Top 10 First Knives to Give to a Kid

Getting your first knife is a rite of passage. Whether you’re receiving one or giving it as a gift, it’s more than just a tool—it’s a symbol of trust, responsibility, and a step into maturity. A first knife should be practical, safe, and built to instill good habits. You want something that teaches respect for blades while also being useful and fun to carry.

Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of “first knives” given out—some great, some… not so much. Since writing the original version of this list back in 2012, I’ve not only handled thousands more knives, but I’ve also become a parent. That perspective has completely reshaped how I evaluate a “starter” blade. Maturity, dexterity, and responsibility should all factor into the decision. After all, you wouldn’t hand a Smith & Wesson MAGIC assisted opening knife to a seven-year-old.

So, whether you’re prepping for your kid’s first camping trip or looking for a simple starter knife for yourself or a friend, here are some of the best first knives out there—spanning different styles, price points, and ages.

Let us know your first knife in the comments!

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Tinker

This classic is the go-to starter knife for good reason. It was my first knife and probably yours. The Tinker includes a blade and multiple useful tools, all in a non-threatening, easy-to-carry package. Its compact size and familiar design make it unintimidating for beginners, while its quality ensures it will last for years. If you’re unsure where to begin, the Tinker is a safe bet.

Spyderco Ambitious

Spyderco makes an array of excellent knives that could work well for younger audiences. For example, there’s the Delica or Dragonfly (the latter of which you could get a wooden version as a trainer), but those tend to be a little more expensive.

Therefore, my choice is the Spyderco’s Ambitious, a small but mighty folding knife with a 2.25-inch blade. It features G-10 handle scales, a secure liner lock, and that signature Round Hole for easy one-handed opening. It’s the most compact member of the popular Tenacious family, offering high performance in a kid-friendly size.

CRKT Drifter

While I don’t completely agree with The Wirecutter’s claim that the CRKT Drifter is the best all-around pocket knife, it’s certainly a fantastic first knife.

This no-frills folding knife is simple, dependable, and ergonomic. The Drifter comes in either a steel handle or G-10 handle version, and the sub-3-inch blade hits the sweet spot for size. To minimize any slippage when using, I recommend the G-10 version for kids.

It’s easy to open and close, making it a great introduction to locking knives without any flashy extras.

Kershaw Debris

While the popular Kershaw Leek is a great knife, I hesitate to recommend assisted openers for first-timers—especially younger ones—as the sudden deployment can be startling.

Instead, the Kershaw Debris is a fantastic manual opener. It ditches modern add-ons like flippers or spring assistance in favor of oversized thumb studs and a secure back lock. The handle is shaped to reduce the risk of slipping during use.

Cold Steel Mini Tuff Lite

Cold Steel might not be the first brand you consider for a beginner due to its aggressive image, but the Mini Tuff Lite is an excellent, kid-friendly option. If you get a folder, you want a lock you never have to worry about. Few are as strong as the Tri-Ad lock.

Its Tri-Ad lock is one of the safest around, and the ergonomic handle ensures a secure grip. The Wharncliffe blade is practical without being overly intimidating. It’s a compact, trustworthy knife at a great price—and there’s even a slightly larger version for older kids.

Cold Steel Pendleton Mini Hunter

You might raise an eyebrow at the idea of giving a child a hunting knife, but hear me out— the Pendleton Mini Hunter is a small fixed blade that may very well be safer than the folders out there. This knife has good steel on its 3-inch blade and a very grippy Kray-Ex handle, so it will stay in a kids dirty hands.

With no folding parts to worry about, it removes the risk of accidental closures. That’s why it comes recommended by experts like Anthony Sculimbrene from Gear Junkie.

Buck Deuce

With its timeless design, the Buck Deuce is a great option for a first knife. While nonlocking folders can be a little tricky for first knives, this small slip joint is extremely inexpensive and carries the Buck name, so you know it’s dependable.

It includes two blades: a clip point and a coping blade. The largest blade measures just 2 inches, and the whole knife weighs under an ounce—making it ideal for pocket carry.

Gerber Paraframe Mini

The Gerber Paraframe has been a mainstay of the folding knife world for years and chances are if you’ve owned a knife, you’ve owned a Paraframe at some point.

These knives are simply designed, strong as nails, and look interesting. That’s why this mini variant of the Paraframe makes a great first knife.

It has a 2.22-inch blade, a reliable frame lock, and a sleek all-steel build that’s still lightweight at 1.4 ounces. It also includes a pocket clip, making it convenient for everyday carry.

Spyderco UpTern

Originally, this list featured the Byrd Tern because it was a well-designed nonlocking folder with a smaller blade. Spyderco has since evolved that design into the UpTern, giving it some welcome improvements.

The UpTern now features a back lock for added safety and includes the signature Spyderco Round Hole. Its 2.82-inch blade is beginner-friendly, and it remains affordable. Custom laser engraving is also an option for a personal touch.

Nathan’s Knife Kit

Sometimes, a child just isn’t ready for a real knife—and that’s completely okay. For those early stages, Nathan’s Knife Kit is a great learning tool.

Created by Glenn Klecker’s son Nathan, the kit introduces woodworking and teaches knife safety in a hands-on way. It functions like a real knife (it folds and opens), and kids can decorate it to make it their own.

Here’s a young Nathan talking about the kit:

 

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