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Bought both mine, aged 8 & 11, an opinel in France last year. Many plasters later I realised my 8 year old wasnt quite old enough yet. Prob ok if supervised full time but that's not the point really.....
Not a good idea.
Even a multi-tool is tricky as they will find something to take apart and not put together again!
How about some bike parts or tickets to his favourite team?
I had a butterfly knife and a flick knife by the age of 8. Broadly turned out ok 30 years later! both my kids have had swiss army knives from the age they asked for them...around 10 in my case. Trust your kids, accept a few cuts and be assured that this is the best way of raising a responsible next generation of adults.
Try something like an Opinel or similar without a sprung blade. I've done more damage to my fingers closing Swiss style knives than I ever have with a simple single blade locking collar. Plus they age beautifully
If he's anything like my lad the little bastard will hack away at the banisters, bedside table and just about anything else made of wood in the house,
* He wanted this one but it's not legal in Scotland!
http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/light-my-fire-swedish-fireknife-a5120048
Why is it illegal?
I had knives of various sorts for my fishing when I was around that age. Never got into any trouble with it bar the odd nick.
Apart from when I got busted with it in school. I used my school bag for fishing and forgot it was in the bottom of it. Just my luck it was that day someone nicked something from the lab and all our bags were searched. Cue a call to my parents and a worrying talk with the head 😐
Opinel are lovely - iirc you have to buy non-locking versions to be lawful..[url= https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives ]https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives[/url]
- I bought my 8 year old a nice Mora whittling knife - unwrapping the parcel, it fell and sliced the jiffy bag 'mid air' - decided it was a bit 'too' sharp, and gave him my old Opinel to practise with.
Yes, if you don't follow up with .22 air rifle and .410 poachers gun
So I bought an air arms s200 for my ten yr old, hawke airmax scope etc
He's had training from a local club coach and has accompanied me around some hft competitions this year
Give the kid the boundaries and education, matched with suitable supervision and you should be good. You know your kid, and will act appropriately.
I blame Stw (and thank) for reigniting my interest in shooting again, it's been awesome.
I forgot to add - we have some really simple rules, that I use with our kids and for teachers using bladed tools with kids.
- If you are not using it that second, it is ALWAYS in sheath/box/bag.
- Work from a sat or kneeling position, with a circle of safety around you (anything/person should be out of reach when working)
- Always cut way from you (that includes fingers) onto a suitable surface (wood).
My lad, aged 6 using one of our Mora's.
[url= https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7501952598_8fa942b6a2_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7501952598_8fa942b6a2_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/cqVt9j ]Loch Voil canoe pootle[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/people/88555557@N00/ ]matt_outandabout[/url], on Flickr
Thanks folks, you've convinced me, I'll show this thread to his mum and see if she's swayed!