How To Select The Best Kids Pocket Knife

How To Select The Best Kids Pocket Knife

Kids' pocket knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to be carried around your neck or clipped onto your belt loop. Others are meant to be kept in a bag.

Pocket knives are useful tools for both adults and children. They can be used for a wide range of purposes, from cutting paper to opening cans.

The best pocket knives are versatile and durable enough to last through multiple uses.

When shopping for a kid's pocket knife, you must find one that will fit your child’s hand comfortably. A good size pocket knife is also essential if you plan on using it as an everyday carry (EDC) tool.

There are many different types of pocket knives available, so make sure that you choose one that fits your needs.

Best Kids Pocket Knives 

Now you know how to pick the best kids' pocket knife and what to look out for, here are some of the best ones on the market.

OUR TOP PICK

CRKT Nathan's Knife Kit: Wooden Pocket Knife, Drop Point Blade Design with Working Lock Back, Craft Project, Great for Kids 1032 , Black

CRKT is an American company known for its high-quality products. They offer a range of tools including knives, flashlights, and more.

Their knives are very popular among outdoorsmen and hunters.

Nathan's knife kit is a pocket knife kit specifically designed for kids. This is a great first pocket knife set. It's made with safety in mind.

The point is sharp yet not too sharp, and it's all thanks to the material of this pocket knife. 

Made from wood, the whole pocket knife is covered with a rubberized coating. This means that it won't slip or slide during use. The blade is also safe to touch.

The pocket knife comes with a little assembly required. But with the handy instructional guide, it shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes to assemble the knife. 

It's great for kids 7 and up and comes with a warranty. 

Pros

  • Very safe
  • Affordable
  • Works well

Cons

  • Assembly required
  • Needs maintenance to keep the blade sharp

EDITORS CHOICE

Small Keychain Folding Pocket Mini Camping Knives for Kids, Women, Girls, Boys Every Day Carry EDC Ultralight Knife Stainless Steel Small Blue Knife, Men Gift Knife, Outdoor Knife, (Blue)

Unlike Nathan's Knife Kit, this mini pocket knife is made from stainless steel - not wood. So the blade is a lot sharper and requires less maintenance.

Though that does mean there's an increased element of danger.

However, this pocket knife was designed with kids in mind and has other safety features to compensate and protect from the sharp blade.

The pocket knife includes a plastic sheath that protects the blade. It also has a small hole through which you can insert a piece of string to help secure the knife to your belt.

There are two versions of this pocket knife. One version is for boys and the other is for girls. Both versions come with a sturdy wooden case that holds everything together.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Safe
  • Easy to carry

Cons

  • Not suitable for adults

BEST VALUE

Opinel My First No.7 Stainless Steel Children’s Folding Pocket Knife with Safety Rounded Tip, Painted Handles

Opinel is another brand that offers a wide variety of tools such as flashlights, axes, and more.

This pocket knife is perfect for young kids who want to learn how to properly use a pocket knife. It's easy to hold and maneuver.

The knife comes with a protective cap at the top of the handle. This cap prevents the blade from being accidentally activated.

The blade is made from stainless steel and measures just over 2 inches long. It's not overly sharp but still provides enough cutting power for most tasks.

The blade is rounded rather than pointed to provide a safe edge. Though along the blade the teeth are still sharp enough to cut swiftly and cleanly.

The blade is made from stainless steel so it's not susceptible to quick erosion and stays sharp.

The plastic handle is designed to give an ergonomic grip. This means that when using the knife, it will be comfortable to hold for extended periods.

As well as this the knife folds back into the handle. This is not only great for storing the knife as it means it will take up less space than when the blade is extended, but also for safety.

By folding the blade away into the handle, it makes it harder for children to get their fingers caught on the blade.

Pros

  • Comfortable grip
  • Ergonomic design
  • Safe foldable blade design
  • Sharp blade

Cons

  • Rounded blade tip

RUNNER UP

JIN Kids Pocket Knife, Folding Knife for Starter G10 Knife Making Kit Black Knife Scale Lock Back Knife Supplies Craft Project Family Bounding

This pocket knife set is ideal for kids with a keen interest in camping. They're simple to operate and have been designed to make them easier to use.

The knife set consists of a folding knife, a screwdriver, and a nylon pouch. The knife comes with instructions for assembly, but that doesn't make it any less durable than a premade one.

This pocket knife has heat-treated screws and uses excellent quality G10 constructions.

G10 is a material made from high-pressure fiberglass laminate. High-pressure fiberglass laminate is known for being incredibly durable, long-lasting, and tough.

The knife blade is 3.5 inches long and has a serrated edge. It's made from stainless steel and has a black finish. It's very lightweight and easy to carry around.

The knife blade has a pull/push lock mechanism. This allows you to easily open the blade.

The knife blade also has a finger guard. This helps prevent accidental injury by keeping fingers out of the way while opening the blade.

The knife blade retracts into the handle when not in use. This makes it safer to store because it reduces the risk of the blade becoming exposed.

The knife is held firmly in place within the sheath by a magnetic clasp and screws. This ensures that the knife won't come loose or fall out during normal usage.

The knife handle is constructed from nylon and features a soft-touch grip. This makes it comfortable to hold for prolonged periods.

