phantom ll Loc: Citrus Heights, CA

I am 78 now and have had my old timer since I was 12. It has two blades about 3 inches long and fits easily in my pocket. Not as heavy or bulky as a swiss army knife.

Ted A Loc: Eastern Washington

I'm with JR on this one. I've lost many knives over the years. Mostly due to holes in the pocket. One hunting season I lost 3 knives. I still remember that mountain side in Montana where I lost the last one.
If he has some sweat equity in his knife he'll care for it better. Teach him how to make it razor sharp so it'll shave the back of your arm. That'll make him proud and keep it away from some stupid dude that'll dull it right away.

Rayz Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.

Marbles makes what is called a G.I. utility knife. It has various blades like a Boy Scout knive, but is made of stainless steele.

Ron 01

I like the pawn shop idea, with whetstone and wet or dry sandpaper. By 8 years old (I'm now 86) I was carrying 10, 12, 14 inch butcher knives from restaurants, butcher shops and grocery stores to my Granddad that sharpened knives out of the back of a model A pickup with a popping johnny motor driving grind stones. I still have all my fingers and toes. Bought my oldest grandsons 18 inch Machetes when they were 4 and 7 (30 - 34 Now) so we could set traps off the beaten path. They still have all their fingers and toes too.Taking time to show the kid how to take care of the knife will be a life time treasure for him even if he loses the knife.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

J.R. Sloan is on the mark.
I have five grandchildren of that age or older. I don’t “give” them any hunting or fishing equipment unless they show me they are interested in having it, interested in learning how to use and maintain it safely and properly, and are capable of appreciating and embracing the legacy and stories that come with it.
I have quite a collection of knives, guns, and equipment for both hunting and fishing that once belonged to my grandfather and my dad. As the younger generation comes of age to participate I absolutely cherish passing along a legacy knife, rod or rifle as is age appropriate. And it gives me a chance to help develop a love for the outdoors in my grandkids (boys and girls) as I take them camping, fishing, hiking and hunting.
After all, it won’t be too many more years and I’m going need their help to drag out my buck or row the drift boat!😃

Fishing Fool Loc: redding, ca

The old timer by Schrade was a great knife until they sold out in 2004 and since then the quality of their knives is not what it used to be. I have many of the old timers pre-2004 and the steel in the blades is excellent compared to the new ones. They stay sharp longer and are easier to sharpen.

Your grandson will probably lose a knife or two if he's like most 11 year old kids of today. I would probably give him an inexpensive one and see how he does with it.

BILLBYRD1 Loc: Prattville Al

Welcome Sak from Alabama Bill, Swiss Army knife or one by Old Timer.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Fishsak, you have received some great responses and suggestions.
My family has always had really good experience with with pocket knives by Case, Uncle Henry, And Gerber. My dad loved his Leatherman but I find it too large to carry daily. It is handy and useful. If you think that your grandson would be excited by everything he can do with it then go for it.
Good luck and tight lines to you. I hope that your grandson enjoys your passion for fishing.

MadMac Loc: Marion (in Grant County) Indiana

Lets face it. Today's knives are just not of the quality that knives were years ago. I recently bought a Leatherman Wingman. I should have put the money into another rod or reel because that Leatherman isn't worth half what I paid for it. I have an old Leatherman 2000 that is. I've got a Gerber Gator that takes an edge an holds it but the last Gerber I bought is trash. The only new knives that I have that are any good are the three knife set of Bucks my brother gave me and and a yellow handled Old Timer I bought a couple of year ago. The size of a Swiss Army knife is dependant on the model. The Tinker is no larger than a Barlow and contains a large blade, small blade, flat tip screw driver, bottle opener, wire stripper, can opener, Philips screw driver, awl, tooth pick and tweezers. They still take and hold an edge. The only other pocket knife I can think of offhand that is as good as they always were are the Opinel and the Okapi. Okapis are almost impossible to find now. Great little knives though. Good luck with what ever you decide.

You could take him to the store and let him choose what he wants. A knife is a pretty personal thing, isn't it?

Reel Livin Loc: US Army (everywhere)

I’m going to give my grandson a Buck knife that was issued to me in South Korea. It is part of an emergency field trauma set issued to a few of us US Army Medical NCO’s.

Reel Livin Loc: US Army (everywhere)

Rosewood handle and brass ferrules and US made. Stipulations on use and safety will be made simultaneously as well as care, maintenance.🇺🇸

tsumidori123 Loc: Ohio/Texas/Arizona/New Mexico

I went through a few knives by the time I was 23. Then my new father in law gave me a Case XX and said, "if you can sharpen this kbife, its yours," this was in 1953, and I still have that knife. I have a few more now, but an American made Case would be a good choice.

NIMROD Loc: Vader, Washington state, US NAVY '68-'77

Howdy there FISHSAK !
in regards to your question of a Good Fishing knife for your Grandson, personally I prefer a SOG knife, made in Kent,Washington I believe.
You can find them on their website,
Sogknives.com or SOG.COM, or then you can also check..lol... Amazon.com
I carry one of these knives and use them for everything, fyi. that's my input perhaps it will help you and your Grandson ! Tight-Lines M8

Lakok Loc: US - Pacific Northwest

Hands down: Buck Knife....My oldest of 5 is 65 yrs. Lifetime warranty (I’ve never used), they’ll engrave it, and US made in Post Falls, ID. WAquote=Fishsak]This is my first post. I have received fishingstage for about a year. I live in Vancouver BC and Salmon fished all my life. I have been a fly fisherman for about the last 15 yrs fishing mostly in Sakinaw Lake for sea run cutthroat. My grandson has done really well in school and really wants a pocketknife for the lake. I’m looking for suggestions.
Thanks[/quote]

Justoldjim Loc: JUNCTION CITY, OR.

I teach knife safety in Cub Scouts and always suggest they get a knife that is not very expensive with a locking blade chances are they will lose it in the first month and the locking blade will save some band aids