I teach 4th grade and I have a pretty remarkable student in my class this year. He lost both of his parents last year (at different times) and has moved to our area to live with his grandparents. I always talk about outdoor activities during class, and because of this, he's become interested in hunting. He has an uncle who takes him and he shot his first turkey a couple of weeks ago. The school year is coming to a close and I wanted to do something special for him since he's overcome so much and is doing so well, so I asked permission from his grandparents if I could purchase him a knife to accompany him on all of his future adventures. They were thrilled with the idea and gave me permission. I can't decide what to get him. I want it to be something nice, but my limit is about $40. I have thought about a Buck 110 or maybe a Case Trapper. What suggestions do you guys have?
Gift suggestions
- Thread starter bickford
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First off, I recommend The Old Man and the Boy, by Robert Ruark
This young man is going through a lot, and the priceless gift of mentoring is always a good one.
Second, I personally would keep the knife simple and traditional,, and yes, I do recommend a Case Peanut, yellow handle, with CV blades.
There is more to a knife, than its ability to cut things, many a knife gift has been there to help heal, and repair a life cut apart.
This young man is going through a lot, and the priceless gift of mentoring is always a good one.
Second, I personally would keep the knife simple and traditional,, and yes, I do recommend a Case Peanut, yellow handle, with CV blades.
There is more to a knife, than its ability to cut things, many a knife gift has been there to help heal, and repair a life cut apart.
danez71
Member
Thank you for caring.... and thank you for being a caring teacher.
I dont want to pile it on but consider whether or not you should tell the principal. The culture of where you live and policy will guide you.
I think the Buck 110 is theee classic goto for a folder.
I have no experience with Mora but they seem the best bang for the buck for a fixed blade.
The Buck is more likely going to end up in a pocket... a LOT. Needless to say... make sure he knows when its not appropriate to be in his pocket.
I dont want to pile it on but consider whether or not you should tell the principal. The culture of where you live and policy will guide you.
I think the Buck 110 is theee classic goto for a folder.
I have no experience with Mora but they seem the best bang for the buck for a fixed blade.
The Buck is more likely going to end up in a pocket... a LOT. Needless to say... make sure he knows when its not appropriate to be in his pocket.
JerryM
Member
Assuming he is mature enough and it is legal to give him a knife, for big game the Buck 110 is a great choice. However for small game and birds the Case Trapper is a better choice in my view.
The trapper is big enough for deer, but would prefer the Buck 110 for that. Either can be bought for less than $50. I recently saw the 110 in Walmart for $29.99
A case trapper on ebay goes for slightly over $40.
Either will be a cherished gift for a lifetime.
Regards,
Jerry
The trapper is big enough for deer, but would prefer the Buck 110 for that. Either can be bought for less than $50. I recently saw the 110 in Walmart for $29.99
A case trapper on ebay goes for slightly over $40.
Either will be a cherished gift for a lifetime.
Regards,
Jerry
Are you interested in the Case or Buck because that is all you're familiar with or because you're specifically thinking of a traditional style lock blade folder?
I'd go with the case with the cv blades because they are easy to get razor sharp, and the blades gain character as they get older and start to change colors.
My favorite knife I have bought (comes after some cheap pakistani stainless knives that I inherited from my great grandpas) is a Case medium stockman with an amber bone handle and cv blades. It ran me about $35 online. Its not huge but its enough for small game.
If you go with a carbon blade make sure you remind him to keep it clean and oiled. Most ten year olds dont think about stuff like that.
No matter what you choose, this will make a lasting impression on the kid and he will be grateful forever.
My favorite knife I have bought (comes after some cheap pakistani stainless knives that I inherited from my great grandpas) is a Case medium stockman with an amber bone handle and cv blades. It ran me about $35 online. Its not huge but its enough for small game.
If you go with a carbon blade make sure you remind him to keep it clean and oiled. Most ten year olds dont think about stuff like that.
No matter what you choose, this will make a lasting impression on the kid and he will be grateful forever.
I think that you should give him something that won't be knife-specific yet still have a blade on it. A leatherman multitool would fit that bill (although he still can't take it to school with him). There are several styles within your price range and if you buy it on Amazon, shipping is included.
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Fourth Grade
That would make him, what, nine? Possibly ten?
Old enough to have a handle on right and wrong.
And old enough to make his acquaintance with nature.
I didn't receive my first knife till I was twelve, but this lad seems to be a little ahead of that curve.
Since he's only going to carry the knife at home and in the field, you can get a little more bulk without worrying too much about "pocket" issues.
While on the one hand I like the Buck 110, I would suggest -- if you're inclined toward that pattern -- that you consider the Buck 112 instead. It's scaled down a bit so it's not overwhelming. He won't outgrow it, but he also won't have to "grow into" it.
In the Case line, I have a special fondness for the Sod Buster Jr, a tremendously versatile knife, and still available in CV, as well as the Pocket Hunter (sorry, no CV) which is the size of a Peanut but both blades are the same size.
A small Leatherman is always useful, but somehow the "magic" of a first knife won't attach to one. Good tool, not what I would normally consider "that first knife."
