Talk about giving your kid a sharp object because it is important! There is no doubt that knives are one of the essential tools one can possess for a wide range of applications. At one point, you may want to give your teenager a suitable knife. They need to learn how to use it with care and keep it safe. A knife may sound like a concern, but take a look at this article about the best knives for teenagers to know which one to get for their kids.
The best knife needs to be sharp, durable, and made of good stainless steel to remain rust-free. But first, you must see that it is simple and safe for your teenager to use. Only then can you be assured that they are using it properly without injuries.
Learn more about knives, and get useful tips about how to buy the best knives for teenagers from our reviews of some of the products.
Knife Types
Knives aren’t limited to the simple and common-looking item anymore. Different types of knives swarm in the market to make them versatile. Check out this table to know about some of the common knives for adolescence.
| Types | Design | Purposes |
| Fixed Blade Knife | Extended, long blade with a comfortable handle, sharp | Strong activities like hunting or defense |
| Swiss Army Knife | Folding system with a holder and lock to keep a blade and other tools together | Multiple uses depending on the tool |
| Pocket Knife | Pivot between handle and blade for folding with lock sometimes, compact | Defense or traveling knife |
| Kitchen Knife | Common, sharp, and long with a comfortable handle | Various cooking preparations |
What is a good first knife for Teens?
“Remember that a knife is as good as the owner who deals with it”
When you decide to give your teenager a knife, ensure that they have good knowledge about knives to use them carefully. However, you don’t need to worry, since knives for children are manufactured well to suit them. For beginners, knives like fixed blades or folding knives will work the best for basic cutting, shaping, or curving. Find such child-friendly knives at Morakniv with a good price range. Teenagers can easily learn more and use their knives as experts in the future.
Uses of Knives for teens
Countless tasks are possible with a knife, so it is difficult to point out all the uses. But here we have tried to make a list to let people know that knives are immensely useful.
- Cutting any sort of object except metal, including hair and food.
- Making holes, or removing any parts.
- Sharpening, carving, or shaping objects.
- Pruning house plants and digging soil.
- Cooking purposes to slice any food items.
- Hunting or defense mechanism.
Materials
Before anyone thinks of getting a knife, they must know the materials of the blade to decide which will work for them. The most commonly found knives for everyone are made of stainless steel, but we have listed here other knife blade materials.
| Material | Components | Characteristics |
| Carbon Steel | An alloy of carbon and iron | Easy to shape, prone to rust and discolor |
| Stainless Steel | An alloy of iron, sometimes also chromium | Sharp, resistant to rust and stains |
| Laminated Blade | Hard but fragile steel | Vulnerable to damages, sharp |
| Titanium | Expensive metal | Lightweight, durable, less hard |
Quick summary
Before heading to the main review, here we have a sneak peek of the best knives for teenagers.
- RoverTac Pocket Knife- The best teenager’s knife for camping activities.
- Klein Auto Loading Retractable Utility Knife- The best knife for self-defense in the wild.
- Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife- A great multi-purpose tool for teenagers.
- CRKT M16-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife- An useful and basic knife for beginners.
- Gerber Quadrant Folding Knife- The most stylish and eco-friendly knife for kids.
Comparison Chart
Comparing the different products will help you understand the advantages and disadvantages. Check this chart to distinguish each product in our list.
| Product | Dimensions | Materials | Purposes |
| RoverTac Pocket Knife | 4.34 x 1.3 x 1 inches | Stainless Steel | Multiple tools in one knife for outdoor tasks |
| Klein Auto Loading Utility Knife | 4.25 x 0.75 x 0.5 inches | Stainless Steel and Rubber | Regular cutting or crafts |
| Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife | 1.18 x 1.18 x 5.12 inches | Stainless Steel and ABS | Multi-functional tools for various uses |
| CRKT M16-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife | 5 x 5 x 5 inches | Stainless Steel and Fiberglass | Regular uses, both light and heavy-duty |
| Gerber Quadrant Folding Knife | 9.41 x 5.47 x 0.59 inches | Stainless Steel and Bamboo | Different household tasks |
01. RoverTac Pocket Knife
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One of the best knives for your teenagers is by RoverTac. They can use this as a handy item while camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Stainless steel build makes the knife versatile for various uses, and resistant to rust. It is compact and lightweight to carry around in the pocket without any safety issues.
