What Is the Best First Knife?

[@roberthaines1227]

My father gave me my first knife when I was around 8 or 9 years old and it was a 3 bladed Schrade Old Timer. That was over 40 years ago and I still have it and use it. My father passed in 2002, so this knife has a lot of sentimental value for me.

[@boranis]

What do you use it for?

[@roberthaines1227]

I keep it on my desk in my home office and use it for opening packages, and other light EDC tasks.

[@JerryLoffelbein]

Opinel's are great first knives. Also recommend them if you're learning to freehand sharpen as they're cheap but still good tools.

[@tornagawn]

My vote too. Cheap but highly useable and great to sharpen. You’ll learn lots from owning and using one.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

Agreed they are great slicers

[@knifecenter]

Definitely! -DCA

[@The4cp]

They are really good especially at under $10 for some

[@redsorgum]

There is a number eight that’s called "my first Opinel” and it has rounded tip.

[@mi2092]

I told my kids they can get a knife as soon as they start treating it like a tool, not a toy. Their first knife is a Victorinox Tinker. I got them each of their own. The oldest one is getting a Buck Bantam BBW soon. Excellent performance and many size/color/patten to choose from at affordable prices. A high value USA made blade in deed. My first EDC is a Kershaw Leek. Love it. I favor the frame lock over the liner lock though.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

Tinker has been my EDC for decades. Wonderful knife. In recent times they have a snazzy looking version with translucent blue scales. I bought two. Very reasonable price so especially good for a youngster that might lose a first knife.

[@lucahugh7209]

instablaster...

[@kevingriffin8854]

I'm 38 and I just bought a Tinker. Ive been playing with this thing for a few days and I also carry a Buck woodsman. I play with that knife a lot too. I play with all knifes. I also carry guns as I'm in Texas. I play with those too.

[@name5949]

Swiss army knife all day long i believe is the best way to Go for a 1st knife and the last knife because it stands up to anything like a champ 💪 it's a wenner 🏆🎗️🥇🥈🥉🏅🎖️🏆

[@nicholsliwilson]

I carry 2 knives, a Swiss Mini Champ for the tools & a real knife to cut things because the 1.4116 steel used in “Swiss Army knives” is garbage.

[@name5949]

@@nicholsliwilson I see you need a licking blade well when you have more practice with your big knife you might be able to do everything with the Swiss army knife because I've used my Swiss army knife for over20 years now and I've done everything with it then again some people don't know how to use a knife thanks for your response

[@nicholsliwilson]

@Tundra Runner geography makes a difference. Here in the UK we massively overpay for some knives & just overpay for others. I am a big fan of Civivi, the price/value ratio is excellent, even if it is subjective. Unfortunately Real Steel don’t seem to want my money as I’m left handed? I know they do have some ambidextrous models but not enough.

[@nicholsliwilson]

@Tundra Runner no joke BladeHQ are waiting for Brexit before they'll stary shipping to the UK & EU privacy laws are out of the way! 😄

[@Phaminator525]

@@name5949 for its purpose the swiss army knife is ok, but for more robust tasks it's too small and the steel isnt good enough to hold an edge for awhile.

[@IAMAMMAFAN]

Can't go wrong with the Swiss Army knives.

[@nicholsliwilson]

*unless you want something that actually holds a edge worth a da*n. 1.4116 is a bottom of the barrel steel.

[@pilotreg]

yes you can

[@generalesdeath8180]

Yay!!! See you soon!

[@remb9614]

I still have my first knife. My great grandfather gave me an old Barlow when I was way too young lol. it’s very dull and kinda beat up. I remember digging in the dirt and drilling into trees with it. It’s how I learned about non-locking knives closing on your fingers. Every time I go to sharpen it I just can’t bring myself to do it. I’m not going to carry it and it has so many memories on that blade like the horrible grind from when I was learning how to sharpen. I’m very lucky to still have it.

[@Crosswalker.]

Bought my son an Opinel Junior, and a Mora... Hes almost 8 yrs old and loves to carve 🙂 i will buy him a Victorinox later to his 10th birthday 🤔

[@momish392]

I can tell you're a good parent.

[@Crosswalker.]

