Knife Suggestion for First Folder

My son is 10 and just starting to show me he can start carrying his own blade while with me. I'm looking for a folder that meets these requirements :
- under 4" blade (would like it 3 or less)
- must have a pocket clip
- must have a lock- though I prefer it to not be a frame-lock or liner lock where he has to put in the path of the blade...
- cannot be assisted opening

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated . Thanks

 

I'd go for the Kershaw Skyline.

 

Depending on your desired price point, I'd look at a Spyderco Delica, a Native or Para 3.

 

Leatherman wave with pocket clip.

 

SAK Farmer

 

I would think a a mini grip would be a great knife to start with

 

The mini grip is a great knife, the misses carries one everyday.

 

low cost options with no clip would be the buck bantam or any of the sub-$20 kabar folders. (dozier, agama, gila, tegu, warthog III, etc...).

 

I was thinking mini grip too but not really in the budget at this point...

 

What is the price point you are looking at? Most budget folders sadly have liner locks. A delica would be great option that is a bit cheaper though

 

The Spyderco Byrd line might be worth looking at. Affordable price point and several models with back locks.

 

Spyderco delica

 

I’d say a SAK or leatherman would be a better starter knife, although you seem to think he needs a lock and pocket clip.
A SAK Recuit is only around $12 from Lowe’s.
Not having the ‘fun’ features of one handed opening and quick draw of a pocket clip will encourage him to use it as a tool rather than playing with it like a toy.
Also, the additional tools will allow more uses, such as tightening screws or opening cans, and having a long and short blade will make basic whittling easier.

 

Very good point I think my first few knives were Saks of some form or another and never did one close on me.

On top of that if you got him an alox you can get it engraved

 

knives ship free was really pushing the bantam as a good choice for a kid's first folder. maybe look on baryonyx, see what ben has that might fit your criteria, too. lot of affordable choices there.

 

The closed blade retention is so damn stiff on those. (At least the one I had) I actually cut myself opening mine. Sold it the next day. Great knife just not much of a one handed opener.

 

there is a learning curve on how to open framelock folders -- mostly based around not touching the lockbar.
I'm a southpaw - that's almost impossible for me, so I just avoid framelocks.