[SleazyRider]

My grandson, age 5, has taken an interest in Grandpa's (that would be me) sheath knife, so I'm interested in getting him a knife that will be worn and carried under my strict supervision. Needless to say, it will remain in my custody and used during our frequent forays into the woods. He's too young for a firearm, but I figure he's not too young to learn about responsibility, which may someday be a great introduction to firearm safety.

So the bottom line is that I'm in the market for a very small, American-made (or at least, high quality) fixed-blade knife and belt sheath. Any suggestions?

[TurtlePhish]

A.G. Russell Sting, I think it was called? It looks nice and it's tough.

[RTR_RTR]

I'd probably look for something not double edged and with a crossguard

http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Stag-Small-Gamer-Fixed/dp/B003W9CTLY/ref=sr_1_24?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1335495271&sr=1-24

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xLn5JpQEL._SS500_.jpg

Seems like about a perfect choice to me, although I'm not quite sure what the circumference is on that handle, hard to tell

[BCCL]

Not USA made, but a small Condor Bushcraft Basic might be a good start.

http://www.condortk.com/productsdetail.php?prodid=9

Or the mini bushlore from Condor.

[Valkman]

This won't help you much, but I made this one for child-size hands and gave it away here on THR:

http://i363.photobucket.com/albums/oo80/DLKnives/free_giraffebone_youth.jpg

[Mp7]

a small Puukko?

[philbo]

One of the Anza fixed blades? Perhaps one of their light weight series with 1095 steel? I've found their smaller blades are extremely sharp and make decent caping knifes and can be purchased for $25-$50 on ebay.

[Piraticalbob]

Lil' MUK (http://www.blindhorseknives.com/lilmuk.htm) by Blind Horse Knives. I have one, and the blade is just around 2.5" long. It's also handmade, reasonably priced, and comes in a variety of handle and sheath options. Your boy should treasure it for the rest of his life, if he's careful.

[Sam1911]

My 3-year old is in love with his CKRT "Minimalist (http://www.crkt.com/Folts-Minimalist-Neck-Knife-Razor-Sharp-Edge)":

http://www.crkt.com/crkt/content/images_inv/d/f/65/CR2385_xlarge_28194_large_65.jpg

He carries it slung inverted under his support side arm. Easily concealed under a sweatshirt or camp shirt.

[hso]

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU680SSSB/TOPSBuck-680-CSAR-T-Liaison-Fixed-3-inch-420HC-Tanto-Blade-with-Kydex-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KABK13CP/KA-BAR-BK13-Becker-Remora-Neck-Knife-2-14-inch-Blade-Hard-Plastic-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KABK14/KA-BAR-ESEE-BK14-Becker-Eskabar-Knife-3-14-inch-1095-Cro-Van-Carbon-Steel-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KABK11/KA-BAR-BK11-Becker-Necker-Neck-Knife-with-3-14-inch-1095-Cro-Van-Carbon-Steel-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/AZF2/ANZA-Full-Tang-Field-Hunter-6-34-inch-Overall-with-Wooden-Handle
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU005GYS/Buck-Gen-5-Skinner-3-inch-Fixed-Blade-Charcoal-Wood-Handle-Nylon-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU491RWS/Buck-ErgoHunter-Small-Game-Avid-Hunting-Knife-25-inch-Sandvik-12C27Mod-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO251/Boker-Plus-Dozier-Arkansas-Traveler-2-78-inch-Blade-Olive-Wood-Handles

[SleazyRider]

Wow! Most of these knives I didn't know even existed! The double-edged variety is out of the question for the little fellow, I think, but that doesn't narrow it down very much. I'm leaning real hard toward the Buck Gen 5 Skinner (http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU005GYS/Buck-Gen-5-Skinner-3-inch-Fixed-Blade-Charcoal-Wood-Handle-Nylon-Sheath) suggested by Hso, mostly because I'm a traditionalist and it's a very handsome knife. The CRKT Minimalist is also very compelling. Ditto for the Lil' Muk.