@@momish392 😅

[@dsknives310]

All great picks. Glad u included fixed too👍🏻 The top 5 I recommend & gift 1- Tenaciuos 2- Cutjack 3- Rat 1 or 2 4- Elementum 5- Delica

[@FYLbingbong]

great lineup for first knifes. buck 110 a classic

[@kydd666]

Really surprised you didnt add the Opinel knives since they come in such a wide variety of sizes and designs with the added bonus of being super affordable so if it gets lost or broken it's easily replaced

[@94slingshot]

I still throw my little Buck 505 in the same pocket as loose change, even if carrying a larger knife.

[@bblack7683]

I got my first knife when I was 5 years old. It was a case stockman I traded some baseball cards for back in kindergarten, I have since acquired over 30 knives over the years but I still just edc my trusty case stockman because I can make it do anything I need it to do. For a first knife though you really can't beat an opinel though. They are cheap and will last a lifetime and they come in many different sizes and blade shapes. Although a case stockman is great, I still have a few scars on my fingers from collapsing blades and such when learning to use it as a kid.

[@jameswhoever3730]

After a hundred videos, I finally pick one in my budget at that time, and from someone who was completely new to knives, I chose a SOG Terminus XR w/C.F. and S35VN @ $67...and it came with an autograph on the box from... u guessed it... David C. Anderson. Thanks.

[@jameswhoever3730]

The Elementums are soooo popular and look great. Thata my next purchase, after ckrt minimalist tanto.

[@nicholsliwilson]

A fine choice.

[@ryanharnell9268]

Nice choice.

[@jomamma1750]

Bought a Buck 110 with my first paycheck! Then the cops took it Great video DCA good choices and great advice as always My reccs: #1 Opinel 7 or 8 good blade and very affordable #2 Marttiini Hunter instead of the Mora, better handle, the leather sheath is a quantum step up(plus quiet), and still under $25 #3 Otter Mercator with a pocket clip. Just a great overall pocket knife and they will last a lifetime Thanks for the vid

[@benklinsukorn5548]

Opinel no.8 was my first knife absolutely loved it, a classic knife.

[@LH_Vagrant]

And available in many (wooden) handle materials and colours.

[@coolkidroblox-fq6hb]

My first two knifes were a Swiss Army knife and a Gerber paraframe I love those knives and still use them to this day

[@Knivesarecool]

Same I got my Paraframe when I was 6 and lost it in a nursing home lmao

Opinel, Swiss Army Knives and all slipjoints knives in fact + Mora's (for the cost)

[@johnd48]

Swiss Army Tinker was my first knife. 20+ years later, I still have it somehow

[@kirkjohnson9353]

I LOVE the Tinker. I use mine almost daily -certainly a couple of times a week, for decades.

[@davidpalmer9014]

Good idea for a video! I'm 50 years old and I just started collecting recently. I started with a pretty big swing ---- a Fallkniven S1. Then I bought a few Case folders. Now I seem to be focused on bushcraft and modern gentleman's knives. I'm a little obsessed with the many different designs and the history behind each one.

[@roberts1770]

I’ve grown to truly appreciate the explanations that DCA gives. Everything listed is a good option. My only comment would be to consider young girls as well as boys. For example, maybe a Dragonfly versus a Delica.

[@knifecenter]

Fair point and well noted sir! I would still go for the Delica in either case though... we always think little hands should have little handles, but as gross motor function is still developing when young, a little extra handle length will be easier and safer to control. If you are talking about teenagers though that definitely starts to shift, so bring on the smaller knives! -DCA

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

I gave my 11yr old daughter an Ozark Trail Deer Stag folder. Taught her about linerlocks, lockbacks, blade styles, ergos & of course fidget factor. Explained to her to be careful and know you will get slightly cut eventually & you’ll remember it. She said she likes the action of the ozark trail lol

[@Pippinm7]

DCA is an excellent speaker. Is he reading of a teleprompter?so fluid!

[@wilhelmvonscream3146]

The parcel hook on the Compact makes a good holder for the pen. Open the parcel hook and lay the pen in the groove. Then gently close the hook onto the pen. A lot easier than trying to hold the thin pen by itself. My first pocket knife was a Kershaw scallion. The Spyderco Dragonfly is one I give to many first time knife people.