The nylon pouch is included with the knife set. This is useful for carrying the knife around without worrying about it getting lost.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Easy to assemble
  • Durable construction
  • Good quality materials

Cons

  • Some assembly required

Buyers Guide

How To Select The Best Kids Pocket Knife (2)

How To Pick The Best Kids Pocket Knife

The first step when selecting a kid's pocket knife is deciding what type of use you plan on giving it.

This includes whether you plan on carrying it with you every day or just occasionally.

If you intend on using it regularly, then you may need to invest in a larger blade than if you only plan on using it occasionally.

Weight Of The Pocket Knife

If you have decided that you would like to keep this knife in your child’s backpack or bag, then there are a few more things that you should consider.

These include how much weight the knife can hold, how easy it is to open, and how easily it closes.

If you plan on keeping this knife in your child's backpack or bag, you will need to think about how heavy the knife is. Most pocket knives weigh between 1-2 ounces.

However, some heavier models can weigh up to 3 ounces. If you are planning on taking this knife out of your child’s bag frequently, then you might want to opt for a lighter model.

Length Of Pocket Knife

It is recommended that you purchase a knife that measures at least 4 inches long.

This gives you plenty of room to cut items without having to worry about hitting your fingers. It is also easier to grip while using the knife.

A longer blade length means that you can reach further into the item that you are cutting.

For example, if you are cutting paper, then you will be able to get closer to the edge of the paper. This allows you to cut smaller pieces of paper.

Edge Quality

You want to ensure that the blade has sharp edges. Sharp blades allow you to cut items quickly and efficiently. When purchasing a pocket knife, you should always check the edge quality before buying.

Material

Most pocket knives are made from metal. Metal is strong and durable, making it perfect for daily use.

A particularly durable kind of metal that you should look out for is 440a stainless steel. 440a stainless steel is commonly found in kitchen knives. 

But as this is a kid's pocket knife, alternative and much safer materials are available, such as plastic or wood.

Wood is great because it is light and doesn't rust over time. But it does require regular maintenance.

Accessibility Of The Blade

Another thing to consider is how easy it is to access the blade. Many smaller pocket knives have blades that fold into the handle.

This makes them easier to store and transport. On the other hand, these same features often make it harder to open the blade.

Many pocket knives feature small handles which make them easier to open and close. Other knives require you to pull back on the handle to open them.

Some knives feature spring-loaded blades which automatically lock into place when closed. These knives are great because they do not require any extra effort to close.

Lastly, you will want to consider how quickly the knife closes. When you close a pocket knife, after the initial force needed to set the closing into motion, you should never feel any resistance.

Purpose

You might also want to consider purchasing a multi-purpose pocket knife.

While most pocket knives are designed to be used for a single purpose, you can still get a great knife at a reasonable price by buying a multi-purpose knife.

These knives usually feature a large blade that is capable of performing several functions.

For example, you could use a knife like a paring knife, utility knife, folding knife, etc. You can even find knives with multiple blades.

They may also come with a bunch of handy additions, such as a bottle opener, a screwdriver, a file, etc.

Blade Shape

The shape of the blade is another important factor to consider when selecting a multi-purpose knife for your child. Some people prefer straight blades, while others prefer curved blades.

If you choose a curved blade, then you will be better off looking for a knife that has a larger blade than a knife with a straight blade. Curved blades tend to be sharper than straight blades.

Safety

This pocket knife is for children so safety is paramount. Make sure that the blade does not protrude past the end of the handle. Also, make sure that there is no exposed metal around the blade.

When choosing a pocket knife for kids, you need to think about their safety. There are many different types of pocket knives available today. Choose one that fits your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding the right pocket knife for a kid can be tricky. As well as thinking about the efficiency of the pocket knife, you have to think about safety as well.

It can leave you with a lot of questions. So here are some of the top questions about pocket knives for kids, and answers too. 

What Kind Of Pocket Knives Should I Buy My Child?

There are different types of pocket knives available. Some are more suitable for adults and others are better suited for kids.

You need to consider your child’s age and what they like doing. If they enjoy playing sports then there are many sporty designs available.

If your child likes crafts then there are many crafty designs available. For example, if they love making things out of wood there are several knives designed especially for whittling and sculpting.

However, it’s important never to introduce your child to pocket knives before the age of ten, and even then, they should be taught the gravity of the situation and the dangers that knives bring.

How Do I Choose A Good Pocket Knife For My Child?

When choosing a pocket knife for your child, you need to look at the size of the blade. A smaller blade is usually better for younger children.

However, this isn’t always true. It will depend on the kind of activity your child will need the blade for. For example, camping might require a sturdier, bigger blade, compared to crafting. 

You should also look at the type of blade. Blades come in two main categories – fixed blade and folder. Fixed blade knives are much stronger and heavier than folders.

They tend to be used for cutting tasks such as chopping vegetables. Folders are lighter and easier to use for tasks such as opening boxes.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the knife. Make sure that it’s light enough so that your child can comfortably carry it around.

Make sure that the knife feels sturdy and secure in its handle. Look for handles that are ergonomic and comfortable to hold.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to keep your child safe. Never give a pocket knife to a child who doesn’t know how to properly use it.

Make sure that they understand how to safely operate the knife before handing it over to them.

Never leave your child alone with a pocket knife. Always supervise your child when they have one. Teach them how to use it correctly.

If you do find that your child has accidentally hurt themselves then take them to the doctor immediately.

Tom Bower