A "boy scout" pattern (four blade, SAK style) knife, on the other hand, makes a great first knife. Unhappily, I'm seeing prices that evoke sticker shock once you get into some quality. The prices of actual Swiss pieces aren't so bad, but Boker, Case, and others are a little harsh, considering what the knife is. Jay's knives has one of the "less expensive" Case scout knives I found: see here, about 2/3 down the page. $70 bucks, so a little steep. Even this one is over $70.
However, if this one here is what it seems to be, then I would jump on that in a heartbeat.
And, of course eBay has one, with a "buy it now" price of $20. (Actually, there are several. I should probably grab a couple.)
Anyway.
My final suggestion would be something like a Stockman pattern (Case has those in CV) or a Whittler pattern (the Wharncliffe whittler patterns, like the Case Seahorse, are among my favorites).
My first knife was a camp/scout knife (Imperial), received on my 12th birthday, and I still have it more than 48 years later. The next one given to me was a Holley Wharncliffe Whittler (when I was 16); I lost that one in England, I believe.
Understand that I'm only making these suggestions based on my own tastes in traditional knives.
More modernly, folks may favor a locking knife. And, in certain patterns (like the Buck 112), I would agree. (Buck, of course, does a whole range of smaller, lighter knives; they're all over the place.)
I can understand the reservations of others regarding the knife, but you've already cleared it with his guardians, and any youngster who has already had his first successful hunt can certainly learn to use a knife.
That would make him, what, nine? Possibly ten?
Old enough to have a handle on right and wrong.
And old enough to make his acquaintance with nature.
I didn't receive my first knife till I was twelve, but this lad seems to be a little ahead of that curve.
Since he's only going to carry the knife at home and in the field, you can get a little more bulk without worrying too much about "pocket" issues.
While on the one hand I like the Buck 110, I would suggest -- if you're inclined toward that pattern -- that you consider the Buck 112 instead. It's scaled down a bit so it's not overwhelming. He won't outgrow it, but he also won't have to "grow into" it.
In the Case line, I have a special fondness for the Sod Buster Jr, a tremendously versatile knife, and still available in CV, as well as the Pocket Hunter (sorry, no CV) which is the size of a Peanut but both blades are the same size.
A small Leatherman is always useful, but somehow the "magic" of a first knife won't attach to one. Good tool, not what I would normally consider "that first knife."
A "boy scout" pattern (four blade, SAK style) knife, on the other hand, makes a great first knife. Unhappily, I'm seeing prices that evoke sticker shock once you get into some quality. The prices of actual Swiss pieces aren't so bad, but Boker, Case, and others are a little harsh, considering what the knife is. Jay's knives has one of the "less expensive" Case scout knives I found: see here, about 2/3 down the page. $70 bucks, so a little steep. Even this one is over $70.
However, if this one here is what it seems to be, then I would jump on that in a heartbeat.
And, of course eBay has one, with a "buy it now" price of $20. (Actually, there are several. I should probably grab a couple.)
Anyway.
My final suggestion would be something like a Stockman pattern (Case has those in CV) or a Whittler pattern (the Wharncliffe whittler patterns, like the Case Seahorse, are among my favorites).
My first knife was a camp/scout knife (Imperial), received on my 12th birthday, and I still have it more than 48 years later. The next one given to me was a Holley Wharncliffe Whittler (when I was 16); I lost that one in England, I believe.
Understand that I'm only making these suggestions based on my own tastes in traditional knives.
More modernly, folks may favor a locking knife. And, in certain patterns (like the Buck 112), I would agree. (Buck, of course, does a whole range of smaller, lighter knives; they're all over the place.)
I can understand the reservations of others regarding the knife, but you've already cleared it with his guardians, and any youngster who has already had his first successful hunt can certainly learn to use a knife.
Thanks for all of the great advice. I'm not too worried about any liability. The transaction will take place in his living room and will be accompanied by a long talk about responsible handling and care for a knife, and like I said, his legal guardians are very thrilled and honored. I'm starting to lean towards a SAK. After I thought about it, it occurred to me that my SAK is my every day knife, and I use it at least a dozen times a day. No matter what trip I'm on (hunting, kayaking, fishing, etc.), and no matter what other knife I have, I ALWAYS have this one. I wish I could have spent some time in the field with him this year, but between 2 jobs, 2 toddlers, and graduate school, I only went deer hunting twice. I will take him fishing this summer, though, and we'll use his new tool to get dinner ready.
ColtPythonElite
Member
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- 10,471
It won't make any difference if you hand him the knife in his living room, give him a good lecture, and get his promise to act in a responsible manner if that knife shows up in school...If your school board is like so many others around these days, you may be looking for a job.
451 Detonics
Member
A SAK Cadet would be a great choice, let's face it while a Buck 110 is great for dressing deer I somehow doubt a 10 year will be doing that chore alone any time soon. I also feel starting a kid with a locking blade leads to bad knife handling habits. A slipjoint teaches you to use a knife properly or you pay a price.
Markus
Member
A knife and a mentor are both important things for a boy. I think a 110 might be a bit much for some 10 year olds to handle. I've field dressed a lot of deer with a stockman.