[@natek1993]

Man I love the look of the Civivi Elementum. That blade shape is perfect, especially with that hollow grind.

[@shrooman777]

I think the Eldris is great. I’ve carried it so much, it’s fairly rare that I need more blade. I scoffed at it before I owned one, it’s really comfortable.

[@The4cp]

Buck 110. Always the best first.

[@nicholsliwilson]

*as long as you don’t want to learn how to disassemble & maintain a modern knife.

[@GideonConley]

Me personally I wouldn’t recommend a classic buck 110 or 112 just because there a bit to chunky at least for my taste but the slim versions I like them a lot if you do wanna get one I like the slims so I dunno go for what you want at the end of the day

[@mi2092]

They are a classic to have. Too many people find knives and guns intimidating nowadays. I’d EDC something slim, easy to concealed just to avoid having to deal with these people. I’m waiting to buy a special edition of Buck 110 or 112. Maybe the 60th anniversary edition in 2024?

[@GideonConley]

fair enough that’s why I like the 110 slim it’s very unintimidating to most people so I dunno man

[@knifecenter]

I should have been a little clearer in the video regarding the 112 that I showed. For folks not necessarily looking for an EDC type blade, but maybe they are buying their first knife to go camping with, the classic 110 and 112 are good ways to go precisely because of the chunkier handles. For EDC, definitely go with the Slims. -DCA

[@danvalleskey]

Your presentation is first rate, well spoken, pertinent points well presented in a pleasurable manner. You sir, have a future in broadcast!

[@SgtKong]

Nicely done. I personally started with mini fixed blades then went to Swiss army style pieces. After a few cuts from heavily using a non locking folder I went back to fixed blades and more survival style knives. Man, thinking back to my first knives makes me smile. A good many were acquired flea market shopping with my grandma... Good times.

[@knifecenter]

Proving the point that knives really are about memories!

[@nameremoved4010]

I've owned the Buck for 50 years. And I also have assorted Mora, it the price that drew me but the simple grind is what I love.

[@jackbailey3421]

First knife I had was a Barlow,10 years old at the time, paid a whooping $1.99 for it ,don't come across deals like that anymore ,lol

[@AKhan.28]

Just bought my first knife! Spyderco para 3 lightweight. Can't wait for it to come in!

[@PraiseToTheLordGodAlmighty]

My first was a mini griptillian, love it and keep carrying it today

[@scotmetcalf2745]

I added that white river knife Caper to my collection on a suggestion of yours awhile back! Great knife my first blade was a Rat II and it’s still one of my favorite blades

[@James-ke5sx]

My 1st EDC knife was a Garberg Swagger half serrated. 200+ knives later it's still my only EDC knife. I'm a 70+ year old cyclist so I need serrations for cutting plastic tiedowns etc. Between the bike, tools, locks, snowmobile suit, and boots I need a lightweight knife when buying groceries etc.

[@MCTeck]

My first "real" knife,was a Buck 110 in 1975 [I still have it!] Paid 35$ back then price has barely gone up! My new favorite I got from KC is the composite blade Kershaw K Onion Leek . An Incredible Knife for the money!!! A "must Have " for a collector,or someone that Just needs a EDC knife.

[@S0l1DShark]

Happy to say that my "first" knife was the Leek. I was in scouts in the 90s, so I had a couple no name brand swiss types, and a goofy liner lock with a red light in the back, but my whole idea what a pocket knife was changed with my Leek in 08.

[@ogenmatic]

Great list & you did a fine job explaining each choice. Well done as always.

[@automaticenforcer9051]

Slipjoint Swiss Army knife hiker model Fixed blade Mora kniv companion Lock knife Opinel number 8 inox Those are what I’d recommend for a beginner or someone who just wants a slipjoint folder a locking folder and a fixed blade and is on a budget

[@jcolterh]

I've gifted all my beginner knives to co-workers. First was a Spyderco Tenacious and recently a Kershaw Blur. As for my current EDC I'm carrying either my XM-18 3in or my Shirogorov Neon R20.