The knife has a black oxidation coating as well for durability. An intricate locking mechanism avoids any accidents using a push-in to fold option. There is a pouch made of nylon to store the knife with a belt loop. Even though the overall design may look unsafe for kids, the knife is reliable and easy to use. You will get seven different tools in one item for any use.
Teach your teenagers to use this knife with care by following instructions about each of their uses. After use, always close the knife and keep it in the pouch. It is important to close the sharp blades away from oneself for safety. This product offers you great warranty policies as well. The unique and stylish look makes this product a nice present for loved ones.
What we like:
- The stainless steel blade is rust-free even after wildlife use.
- A pouch is convenient for storage and portability for adventurers like us.
- Multi-tool product is very reliable for outdoor activities, and this knife is compact as well.
- The extra safeguard feature is suitable for teenagers and also users who aren’t very careful.
- Pliers handle is a great thing about this knife for a firm and comfortable grip.
What we don’t like:
- The knife is limited to outdoor uses, not for household heavy works.
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02. Klein Auto Loading Retractable Utility Knife
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Here is another great utility knife by Klein for camping or other outdoor activities. The retractable knife can perform beyond our expectations. It may look simple, but inside there is enough space for three blades. Autoloading means, you press a button to push the knife blade out or use the side button to lock the knife back inside.
Another blade will automatically come out when you retract the first one. Sounds awesome, because the product is awesome. A safety mechanism is intact to retrieve new blades in this knife as the blades don’t expose much. The handle has a rubber grip for comfort. You can also store the knife on a belt clip.
Kids will love this simple-to-use tool that has such exciting features. The knife is also durable and precise. Even though it is a small knife, kids can easily work with it for heavy-duty tasks, because of its sharpness. The hard blades won’t get blunt or corrode easily. So, this is another best knife for teenagers who love outdoor adventures.
What we like:
- Auto-loading knives mean we can use this faster and in style.
- Internal storage allows three more blades.
- The safety lock will prevent any accidents for clumsy users.
- Rubber-grip is very comfortable for the hands for as long as we use it.
- The durable and strong metal construction of the blades.
What we don’t like:
- For a beginner’s knife, the price is quite expensive.
Adventures Type Articles:
03. Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife
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Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife is a versatile and practical tool for your teenagers. This knife is an on-the-go tool, wherever you wish to take it. When your teenager has it, they will be relaxed to know that the knife will help them with various tasks.
This is not just a saying, it is evident because this particular pocket knife has 13 different tools in one place. Each of them will work efficiently to help your kid fix, cut, or hack anything. They are all made of stainless steel to avoid rust or corrosion and retain sharpness for a long time. When needed, you can simply use a stone for a tune-up. To avoid any unwanted events from the customer’s side, the steel is given extra hardening by temper, anneal and polish.
However, even though it is simple to use, kids must be careful. After use, the knife is easily restored to a compact size by automatically placing all the tools inside. The lock mechanism ensures that the tools are in place to save you from accidents. Overall, this is a multi-purpose kit for your teenagers to start off their adventures.
Adventures Articles For Adventures Teens:
What we like:
- A multi-functional tool that teenagers can use for work and play.
- Stainless steel and ABS scales make the knife very sturdy for outdoor activities.
- It easily fits anywhere for travel purposes.
- We find it easy to use and clean.
- The different tools included aren’t just limited to cutting only.
What we don’t like:
- This product isn’t a knife only for heavy tasks.
04. CRKT M16-14SFG EDC Folding Pocket Knife
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CRKT M16-14SFG Pocket Knife holds a special place in the cutlery world. A flip and use option will interest your teenagers greatly. The Carson flipper changes the outlook and functionality of the knife. This knife stands out from others because of its design and build.
