Starter Knife Ideas

[DFD04]

I have been wanting to get my Nephew a nice starter knife for a little while now. He just turned 14 and is pretty good about understanding the respect you need to give to a sharp knife.

I was thinking about a Delica, or perhaps a Byrd.

What do you all think, get something that he can damage that does not cost that much, or go for the the regular Spyderco?

Those of you with kids--what would you choose?

[ozspyder]

Hi,

I think the regular Delica PE would be a great knife to start with. Small enough not to be ignored, and large enough to be capable for almost all EDC tasks.

I started off with the larger Native, but a PE Delica would be a better sized starter. Not knocking the Byrd line in any way, but if you feel that Spyderco is better then start off Spydie style. Otherwise a nice Byrd in the hand is a great option...... a Byrd in the hand is worth 2 in the bush :P:D

[ducktaper]

...... a Byrd in the hand is worth 2 in the bush :P:D

I think a Spyder in the hand is worth 2 Byrds!

[dedguy]

I'd honestly say a SAK. It's the classic first knife. It was my first knife.

[hornshwangler]

Derrick,

I'd second the SAK but any :spyder: would be a special first knife. I had purchased a native for my son just before he turned 14 last year but, as luck would have it, we both went to the annual SFO sale and he just had to have a Spyker that I bought that day. A very "cool" knife that he's never really used or carried much. Given the current state of our schools and society in general, I can rationalize why he hasn't carried this or any knife much. Most school age children, in the course of a normal day, won't have a need to 'cut' much and (if required to cut) wouldn't be allowed to use anything more than blunt nosed scissors. It's a sad statement of the times we live in. if you intend to show him how the knife may be used as a tool that can be safely used to do many things then any knife will suffice. Again, there are many good choices in the :spyder: line and I'm sure he'll be very proud of receiving any knife you give him.

good luck and all the best
Dan

[tgiannes]

either a military or a civilan :D :D
get him a delica or a endura and teach him how to sharpen it

[cobrajoe]

I would almost vote something like a dragonfly or robin. Either is large enough to use, but small enough to not scare others who think someone so young should not have a blade.

But a delica or meadowlark would also be a fine choice. I'd almost vote for a byrd, their construction is amazing and you can always go up from there if there is interest.

[Darkfin]

"1st Generation BRK" Native, to see if he respects and cares for it. If not, you haven't wasted too much money.

Or, as he will perhaps be getting a driving learner's permit soon, a ladybug 3 or jester for his keychain.

[The Deacon]

Delica is a good choice. Native also would be excellent and might be better if he's better at taking things apart than putting them back together.

[GarageBoy]

Delia, Native, Endura. Bread and butter of spydie

[boxer93]

I'd say a Native too. maybe the 3D one. My first suggestion would have been a Caly Jr Ltwt PE VG-10. But they seem to cost more money these days. The UKPK would also be a decent choice.
Chris

[Chucula]

I agree with the SAK, which was my first knife and how i learned to respect a sharp object. Also, i gained a respect for good steel because a sak blade is fairly soft and rolls easily (aus8?) and when i got a vg-10 or s30v blade i was able to appreciate the strength. Its all about culturing your sophistication :D

but it you insist on a folding knife, I say delica. Nice, simple, relatively cheap, small, and easy to hold.

[clovisc]

delica 4!!!!!!!

[griff76]

What an Uncle!!! I would recomend something salty ie: Salt 1 or Pacific Salt. The yellow handle may make the knife look more acceptable to NKP's as it is more tool-like, although it might not be cool enough for a 14 year old. The black ones are great too, and I am loving the H1. Can't go wrong with the D4 or E4 either. Be sure to let us know what you decide.

[dialex]

I think your nephew will appreciate a Delica. It is reasonably large, well designed and built, comfortable and safe. Oh, and it cuts, so edge-u-cate the boy ;)

[JD Spydo]

I think that the Delica would be a great knife to start a young man out with his first pocket knife. I have a few other Spyderco recommendations to consider:
Stainless AUS-10 Native
Golden CO made Native with CPM blade steel
A Dodo would also be an excellent choice for his first Hawkbill.
A Calypso Jr would also be a great starter

Also don't overlook the most important aspects of Knife Ownership. I am speaking of safety and learning sharpening skills. Without those 2 components responsible knife ownership will be lacking.

[DFD04]

Thanks everyone for the reccomendations. I think I am between the Native and the D4. I am going to have to wait until my next pay check to do anything but I think it will be worth the wait.

The SAK was another great suggestion. His grandfather is a big SAK guy and told me he was wanting to give him one of his. So as to not step on any toes, I decided to stay away from that one.

Oh--BTW the Civi was the next runner up:D .

[jaislandboy]

I guess I'll be unpopular and vote for a Byrd.... like maybe an FRN/G10 Meadowlark or Robin.....which will be roughly 1/2 the cost of a Delica4, a very good reliable blade that your nephew will "learn to appreciate" and won't give you a stomach ulcer if he loses it (or abuses it) which I can easily see happening at his age.....:rolleyes:

[ChapmanPreferred]

What is your nephew's build?
Does he have large hands?
How is his coordination?
What are his interests?
What do expect he will do with it?
How responsible is he with his tools (or toys if he doesn't have tools yet)?

I miss having the opportunity to spend time with you (and Lou) to ask those questions. :o

God bless.

[santiago]

I'd recommend a smaller blade to start with. The G10 Robin is an amazing knife for the price and you won't feel bad about it getting abused or lost. If you want to go with a full-fledged Spydie, go for either an FRN or SS Dragonfly -- great little big cutter with even more bang for the buck.

If you're considering the D4, take a moment to look at the G10 Meadowlark. It displaced the Delica on my rotation when I first got it (:eek:).

[guntotin_fool]

I would offer a bit of incentive to the boy.

get him a 2.5-3 inch byrd. talk to him about the responsiblity of carrying it only when allowed, putting it always right back in the pocket, and that it is not a toy but a tool. Tell him that if he keeps that one till christmas, you will reward him...do not say how, but let him guess.

This will A) reduce your pain if he looses it in a week, B) plant a seed that keeping it and managing it is his responsibility. C) let you buy him a step up when he manages to keep it, or let you buy him another byrd and repeat the process.

I did the same with my son and with my nephews, at deer camp gave them all a knife, and told them it they had it at next deer camp, I would reward them, it worked.

I grew up with a lot of slip joints, both scout knives, old timers, and SAKs, and I would say that they are not for kids, the close without warning thing just makes me cringe at a few times mine snapped shut when I pulled the knife the wrong way out of a box or green stick, and i have a couple of scars to show it.