[@neotim5]

My first knife was a Kershaw Nerve. Simple flipper but the action was extremely satisfying while the sound was rich, never found a knife like that again, even in the $300+ region...

[@kencoffman7145]

It took me 40 years to finally buy a more and slapped myself for not doing it years before as soon as I got it home. I whoop my knives hard and usually have to profile/sharpen any knife i buy. Not with a mora. Strop it, or not, and throw it on your belt. Hunt, work, carve, do what ever you want. They work, well. Best for the buck hands down

[@musicandcoffee2853]

Fantastic video with fantastic choices my friend 👍🏼

[@ernestwalden3894]

My very first knife in the late 70s was a buck 119. It was also the cause of my very first trip to the ER to get stiches. Long story short I was letting another kid see it. When he handed it back to me blade first. I grabbed the knife then he jerked it out of my hand cutting 3 fingers literally to the bone. It was a lesson well learned. Anyway happy Thanksgiving from Kentucky land between the lakes and God bless all reading this.

[@pendragonaddams49]

I don't know what it is, but that civivi elementum style knife is so gorgeous to me.

[@johneli495]

I've had the yellow swiss army knife for last few years and it is excellent. Small and useful. Just used it the other day to adjust the derailer on my bike

[@lindenhamiltond7363]

Love these kind of vids even though I’m way past my first knife😂

[@nicholsliwilson]

Hay I'm over 30 years past my first knife, a Victorinox Swiss Army knife given to me by my mum, & I still watched.

[@momish392]

I haven't had a first knife yet. My pa has an old rusty pocket knife. He says if I can fix it he trusts me enough to keep it. I'm pretty excited to start work on that project.

[@diesel4417]

@@momish392 how has that gone so far

[@momish392]

@@diesel4417 It was a 2 blade trapper knife. I was able to clean it, but one blade was broken beyone repair. I ended up spending some of my paycheck on a brand new CRKT M16 10KS. Good knife.

[@diesel4417]

@@momish392 bittersweet

[@UnclothedPrimate]

It truly amazes me that there are so many lower cost knife options now. As a teenager in the 90's my options for pocket knifes I could afford were limited to classic Buck and Schrade models, or really poor quality knockoffs of Spyderco or similar tactical knives. Of course Swiss Army knives were also available, but the variety available at Walmart or Big 5 were pretty limited.

[@ubxs113]

I got the Kershaw Leek as my first real EDC and I love it!

[@chaoscommentary2179]

I remember my first knife when I was about 7 it was some no name multi tool with pliers I remember the handles being black, my dad always carries a very tiny old timer knife with 2 blades he use to clean his nails and open stuff, I carry a huntsman Swiss Army knife with green + scales, I’m thinking about what to get my daughter when she’s older I’m thinking a Swiss Army knife SD something small with a nail file

[@Braydenspann67]

My first knife was a crappie Winchester and I broke the tip off now I carry a gerber I'm really into knives

[@lanckston]

I gave my first knife to my friend because she had a stalker, but I don’t miss it. it was one of those mall knives that they sell in japantown. She never had to use it to my knowledge.

[@jmmartin7766]

Imho, one of the best 'first knives' for a kid is gonna be a *Buck* folder... No matter the model, it'll be a great knife, of decent quality. And, if your child loses it, you're not out a bunch of cabbage... I love the *Kershaw Leek* (as a matter of fact that's part of my EDC rotation). But, as a 'first knife' for a young person? Seems like the blade-tip probably wouldn't hold up to abuse, and the 'speed assist' opening, a feature I love, might not be legal where your kid is carrying it...

[@diesel4417]

I just got a Ka bar dozier and it's great I'm 14 btw

[@davidharvey1798]

I can vouch for the delica 4. It's a solid knife. I got an orange one about 8 months ago. I use it at work daily. I work at a grocery store and none of my customers or fellow co-workers bat an eye at it. It's a very non threatening utilitarian knife.

[@charlescollier7217]

*in Agent Smith voice* Mr. Anderson, you've made some very good selections. Jokes aside, I finally put my finger on why I enjoy your knife chats so much - you're a great teacher! You know how some people are really knowledgeable about their stuff, but are terrible at communicating about it? Not you. You take all manner of knife facts and present them in ways that are simple and easy to understand. It was the analogy of the Scandi grind as a double chisel that made it sink in for me (sorry). Simple, yet brilliant. That's excellent teaching. Thank you sir.