Even the handle has holes on the surface for a distinguishing look. You can easily secure your grip on the handle in any condition. The blade is easy to open instantly and then it stays on guard to prevent injuries. A pin that is between the liner and the frame helps with safety. It is made of stainless steel that allows sharpness and durability.
After use, using the red pin, push the liner inside. This knife excels in style, materials, comfort, and also lightweight design. So, you can think of giving this knife to your teenager as their first handy tool. It is one of the best knives for teenagers for basic domestic uses.
What we like:
- Automatic flip knife with safety lock.
- A very sharp knife to cut easily through ropes.
- Unique handle for a firm grip and lightweight feature.
- An easy-to-use knife for beginners.
- Compact size for the Carson flip.
What we don’t like:
- It feels a bit bulky as a pocket knife.
05. Gerber Quadrant Folding Knife
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Modern teenagers desire modern tools, and Gerber Quadrant Folding Knife is the right choice. This knife is like a fashion icon with amazing features. The stainless steel blade and bamboo handle give a very elegant look.
A finger flip allows you to open the blade and keep it in place using the frame lock. Bamboo is eco-friendly as well. The handle is super comfortable and also provides a firm grip. The materials won’t wear off easily, regardless of rough uses. Even with the stylish design, the knife is very simple for regular purposes. So, teenagers can easily carry this knife in their activities.
In addition, you get a pocket clip to secure the knife in the pocket. The blade edges are straight unlike conventional knives for convenience. A very sleek and functional knife with rigid sharpness that is safe for kids. So, 14-year-olds can use this knife without problems.
What we like:
- We like the unique design that is also eco-friendly, no doubt.
- The knife blade is very sharp, resistant to damages, and durable.
- Compact knife to help kids carry it in their pockets.
- It is easy to open with the flip option and then restore it back inside.
- The safety mechanism is great in this knife for beginner’s use.
What we don’t like:
- Straight edges may cause trouble sometimes while in use.
Knife Maintenance
Since a knife is made of metal, it needs extra care to last a long time. Teach your teenagers to keep their knives in good condition. They should avoid any action that may cause rust, blunt edges, or other damages to the knives. We have found a good formula to keep knives good as new that we are sharing with you.
Clean
After use, they have to clean their knives properly. They can use a good dishwasher to remove dirt or oil. Some even use alcohol to clear any germs.
Dry
This is the most important thing to do. Moisture is bad for any kind of steel as it will either stain or cause rust. Either dry the knife with a cloth or keep it in the open to dry itself.
Storage
To avoid any kind of injuries, they must keep their knives in a safe place after they are clean and dry. Store knives somewhere you can easily retrieve them again but will be out of any accidents.
Tips to Buy Knife for Teenagers
Materials: Teenagers are recommended stainless steel and high carbon steel and sometimes ceramic knives. This is because they are rust or corrosion-resistant.
Length: Knives that are 8 or 10-inch chef knives are great for kids as they are easy to handle.
Sharpness: Get very sharp knives that don’t need frequent tuning, as the blunt surface is more dangerous.
Bolster: This depends on preference, to see which one will suit you the most to help you handle the knife.
Handle: Knife handles should be comfortable with a good grip, so opt for plastic ones that last longer.
Construction: You can look for stamped knives for sharpness and lower price, but if budget isn’t an issue then forged knives are good options as they don’t need frequent tune-ups.
Automatic and Switchblade Knives
At present, automatic knives are getting popular due to their unique features. By pressing a button, the blade loads open from a compact position. This means that they are portable and functional. Switchblades are the most well-known types of automatic knives. Although they sound similar, there are some distinctions between them.
What is the difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife?
- The first difference is in the law, where switchblades are made illegal in the U.S., but automatic knives are legal.
- Switchblades have pressure on the blade while in use, unlike automatic knives.
- Switchblades open in a straight direction, but automatic knife blades have sideways openings.
- Out of the two knives, switchblades are considered less safe than automatic knives.
- Switchblades have a button for locking the blade in a fixed position. On the other hand, automatic knives lack a lock mechanism.
