Outdoor children's knives - Important information about purchasing and first use

Parents are increasingly realizing that a deep connection to nature can be extremely valuable for their children, and they want to make this bridge to the outdoor world accessible to their little ones at an early age.

They usually have their first contact with nature in kindergarten, or when their parents take them on a longer trip and slowly introduce them to the subject. Increasingly, these first experiences are also accompanied by the first use of various outdoor equipment.

Especially when it comes to the use of knives, alarm bells still ring for many parents and the topic still has a certain special status in the broad world of outdoor equipment.

“They must be hurting themselves with it every day, right?”

WOLFGANGS has compiled the most important information that should be considered before purchasing, but also during use.

Use promotes a sense of responsibility

What seems to be a completely normal and rarely questioned topic in the adult world is still very demonized by many in the children's world. The risks are often considered too high, so that in case of doubt it is better to deny the child access to knives.

But where do you draw the line here? Will you always drive your child to school by car until they reach 10th grade, for fear that the next traffic accident could be lurking? Will the television programs be blocked until they reach adulthood so that young people are not exposed to violent content? And what if the little one goes to the stove when you are on your way to the supermarket alone?

The fact is that dangers are possible in almost every situation. The question is therefore not whether the child will encounter these dangers, but how they can deal with them. A good, intensive and slow introduction to knives can enormously increase children's sense of responsibility . This signals to the youngest children right in the first phase of their lives that they are trusted and that they can repay this trust.

The first experiences of nature can therefore be perceived much more fully. The first carving and working with wood makes nature more tangible and you merge with it much more. An inimitable and great learning effect, in which nothing dangerous can be seen with the right preliminary measures.

The different knife models

Roughly speaking, the knife market for children can be divided into three categories. It is split into pocket knives , fixed blade knives and multi-tools/carving knives .

The pocket knives do not differ from the adult models in any of the essential points. The only obvious differences are the size and the rounded blade. In addition, children's pocket knives are often made much more handy and lighter . This makes them easy to transport even for the little ones. The actual knife can be folded in and out as usual with this version. You can put it away in the knife handle just as quickly as you can use it.

The fixed blade knife is clearly the more stable and robust design. Many parents prefer to buy such a model, especially for safety reasons. The fixed blade is solidly integrated into the handle, so that even violent shocks cannot affect the quality. Cleaning is also extremely easy, as accessibility is much better. Here, dirt and grime have no chance of disappearing into the fine grooves of the knife handle. The fixed blade knife offers a very impressive and strong overall package.

The children's multi-tool category can be described as a powerful all-rounder. Although blades are available for use, this all-rounder can also be used for repairs. Various tools and pliers help the little explorers to react appropriately in every situation. Manual skills can be trained and refined at an early age with such a tool.

The carving knife, on the other hand, already has its main area of ​​use in its name - carving! Due to its handy and sturdy design, it can also be used multifunctionally for outdoor purposes. It should be noted that the blade should always be sharp when carving. A blunt blade will only provoke you to press harder during use, which increases the risk of injury.

Is my child old enough yet?

Even though there are certainly regulations, rules, standards and guidelines for almost everything in the world, it is not always the case that things can be generalized. This is also the case when determining the appropriate and safe age for use.

In many forest kindergartens, young outdoor beginners can earn a carving certificate from the age of 4, which certifies that they can handle a knife properly and well and at the same time gives them a lot of courage and confidence for their journey through life.

Since children's development can vary greatly, it is important to read between the lines and make the right decision for yourself. If you talk to your child long enough and prepare them thoroughly for use and possible dangers, using the device at 4 years of age can be a valuable experience.

Why a special children's knife?

As mentioned briefly above, the first immediately obvious distinguishing feature is the rounded tip of the knife. This means that children are less likely to injure themselves and the danger potential is not too dramatic if they fall. In addition, children's knives are also optimized for children's hands, so that a recessed grip ensures better and safer handling.

In addition, the blade is significantly shorter, the handles are also narrower and smaller, and elements of the knife are usually much easier to use. Especially at a young age, you should pay attention to top quality knives so that the level of safety remains at an excellent level.

Under these conditions, children can safely and, above all, successfully get used to the movements and handling sequences. In this way, they can become real professionals in small, slow steps and grow through challenges.

The correct use of the knife

The knife should not become an object that the child can do whatever it wants with. A good and safe introduction to the use of knives also includes thorough explanations and a step-by-step plan of use. These sequences and rules should always be kept in mind by the child and implemented. This is the only way to associate a knife with the necessary seriousness that should be shown when using it.

The following rules should be observed:

When carving, you should always sit down, as this is the only way to ensure stable handling . The child must ensure that the carving direction is always away from the body and the hand holding the wood. It must also be communicated that walking with an open knife is dangerous and that the knife was not purchased as a toy replacement. As mentioned briefly above, the pocket knife should always be sharp so that unnecessary pressure is not required during use and the child does not slip. The child should also ensure that no other person is standing within the distance of one hand's palm.

Carving should always be supervised by an adult. Care should also always be a focus, as this is the only way to ensure consistently good quality. The child should also know at all times that the knife was made for the specific purpose only. Chopping, stabbing, levering, pressing, supporting and similar actions must be clearly and understandably prohibited. After use, the knife should be put in a safe place . The blade must be closed and the knife must be placed in the sheath provided.