[@knifecenter]

Thank you for the kind words Charles! -DCA

[@charlescollier7217]

@@knifecenter thank you, and please do keep doing what you do!

[@dougadams7684]

Thanks for sharing , was very good in suggestions . My first knife was the tried an true buck 110, also had quite a few old timers growing up take care and keep them knives coming

[@gizmocarr3093]

Something interesting young knife enthusiast likely might not know. About every pocket knife or hunting knife sold long ago came sharp as butter knife out of the knife case. Crazy as it sounds it’s true; because people kept cutting themselves on sharp ones. Most pocket knives had two blades one short and one long. Often both had rounded points and straight edges; there were exceptions but sure not like today's knives. The idea was; if you didn’t know much about using a knife you were less likely to hurt yourself. A boy and his dog included a trusty pocket knife. Most pocket knives were hard to open to keep little boys from being hurt. It works; I can tell you from experience. There is a saying; a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one which is true. However, that is if you know how to use it; is not mentioned. The first thing to lean hammering a nail is not hitting your thumb. The first thing to learn about knives is not cutting your finger; the second is how to sharpen a knife. Little blades make little cuts, big ones make big cuts. Real sharp ones make Emergency Rooms lots of money. There are two kinds of knife enthusiast; one’s that never got stitches and one’s going to get stitches.

[@I_Am_Victor]

Buck and Victorinox are legendary knives among pocket carry outdoor knives, mora is no nonsense options. But Elementum is surprise package,! Looks good and feels like worthy outdoors pocket carry. Good Video 😎😄

[@bosse641]

Helle has a lot great choices also. And Hultafors has a very nice little knife.

[@Tree_Stabbing_Troy]

My first knife was a hardware store knife. My first GOOD knife was a benchmade griptilian 551 (black 154cm)

[@D20Steel]

Buy a flipper, it's fun to play with. Then go for a practical edc length 7-8 inches (full length). Budget 50-100 dollars to see if knives are really your thing withought cheaping out. After that it's all personal preference.

[@CytoplasmicGoo]

The delica was my first "good knife" when I first got into knives many, many years ago.

[@ryanharnell9268]

Great selection. 2 of my first knives are in there. Elementum is a great "modern" choice. That CRKT is a nice choice. I think you're right to recommend guards and locks. Its easy to forget how much we cut ourselves when starting out. I just ordered the Pilar Slipjoint because the wife fell in love with it and it's a Canadian legal version. There may be regrets... Another great episode DCA!

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Nice collection, David. I have a similar collection that I secure in a Roaring Fire tool roll. My collection numbers probably sixty and it would be hard to pick out any particular knife as a favorite. When I completed basic training in San Antonio, TX, I bought a Buck 110 as a gift to myself. It's been around the world with me in almost 56 years. I do see a couple of folders that I'm going to research. Thank you!

[@knifeaddict1014]

Swiss for 1st timer imho which civivi really are doing great as well so I would recommend them to and WE knife

[@SilverScripter]

My grandfather gave me my first pocket knife when I was 5 lol it was a Appalachian trail one

[@SamPeabody]

Some of these strike me as kind of big for a kid; maybe good first knives for adults who aren’t that into them yet. I still have, and occasionally carry, my first knife: a Camillus Boy Scout knife. It is a lot like a small Swiss Army, with a blade, bottle opener, awl, and can opener, with fake bone or antler plastic handle scales and a BSA medallion. I don’t work it hard, but I’ve opened countless cans and carved many a pointy stick...

[@whoc4r3s117]

Wow. I’ve got some of these like the Swiss army,buck, mora. But some of these I’ve never even heard of but all look like great picks great video.

[@chicken-little8620]

2020 is when I got first knife at smkw and I still have it today the bench made mini BK barrage

[@nicholsliwilson]

@KnifeCentre *You don’t need a pressurised pen to write upside down!* David keeps saying that but ordinary off the shelf ballpoint pens are *NOT* gravity driven & will write upside down.