CoastieShep
Member
Another vote for the Sodbuster jr.
Carl Levitian
member
{First off, I recommend The Old Man and the Boy, by Robert Ruark
This young man is going through a lot, and the priceless gift of mentoring is always a good one.
Second, I personally would keep the knife simple and traditional,, and yes, I do recommend a Case Peanut, yellow handle, with CV blades.
There is more to a knife, than its ability to cut things, many a knife gift has been there to help heal, and repair a life cut apart.}
As usual with Steve's posts, I find nothing here I can disagree with. The Case will give him a multitude of lessons, under a good mentor.
Carl.
This young man is going through a lot, and the priceless gift of mentoring is always a good one.
Second, I personally would keep the knife simple and traditional,, and yes, I do recommend a Case Peanut, yellow handle, with CV blades.
There is more to a knife, than its ability to cut things, many a knife gift has been there to help heal, and repair a life cut apart.}
As usual with Steve's posts, I find nothing here I can disagree with. The Case will give him a multitude of lessons, under a good mentor.
Carl.
TimboKhan
Member
I like the idea of a SAK, mostly because they were a primary object of desire when I was a little barbarian. Also, just a good, well made knife.
That being said, I am with Jshirley on possible liability issues, and that comes from both of us being teachers. It's not so much a concern with his grandparents or uncle, but more with other parents, or other teachers or your administration. It isn't like 4th graders are known for subtlety and the ability to keep a secret. Not saying don't do it, and I think it is a very nice thing for you to do, but give it some thought and maybe consult your principal.
Also, don't overlook what SM mentioned. It's awesome that his uncle is taking him out and stuff, but this little dude has been through the wringer, and right now you ARE a role model for him. Being a mentor and sharing things with him is ultimately the most valuable thing you can do for this young man. It's different than being a friend, although mentors obviously become friends a lot of the time. It's just being someone he can trust and talk to and get advice from.
That being said, I am with Jshirley on possible liability issues, and that comes from both of us being teachers. It's not so much a concern with his grandparents or uncle, but more with other parents, or other teachers or your administration. It isn't like 4th graders are known for subtlety and the ability to keep a secret. Not saying don't do it, and I think it is a very nice thing for you to do, but give it some thought and maybe consult your principal.
Also, don't overlook what SM mentioned. It's awesome that his uncle is taking him out and stuff, but this little dude has been through the wringer, and right now you ARE a role model for him. Being a mentor and sharing things with him is ultimately the most valuable thing you can do for this young man. It's different than being a friend, although mentors obviously become friends a lot of the time. It's just being someone he can trust and talk to and get advice from.
Giving him a knife is not the same as teaching him the responsibilities of ownership. I would rather give him something that he could not accidently hurt himself with or his friends with at that age. I would wait until he is alittle older and alittle more mature.
CoastieShep
Member
Just re-read the OP.
Didn't see where he asked for anything but opinions on which knife.
Come on people. He's a grown man. If he wants to buy the kid a knife after checking with the legal guardians, it's up to him.
Didn't see where he asked for anything but opinions on which knife.
Come on people. He's a grown man. If he wants to buy the kid a knife after checking with the legal guardians, it's up to him.
InkEd
Member
Do not buy him a pocket knife.
TimboKhan
Member
Not in his case. Been watching the news at all in the last few years? It is likely that his legal guardians are fine with it, but that doesn't account for his administration, nor the opinions of other parents. Certainly, it's none of their business, but fourth graders are not known to be excellent keepers of secrets. If he doesn't follow policy, buying a kid a simple little SAK could cost him his job and effectively blackball him from teaching anywhere, because getting fired for buying a knife for a kid isn't really a resume enhancer.
I like the idea and am all for it, but the fact is that we live in a society in which giving a fourth grader a "weapon" (even if that "weapon" is a SAK) is tantamount to stabbing a puppy in the face, while naked, during a congressional hearing. I have worked at schools were kids can't even write about firearms or knives or swords, and if you can't write about it, you certainly can't go out and purchase the kids those things.
But I don't know Bickfords situation. Maybe he works in some little rural school where common sense is the currency of the day. I student taught in a district where most of the kids carried a pocket knife, and I went to a high school where not having a pocket knife was sufficient cause to get a lecture from the shop teacher. Not every situation is the same, but it bears pointing out the various landmines that might exist.
I talked to my admin and school board member from my district. They are fine with it, and said legally I'd probably be fine. They loved the sentiment behind the gift, also. Buuuuuuuut, they also said IF anything happened, it'd be extremely bad press and a long PR battle (that I am honestly not up for). With all that said, I have decided to give him a nice diamond sharpener and a $40 gift card to our local outdoors store. Thanks for all the advice.
Probably for the best, giving a gift card doesn't feel as "special", but I'm sure his grandfather or uncle will help him select something nice that goes with the other half of your gift.
Maybe when you give it to him, you can explain the situation to his grandfather and let him know what you intended to purchase?
Maybe when you give it to him, you can explain the situation to his grandfather and let him know what you intended to purchase?
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