Why are automatic knives illegal?
Some states have made automatic knives illegal, but most allow the use of them. However, no states allow these knives to be concealed to carry around. If anyone has a traveling, automatic knife, then they have to carry it in the open without a problem.
Can a switchblade kill?
Although switchblades are considered a weapon, they cannot kill anyone with a single hit. In other words, switchblades can injure a person severely depending on the penetration or hit. But it is still a good idea to use any knife carefully, whether a teenager or adult.
What states allow teenagers to own switchblades?
Switchblades are among the popular automatic knives with various functions. Teenagers are now quite eligible to use such knives. However, due to the sharpness and design, some states have legal obligations to use switchblades. These are:
Washington, Vermont, New York, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, Maine, Louisiana, Hawaii, Delaware, and Connecticut
Some states like West Virginia, Virginia, Oklahoma, South Carolina, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Maryland, Iowa, Illinois, Arizona, and Alaska have restrictions for kids to use it without any guidance.
FAQ
- Should a 14-year-old have a knife?
There is no age limit to owning a knife, so you can give your 14-year-old a knife. For starters, get a basic knife and teach them how to use it. They should know the proper care and use. It is better to allow the kids to only carry the knife under adult supervision in early times.
- Is it OK to bring a knife to school?
According to the law, a knife is considered a weapon, and it is prohibited to take any kind of weapon to school. Although children use knives as a handy tool, the law still bans carrying knives to school. However, a pocket knife that is merely 2.5 inches in size is still considered but only allowed under supervision.
- Which types of knives are legal for teenagers? (Penknife, Butterfly, 4-inch, Tri-blade, Spring-loaded, Double Action)
Knife laws differ in the states for all users, both kids, and adults. So, before getting your teenager any knife, check if your area allows it for children.
Penknife: Children under 18 years are allowed to use pen knives in all the states. But they must be trained to use them when needed. However, it is not legal for teenagers to carry a penknife, unless the blades are less than 3 inches, without a locking mechanism.
Butterfly knife: Teenagers aren’t allowed to use butterfly knives in the open, or for domestic uses, because these aren’t considered pocket knives. Some states even restrict the use of these knives for adults.
4-inch knife: All types of knives with 4-inch sizes are considered illegal for teenagers to use or carry in the open. Knives of this size are quite deadly to use.
Tri-blade knife: Tri-blade knives are usually used by professionals for difficult tasks. This kind of knife isn’t needed by kids. Moreover, tri-blades are quite dangerous to use. So, this knife is illegal for teenagers.
Spring-loaded knife: This kind of knife is quite dangerous for kids, so laws restrict kids to own a spring-loaded knife. Usually, people use this knife for a distinct purpose. But the law doesn’t allow anyone to conceal carry this knife.
Double-action knife: Double-action knife is used only by experts for specific cases only. Such an automatic knife isn’t easy to handle and not safe for kids. So, this knife is illegal for a teenager.
Most of the knives that are made illegal for teenagers aren’t considered as deadly weapons. But they aren’t safe for children or amateur use. There are some states that allow a knife for teenagers to use only under adult guidance.
- Can a teen carry a knife for self-defense?
Children in their teens are usually given a knife for regular tasks, which doesn’t need much effort. So, it seems unlikely that kids will face situations where they may need a knife as a weapon for defense. If the kid is properly trained to use their knife as a weapon, then they may use it following the laws in the area. Otherwise, it is better not to carry a knife in the open, and also to avoid dangerous places.
- Do Flipper knives lock?
Flipper knives are quite small as folding knives. But they have an intricately designed handle to allow you to open the blade and keep it in the frame. This will cause the blade to remain locked and ensure safety. Using a flip lever you can also open the blade.
Final words
We sincerely hope that our researched article has covered everything to properly guide you. You can see the variety of knives available in the market that are designed especially for teenagers. Here we devised a list of the best knives for teenagers after our experience with these knives as simple, safe, and cool for kids. Even if you feel that your teenager may not be responsible to use such a sharp tool, don’t worry as you can train them to use knives with care.