[@gunsandgravy]

As many knives as I have, this guy has talked me into the Evogrip s18, after mentioning it in a couple videos.

[@03_austindrake88]

Great video DCA! A lot of great first knives in this video. The Victorinox SAK's, the Civivi Elementum, and the Kershaw Leek, I'd say are the best out of the ones listed. They are tough, look good, and have good quality. As far as a fixed blade, can't go wrong with a Mora. They are great, simple knives that will really take anything that's thrown at it.

[@The_AntiVillain]

I would recommend a really cheap utility knife that takes standard stanley blades then give them a nice knife so they appreciate it more

[@erikramaekers63]

Opinel 6,Case Baby Butterbean,Victorinox Excelsior,Spiderco Ladybug.

[@WilliamWallis]

First knife was a Kamp King. Carried that in the pocket of my Cup Scout uniform pants.

[@Mentatstrategy]

Great video, I appreciate the addition of the skeletool as a tinkerer this would be my choice.

[@rscott1459]

Outstanding presentation!

[@josephlawrence6873]

Great list of knives, I really love the buck 110 folding hunter.. I use it on every hunting trip to gut and skin my deer.

[@shrooman777]

You did great C, you always do!

[@goldenbadger8247]

Please do another beginner knife education seminar. Guided towards Boy & Girl Scouts in both US, England, & Australia. Knife safety can be a separate welcomed video with showing mistakes, bloopers, & blood;-) Glow-in-the-dark/phosphorescent handles & knives with lights - an added bonus :-)

[@parokyaniedmar]

Probably would check out hogue deka and sog terminus xr in D2 as my first knives.

[@caleb_metzger07]

Nice vid my fav would be the spyderco even though I don’t have one they seem like a good knife and look good

[@Rob_1689]

Why not a Paragon or halo V 3X?

[@Goofiest_goober838]

ikr, where is the marfione custom?

[@gaminglikeaproallthetime4563]

My 1st knife is some kind of double sided batman blades😂. It's scary to get the blade out as I have to push quite hard then the blade flys out like a jump scare 😂.

[@devildogsbushcraft7898]

Please checkout the Cold steel pocket bushman. A folder to replace your fixed blade.

[@Paa375]

I’m a newbie to knives and you suggested that I take a look at first time knives video. Thank you for suggesting that. There are two knives that I’m looking at the civivi elementum and the syderco delica 4. Which one do you think would be the better choice? Does your company ship to Canada. If so what kind of process is it. The shipping fee can be quite expensive sometimes from the USA to Canada.

[@motoabbott8234]

It would be nice to have a locking knife but there illegal in the uk

[@DougHinVA]

My take is 'OSO' and if you have a bit more $$, A LEEK from Kershaw.

[@coldsteelcollector808]

Another great video DCA 🤙🏼🙏🏼

[@Mike1807]

Guter Mann! Very good explain, thanx a lot! Best regards from the Bavarian Forest Michael

[@TheSmokintbird]

"The lock on this knife, indeed the lock on most knives, isn't designed to save you from big mistakes but it will protect you from some of the small 'Oopsies' out there." Well said!

[@mikelawson5811]

Good advice as any of those would be a good and useful knife for years of service.

[@thehellezell]

swiss army tinker!

[@johnd48]

Nice video! Has me thinking about my own kids. When and what will be their first knives...

[@alanjhornung7077]

What about Cold Steel Knives .

[@JamesGMunn]

How about a video about woodcarving knives that might cross over to hiking/hunting or edc?

[@knifecenter]

Thanks for the suggestion! The Moras in this video are a great option for that. -DCA

[@azraell33]

Some good choices. I would never give a young person a slip joint. I cut my hand horribly with one when I was a kid. I haven't bought or carried a slip joint since.

[@knifecenter]

That is my preference as well.

[@shazzzam79]

Any recommendations for the cheap PoS at the flea market that snaps shut on your fingers, that you have the scars in memory 30 years later!?..... The handle was camo though.

[@MtnLife-sv9fu]

Ya do good work, keep on keepin to...

[@knifecenter]

Thanks, will do! -DCA

[@jaxonbeilner9258]

My first knife was a buck 110