Getting your first knife is a step into adulthood. You’re given the knife with the implicit agreement that you’re responsible and old enough to be trusted with a tool that’s often misused by those who are reckless, untrustworthy, and immature.
Whether you’re giving someone their first knife or receiving it, there are some knives that are more appropriate for the occasion than others.
I first wrote this post way back in April 2012, so I decided to take a fresher look at some of the best first knives to give someone. Not only do I have two kids now but I’ve also learned a lot more about knives in the ensuing years.
Keep in mind that the knife is dependent on the age and maturity of the person (for example, you wouldn’t want to give a Smith & Wesson MAGIC assisted opening knife to an immature 7-year-old).
The knives range in prices, designs, and styles. Check them out.
Let us know your first knife in the comments!
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Tinker
The Swiss Army Knife is the quintessential first knife for anyone. It was my first knife and probably yours. There are many reasons why you wouldn’t want to get an SAK for a first-timer but the opposite is true as well.
Since the Tinker is a bit smaller and still has a variety of tools, it could potentially come in handy more often and further empower the knife’s owner.
Spyderco Ambitious
Spyderco makes an array of excellent knives that could work well for younger audiences. For example, there’s the Delica or Dragonfly (the latter of which you could get a wooden version as a trainer), but those tend to be a little more expensive. That’s why I argue the Spyderco Ambitious is the top choice from Spyderco.
The Ambitious is the smallest brother of the famous Tenacious. It has the general Tenacious qualities but in a smaller package. The blade is 2.25 inches, the scales are G-10, and it locks open with a liner.
Old Timer Minuteman 2
The Old Timer is a great pocket knife brand to give someone as a first knife. This Old Timer Minuteman 2 features two stainless steel blades and is remarkably light at 1 oz. There’s also something special in giving (or getting) a knife with such a deep tradition and classic look and feel of a Schrade Old Timer.
Morakniv Scout
A fixed blade for a first knife? You bet. In a way, fixed blades can often be safer than folding knives because there are no moving parts involved. They can also be a little less safe because you can’t store them away in the pocket. However, if your kid spends a lot of time outdoors, a fixed blade can be an excellent option.
Morakniv, the maker of the classic mora knives, makes a few models especially for younger kids. You can honestly go for any of the Morakniv knives, but the Scout is good place to start. If you want to go all in, the Morakniv Rookie has a rounded tip and a finger guard.
Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite
You probably skip over Cold Steel when looking for a first knife because of their reputation. However, the Mini Tuff Lite is the perfect knife for kids. If you get a folder, you want a lock you never have to worry about. Few are as strong as the Tri-Ad lock.
You also want a smaller blade with ergonomics that will prevent accidental slippage. The grip on this is impeccable. The Wharncliffe blade is also less aggressive than other profiles but is still highly utilitarian.
For a good price, this little blue folder would be a great first knife you can trust your kid with.
Opinel No 7 Scout
There aren’t too many knives made directly for kids, but Opinel has made a knife especially for younger kids. The Opinel No 7 Scout is a good knife with a lock and a rounded tip to prevent accidental pokes.
The blade comes in under 3 inches and features a red wood handle. It’s a quality knife at a hard-to-beat price.
Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter
Wait a minute, a small hunting knife for a child? Yes! This is a small fixed blade that may very well be safer than the folders out there. This knife has good steel on its 3-inch blade and a very grippy Kray-Ex handle, so it will stay in a kids dirty hands.
You won’t have to worry about the knife folding onto any fingers or slipping out of a hand, which is why Anthony Sculimbrene of Gear Junkie recommends it as a good first knife.
Byrd Tern
Nonlocking folders aren’t always the best for first-timers because of the inherent dangers. However, many people opt for nonlocking knives because they are perceived as safer. If you do opt for a nonlocking blade, consider the Byrd Tern.
This small folder has a 2.75-inch blade — legal in most places — and a design that helps prevent the knife from closing on the fingers accidentally. This knife is inexpensive and based off the more expensive Spyderco UK Penknife.
Imperial Jackmaster Barlow
It’s hard to go wrong with a traditional knife, especially one like the Barlow. The handle of this inexpensive Barlow fits well in the hand and evokes the world of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer.
It doesn’t lock shut but it’s hard to beat this traditional folder as a first knife.
Nathan’s Knife Kit
Sometimes a kid just isn’t ready or responsible enough to have a real folding knife. If that’s the case, you might want to grab Nathan’s Knife Kit as a precursor to the real deal.
The kit was created by Glenn Klecker’s son Nathan as a way to get into woodworking as well as understanding knife safety and responsibility. It’s a working knife that folds and opens and you can customize it with colors and designs.
Here’s a young Nathan talking about the kit:
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