Smallest fixed-blade?

[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-S...oor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1335495271&sr=1-24



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:

 

[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 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":

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

 

[hso]

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU...ed-3-inch-420HC-Tanto-Blade-with-Kydex-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KA...eck-Knife-2-14-inch-Blade-Hard-Plastic-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KA...ife-3-14-inch-1095-Cro-Van-Carbon-Steel-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/KA...ith-3-14-inch-1095-Cro-Van-Carbon-Steel-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/AZ...d-Hunter-6-34-inch-Overall-with-Wooden-Handle
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU...Fixed-Blade-Charcoal-Wood-Handle-Nylon-Sheath
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BU...-Hunting-Knife-25-inch-Sandvik-12C27Mod-Blade
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO...s-Traveler-2-78-inch-Blade-Olive-Wood-Handles

 

[SleazyRider]

Thanks to all!

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/BU...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

 

[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/BO...Skinner-3-12-inch-Blade-Green-Micarta-Handles

Boker VOX
http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO...-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:

 

[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.

 

[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. 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.