip) to be a knife, small enough to be wielded by a less than fully developed brain.

Edit: I would personally choose the Wharncliffe.

Sumdumguy wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 4:32 pm

How about a VG-10 Dragonfly?

Big enough(grip) to be a knife, small enough to be wielded by a less than fully developed brain.

Edit: I would personally choose the Wharncliffe.

Dragonfly was the first model that came to mind when I started reading this. It's a classic Spyderco and ideal for a young guy (and a lot older folks)

IMO, probably the VG-10 Dragonfly. Also, I think a knife with a back lock is probably the best and safest choice for a first Spyderco. And be sure he remembers to periodically clear any dust or grime buildup in the lock notch with a toothpick so the lock always engages fully and safely.

Jim

Budget line and Byrd are great suggestions, but I also think I'd lean towards a Dragonfly.

I've got glow in the dark delicas stashed away for my kids when they're around that age. Presumably these will be easy to find if dropped in the dark! But they probably won't be their first spydercos - I'll get 'em dragonflies or something small from the value line first.

JuPaul wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 5:44 pm

I've got glow in the dark delicas stashed away for my kids when they're around that age. Presumably these will be easy to find if dropped in the dark! But they probably won't be their first spydercos - I'll get 'em dragonflies or something small from the value line first.

Haha I stash knives for my kid too

Spydergirl88 wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 6:10 pm

JuPaul wrote: ↑

Thu May 07, 2020 5:44 pm

I've got glow in the dark delicas stashed away for my kids when they're around that age. Presumably these will be easy to find if dropped in the dark! But they probably won't be their first spydercos - I'll get 'em dragonflies or something small from the value line first.

Haha I stash knives for my kid too

It's hard not to! My older son saw a picture of the zome GITD delicas on my IG feed the other day and said that's "definitely the one he wants me to save for him". So I'll be close.

Delica or Byrd Meadowlark would be good options.

I would not go any smaller, rather even a bit larger.
I think at age 13 he'll want to use his folder for really every possible knife task (whittling on branches, cutting up food and so on), knives like the DFly, while cool, are just a bit small for that.

Dragonfly or delica as preciously mentioned is a good idea... but for pre-teens/teens I’d go meadowlark 100%. You could buy em one and a a replacement or 2 for the price of one delica nowadays cuz you can bet they’ll lose it or break it. On second thought, get something Sabre ground.

just like the first car, no sense in spending a lot of money on it. Go robust and cheaper, like and older school Toyota.