Decisions, decisions. I've got a feeling I'm all set for birthday and Christmas gifts for quite some time. I can't thank you enough, folks! :)

[Certaindeaf]

http://www.ragweedforge.com/HelleCatalog.html

http://www.ragweedforge.com/helle-boy-scout.jpg

[JTW Jr.]

Boker Krein Pocket Bowie:
http://www.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO266/boker-plus-tom-krein-pocket-bowie

Boker Dozier
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO253/Boker-Plus-Dozier-Anchorage-Pro-Skinner-3-12-inch-Blade-Green-Micarta-Handles

Boker VOX
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO270/Boker-Plus-VoxKnives-Gnome-Neck-Knife-2-18-inch-Blade-Green-Canvas-Micarta-Handles

[OregonJohnny]

Another good little option is the Kershaw 1080 Skinning Knife. Made here in Oregon, Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, about a 2.5" blade, G10 handle scales in black or orange. I keep mine in a homemade kydex pocket sheath, though it comes with a black leather belt sheath. I think they retail for around $35. They also make a "mini" skinner, the 1081, that has a 2" blade.

[451 Detonics]

My vote would be for this 3 1/8th in bladed Case...

http://www.casexx.com/DisplayDetailPage.asp?ProductCode=379

[TrailWolf]

ESEE Candiru

Just came out and is awesome - plus made in America and 100% no quetions asked lifetime warranty (even against neglect and stupidity)

The ESEE Izula is a little larger and a great option too.

Izula on top, Izula II (longer handle) then Candiru:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407705_329268620428942_119612831394523_1024846_1871990082_n.jpg

http://toolguyd.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/ESEE-Candiru-Knife-with-Sheath.jpg

[ugaarguy]

I'd get a PM to Kim Breed real quick before he closes the group buy, http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=8031115&postcount=25, and see if he'd put a belt clip on the sheath of a baby necker (and how much extra he'd charge). A knife handmade by Kim would be a heck of way to start the grandson out.

I have a similar necker made Kim's partner in crime Gary Wheeler, and the quality is outstanding. Their prices are astoundingly low to boot.

[hso]

Folks, this is for a 5 year old. The knife has to provide a good solid full grip for a young user to learn with. Make sure that you're factoring that in with your recommendations so that we don't suggest small hold out knives that won't be safe enough your a child to learn with.

I like the larger of Kim's two neckers in the Group Buy for a young person (especially with a bit of stag on it), but I'd ask Kim for a bit more guard/choil on it as a precaution.
Gary's drop point in his Group Buy would be an excellent choice as well.
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=162992&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1332878842

[Il Duca]

There are a couple smaller Moras with handles that come in different colors like blue and red. Maybe a Condor Sapien. Marttiini also makes some smaller hunting style knives, their Condor line I think.

[hso]

I forgot about the Marttiinis (http://www.knifeworks.com/marttiinibigsilvercarbinoxcarbinoxsteelbladeblackrubberhandle.aspx). There are several good choices there.

[SleazyRider]

Funny, much like youth rifles, I though there'd only be a handful of choices for knives that fit tiny hands. Yet I continue to me amazed by the number of knives and knife manufacturers out there. I live a stone's throw from the now-defunct Schrade factory in Ellenville, New York, that once proudly produced some very high quality blades, but has since fallen due to competition from abroad. It seems a contradiction that they closed their doors, yet so many knife makers are apparently doing well despite our anemic economy.

This thread has certainly been an eye-opener for me, and I am in debt to all who have contributed.

[sixgunner455]

I would definitely talk to Mr. Breed.

[shiftyer1]

Is this his first knife? I started my son on some lowend pocket knives to see how he treated them. He's 16 this year and I gave him a custom from a maker in texas. Knowing the stupid things kids do with knives I tend to stay cheap until they know what they have.

[JTW Jr.]

My kids have grown up seeing me respect and make knives. Each of them have some nice productions as well as a few customs each.

