Gift suggestions for child

TomAiello · #1

So my daughter has been asking for a (first) pocket knife.

She's turning 8 in january, and I was considering getting her one for her birthday. She's fairly mature for her age, and my wife and I both think it would be a good chance to start teaching her some safe knife handling (and other outdoors skills).

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good first knife? The last time I was confronted with this issue was 35 years ago (and since it was my first knife, I wasn't super educated) when I won a cub scout pocket knife selling Scout-o-rama tickets.

I'm thinking I want something small and locking (I still have a scar on my left ring finger from that cub scout knife folding on me at summer camp).

Ladybug maybe? Or Junior, for the extra blade/hand protection? Budget is not nearly as big a concern as getting something that will work, although like most children she does have more chance of losing something than an adult.

Anyone have any suggestions, or stories about successful selections in similar circumstances?

Holland · #2

i would get her a dragonfly or delica and go through knifeworks and get something engraved in the blade. like her birthdate or something

xceptnl · #3

I would agree with Spencer to get it engraved regardless of what you buy. As far as a model goes it is hard ot argue with the Dragonfly or Delica, but I think teaching better safe practices is more beneficial that learning to rely on the lock. I would say a Squeak or Pingo or UKPK because of the strong mid-point detent that could prevent accidentally dropping on one's fingers.

eric m. · #4

ABSOLUTELY! Great idea! You don't want to get something too small like the ladybug-too easy to lose. To fit her little hands the dragonfly/delica is perfect! And to personalize it will be memorable and valuable to her! :)

FCM415 · #5

The Delica was the first to come to mind. DFly also... Same suggestions as Spencer hehe.

Donut · #6

I say Delica. Figure out what her favorite color is (probably the color she wears most often) out of the colors the Delica is available in.

A while back on the forum here, there was a Police officer who told a story about his young daughter surviving cancer. I happened to trade into a Pink Delica (saber). I gifted the Pink Delica to him for his daughter. He said that he got her a Pink Endura, but that she ended up for whatever reason favoring the Delica more.

Like 3 or 4 years ago, a dealer had an exclusive run of FFG Pink Delicas, but they didn't have an online storefront. They sold some of them to Knifecenter and I didn't jump on it because of Knifecenter's higher price and higher shipping cost made it seem too expensive.

I didn't want to purchase it from Knifecenter, and it has been very elusive outside of the small quantity that were sold from Knifecenter.

APS · #7

I don't know how big her hands are but I remember thinking a 3.5" SAK was large at that age. I'd go with the dragonfly rather than the delica.

Don W · #8

I have been giving the UK Pen knife with plain edge blade to kids this last year. So far not one of them have had the blade close on a finger. When I gift the knife I give them a little carving lesson (rooster or hen) and we usually cut up an apple together to share.

TomAiello · #9

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I think I'll go with the Dragonfly (and engraving--that was always part of the plan). I think the 50/50 choil is going to be easier for her to grip than the Delica or Ladybug (fortunately I have all three knives to surreptitiously let her try).

Blue Possum · #10

I too have a daughter that is 8. But not quite ready to handle knife on her own, but small items around I will let her use it with me.

But I do have a couple knifes for her already for when time she is ready.
1-Going to start her with Byrd Robin - because as you said quite possible to loosing it. Has the lock back, choil and jimping.
2- Once she demonstrates she able and won't lose it, I have dragonfly H1-just in case she doesn't keep up with cleaning or happens to leave outside, and it rains.
I recently gave my wife a pink dragonfly, so if my daughter really wants a pink one, I would be willing to get one then.
3- When she is old enough to drive I have G-10 Jester for the keyring. But I have been tempted to use that for myself since I have don't have a keychain knife.

Evil D · #11

I got my son a Dfly for his 10th birthday. He uses it under my supervision, mostly just to screw around slicing phone book paper. It's a good size for small hands, very easy to get a secure grip on and will introduce them to choils and how to properly use one.

AndrewDanielson · #12

Something that locks. Ive had SAKs close on my fingers too many times now. (My dumb fault I know)

Holland · #13

Blue Possum wrote:I too have a daughter that is 8. But not quite ready to handle knife on her own, but small items around I will let her use it with me.

But I do have a couple knifes for her already for when time she is ready.
1-Going to start her with Byrd Robin - because as you said quite possible to loosing it. Has the lock back, choil and jimping.
2- Once she demonstrates she able and won't lose it, I have dragonfly H1-just in case she doesn't keep up with cleaning or happens to leave outside, and it rains.
I recently gave my wife a pink dragonfly, so if my daughter really wants a pink one, I would be willing to get one then.
3- When she is old enough to drive I have G-10 Jester for the keyring. But I have been tempted to use that for myself since I have don't have a keychain knife.

got it all planned out :D

Andre · #14

I would go for something with a blunt tip, like the pingo.
Or a cricket maybe? Because the tip is facing down.

NoFair · #15

I gave my daughter a blue Delica (she got to chose color) when she was about that age. At first she struggled a bit with the lock and she closes it with 2 hands.
She normally uses a fixed blade and adopted one I made and calls it hers...

Syncharmony · #16

Could do the Tattoo Dragonfly if you go the Dragonfly route. Cricket would also be a good choice.

.357 mag · #17

I skipped the "pocket knife " thing and got my 9 year old a mora 511. I think I paid 8 bucks for it. At that age few kids are going to be able to carry a knife. My sons uses his it whilttle wood when camping and cutting paper for fun. My middle son turns 8 in Feburday and he will also get a 511. When they are old enough to be able to carry I will step up and get them something better. Not saying moras are bad. I own 3 myself and use them over than any knife. ( other than my EDC)

I would also like to add that Scandi ground knives are very easy to sharpen vs v grind/convex etc. your angle is already built into the edge.

TomAiello · #18

I own and love several Moras. I don't think I've ever found a better value on a blade. But I'm also looking for something with some sentimental appeal.

Sync, I did go with the tattoo.

zhyla · #19

Just a thought... make sure whatever you give her has a large enough handle for her to get a solid grip. It's the tiny, fiddly little knives I've found most likely to bite you unexpectedly.

Blerv · #20

I would go with a Dragonfly2, maybe even the pink one :) . As a gift down the road a tiny flashlight too like the Olight i3s...kids and lights are a great combo.