Hi Guys
I would like to hear from the parents .I am planning to take my son who's 8yrs old camping and would like to introduce him to using knives safely of course!
How did you guys do it with your kids and what did you start with?
I had thought of a simple SAK used under supervision and start from there maybe a DF for his ninth b'day if all goes well.

My girls have had their own knives since they were about 9 or 10. Be sure to show your son how to safely open, close, and cut with the knife. The Boy Scout Handbook has some good advice.

"the Rifle is the first weapon you learn how to use, because it lets you keep your distance from the client. The closer you get to being a pro, the closer you can get to the client. The Knife, for example, is the last thing you learn..."

-Leon "the Cleaner" from The Professional (1994)

I think that is old enough, Swiss Army knives are very good to learn on but I would cation against the the super tiny ones like the classic they have no lock, and the handel is too small too hold on too even for a child's hands.
I would sugest hitting up a Big-5 (or any sporting good store) and get simple inexpensive folder ($10 -$15)(like M-Tech, V-tech, Smith and Wesson, or Bucks and Gerbers) but they have a lock (often a liner lock) and the handel is big enough to hold on too.
My dad let my little brother use his Ratwiler at age 8.
My $0.02 is to teach that a knife is a tool and any tool is dangerous if used irresponsiblity.

Great Movie !!


Bors

Eight years old is a good time to learn knife safety and use. My philosophy is that it's important to have a goal in learning a new skill. As an example: "let's sharpen a stick to put roast hot dogs on" to retain their attention during the lessons.

As to knife choice, I think a pocket knife that the child can wrap his/her whole hand around with the back of the thumb on the blade spine would be my choice. I would be concerned that any knife handle smaller than "four finger widths" might create challenges of maintaining a good grip while controlling the blade. A longer handle and smallish sturdy blade is ideal IMO.

Have lots of safe fun. Whittling is great camping recreation. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

*Kraz*

I started mine with SAKs. My son was 7 and my daughter was 12. Even after all the safety and supervision they still cut themselves. My son a bandaid and my daughter 3 stitches. It all worked out I just gave my daughter a new SAK it's a novilty thing with her Boys are the big thing rite now. My son on the other hand is in to pocket knives and swords. Might give him my Trail Master shortly.


Bors

I started collections for both my kids before they were born. Nothing special just different kinds when I would find them at a good price. They have always been exposed to knives and their uses and have been allowed to help out in a very supervised environment. They have also from time to time been allowed to look at an study their collections and see how different knives work, opening and closing, cleaning, and care. By 9 or 10 they were allowed to really use their knives to carve with and experiment with, again under supervision. They have always been taught that there is no room for error when it comes to safety and care of knives, horseplay has never been allowed with any knife for any reason. My son turns 18 in a few days and is much safer with knives than I ever was at his age he owns many knives and even a couple of swords which stay on the wall. My daughter turns 12 in a little under a month, and she doesn't know it yet but one of the things she will be getting is her collection, having proved herself to a careful and safe with a few small knives that she has been allowed to keep in her possession over the last couple of years.

I think a SAK is a good first choice, they even have one called My First Knife, which has a slightly more rounded point. I also would make sure that a first knife choice does not have a locking blade, I think a non-locking folder helps a beginner learn the fundamentals without the false safety a lock can provide.

Good luck with your son, it is truly a special time when you can begin to pass on the knowledge that leads to a mature and responsible adult.

jd01,
Seriously, I recommend something EASY to open/close.. like a Kershaw Corral Creek II lockback. Stay away from difficult to open/close knives. Buy the knife yourself in person so you can try it out in-store.

Each child is different of course.. you'll have to be the judge of emotional/physical maturity & development. I've started off Many newbies into firearms/shooting, and there are Some where I've had to take the gun back and say "you're not ready yet"

When my son was 7 i bought him a Chipmunk bolt-action single-shot .22 LR. Within a week he was downing 2x4's at 20 yds.

Shortly I let him try a Swiss Army Classic iirc.. he Cut himself right away. James_bond is right, some SAKs are too tight, too small, blade cutouts too small, & blades too difficult to open/close for youngsters. He was a little de-moralized, but after he healed & some pep talk I found a Very-Easy-to open/close Kershaw Corral Creek II single-blade lockback. He could open/close it like a lil champ, and his confidence climbed with it.

So whatever make/price you choose.. I would highly recommend that it be EASY to open/close.

G'luck.. and Bless you!
our children, they grow so fast.. these years are Precious!
these rites/skills you induct them in will be with them for the rest of their lives.

I was 6 when I got my 1st knife, been collecting them ever since.

Maybe I am crossing the line, I am by no means about to give my daughter a knife (she is 3) but I have introduced her to them and she knows how to properly sheath and unsheath a knife by only holding the top of the sheath with her off hand and draw it with her dominate. She knows they are not toys and only is allowed to touch them when I am next to her. I feel she should be introduced to anything that is in my house so that she can at least recognize something as dangerous or safe.