[danez71]

More has a lot of smaller good quality fixed blade knives. Some with good rubbery/plastic grips that have good grippy-ness to them and some with wood handles.

[SleazyRider]

Great suggestions here. Upon further investigation into the Marttiinis, I see that they make the Condor Junior specifically for young hands, with a blunt point to prevent puncture accidents, a rubber textured grip, and a quillon to keep the hand where it belongs.

[ArfinGreebly]

Did you find a US source for that knife?

[SleazyRider]

No, it looks like It has to ship from Finland. Dang!

[TimboKhan]

Another vote for the Minimalist. I have had four now, and I have given each one away to non-knife people (to include my Mom), and all have found them to be enjoyable. Plus, there are three different blade styles to choose from, though my choice has always been the wharncliffe that Sam showed a picture of.

[alaskanativeson]

A couple other ideas:

A small but traditional Buck (http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/woodsman-cocobolahandle.aspx), albeit one with a cocobola handle.

The Alpha Wolf (http://www.knivesofalaska.com/item.asp?id=4&r=store%2Easp%3Fc%3D8) by Knives of Alaska. The fingered suregrip handles should be easy to use, and it's a top quality knife.

The Becker BKT 16 (http://www.knivesplus.com/shortbeckerknifebkt-16.html) has a nice shape to it.

[hso]

The Becker isn't suitable for a 5 year old because the grip is too large.

[qwert65]

Ka-bar little finn

[BEEinAK]

I too think the ESEE with orange handle would be a good choice as he will get a knofe he will never grow out of and can find it if he puts it down to do something else. Buck woodsman is a good blade for the price. My first fixed blade was a Schrade sharp finger (I hunted rabbits a lot then)- I still have it 44 yrs later. My blades of choice have changed a lot since then and I mostly like hand made blades but that one still is around and gets oiled and touched up every now and then. I have been waiting to pass it on to some young-un.

Small knives like KOA cub are great capers and fit well. I would let him handle as many as possible and then make the decision- I have to say the photo of the handmade one posted looks great with useful blade size/shape and safe handle.

David Sloan makes some great knives and I am sure he would cater to a smaller hand- his prices are amazing as well.

Good for you getting him started right! Blades get in your system!

[SleazyRider]

Small knives like KOA cub are great capers and fit well. I would let him handle as menay as possible and then make the decision-

You're right about that KOA Cub, sir, and I like that the sheath has a flap covering the handle, preventing it from snagging in the brush.

Unfortunately, there aren't too many sporting goods stores in my neck of the woods that carry anything sharp and pointy---seems all they want to sell are baseball caps and soccer balls these days---so I'm pretty much confined to the Internet. Thank goodness for THR, and I appreciate your thoughts!

[22-rimfire]

I would look at ths small fixed blades designed for "bird and trout" with a thin handle. Something like this would work and easy to find. http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3036

Personally, I would get a 5-year old a Swiss Army Knife (folder) designed for kids which should keep both of you happy. They have a blunt point sort of like kids scissors. Get a little belt pouch for him to carry it around.

I have a couple fixed blade customs that would work nicely that are very small but excellent. A maker name Ed Wallace out of KY makes some small fixed blades with nice stag handles. Not real pricey. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rr_LpRiTJk

[rigger1]

I wish I had a small bladed knife like this when I was a kid:
I recently purchased an Activator....2" drop point blade, stablized winewood handle, D2 steel, husky leather sheath. It isn't much for slicing up watermelon but I expect to use it for everything else (including EDC) and will never wear it out. :)

[blindhari]

Google "Ragnars Forge" Puukkos and a lot of the other Scandinavian knives are made with smaller handles and blades. Ragnars prices are pretty good as well.

blindhari

[blindhari]

Ragnars Ragweed Forge has Mora carbon steel knives, #511, that fit small hands, positive click in sheath retention, and a price of $8.00. The features and price are hard to beat. Blade has useful length for years of use, can be used for carving or just scrapeing on a stick, bright orange so hard to lose and about 3oz weight. Sounds like a boys dream that can fit Gandpas purse.

blindhari

[seeker_two]

I'd try a KA-Bar TDI...it has a small grip and makes for an ergonomic GP knife. I really like mine....

[Texan Scott]

This is actually a problem for me... finding a small (@ 3") fixed blade of heirloom quality (doesn't look plasticky or have the factory logo blazoned on it like a billboard) that doesn't require a full custom budget... made more difficult because my son's first needs to be a sgean dhub. If y'all find such a thing, i'm all ears...

[Deltaboy]

Mora or Martinna (SP) have good small knives google Ragweeds Forge. He got some great deals. So does Smokeymountain Knifeworks.

[SleazyRider]

Great suggestion, Blindhari, I like that little knife, especially with the blade guard that prevents the hand from slipping forward.
And that Benchmade Activator is very sweet! Grandpa is going to have a ball spoiling these kids over the years to come.

[floorit76]

Case Finn, or K-bar

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Case-Knives-M-3-FINN-Fixed-with-Leather-Sheath-/170834643917?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c689cbcd

[daveinvegas]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=289044564

[Fred in Wisc]

If you want something he can own for his whole life, and will plunk down about $100 for it, I really like the Arno Bernard Bush Babies series. Tiny, elegant, exotic handle materials, handmade in South Africa. You can find them discounted if you use your Google-fu.

My 5 year old just loves my Squirrel with the warthog tusk handle. It's small enough that she can use it safely, but still a serious knife that I carry nearly every day.

http://www.arnobernard.com/servlet/the-BUSH-BABIES/s/19/Categories

[Blade First]

"...I really like the Arno Bernard Bush Babies series."

Another admirer here of Arno Bernard's smallest series. Have purchased a couple of Meerkats and they are elegant indeed. Unfortunately, they are getting harder to find because the Bernard family can only crank out so many knives in South Africa; they are concentrating on larger knives and going direct to the collector.

[lobo9er]

+1 for anza
lets face it good chance he is going to lose it or ruin it some how. Why spend alot on a knife for a 5 year old. I still have my 1st swiss army knife (somehow I never lost it, it always re-surfaced :))
And honestly a GERBER FREEMAN would last most of us meny years http://www.bobwards.com/prodimages/16464-DEFAULT-m.jpg

[lobo9er]

Arno Bernard
for a kid? I'd let him learn on something little less pricey.

[ArfinGreebly]

It's been a while since I was in this thread, but last time I was over at ragweedforge.com in the Mora (Sweden) catalog, I noticed a couple of things.

The Craftline "Punch" knife has a blade just over 2 1/2 inches long. It's a real knife, it's really sharp, and it will do useful work.

The Craftline "Safe Knife" has a 3 1/2 inch blade, but with a rounded point. The caution here is that, while there's no "real point" on it, the blade is nevertheless seriously sharp, just alike all Mora knives.

Finally, in case I haven't mentioned it before, there's the "Fishing Comfort 90" (basically a variation on the Craftline "Flex") which has a blade just under 3.5 inches, a less aggressive point, and a handle that's very grippy. I have one of these, and when people talk about "outdoor' knives, I often forget that this thing will do "outdoor' duty. I use it in the kitchen quite a bit, as the thinner blade is very food-friendly.

If I were looking to put a "first knife" into a kid's hands, this one strikes me as just about perfect. No, you won't be able to baton with it, and any fantasies including any form of the word "pry" or "chop" or "stab" should be ditched. However, fantasies with the word "cut" or "slice" will be just fine.

Don't worry about durability. I have a Mora (#1?) that I've owned for nearly forty years.

This smaller, lighter design is ideal for training and learning.


Oh, and while you're over at ragweedforge.com, pick up a Fire Knife in his favorite color. Stash it against the day that he's ready for the next step up in knife handling.


Anyway, just some thoughts.

[RRPC]

I got a benchmade activator in trade a while back My daughter is getting it when shes a little older. Need to make a good sheath for itbut its a great blade d2 steel and classy.
J