Micra for kids

[new_berlin]

Would it be appropriate to gift a micra to kids? From what age onwards?
I was going to give micras to a well-coordinated/mechanically inclined 7-year old and a 14-year old but then came across a mention on an internet retailer website stating that they sell knives only to 18 or older. i know the micra has a tiny blade but it's making me rethink.

[SteveC]

I  think it would be fine for the 14 year old and for the younger one I would dull the knife blade as it is very sharp.

[hsherzfeld]

I think a Micra is a great gift for a responsible, mechanically-inclined 14-year old. As for a 7-year old, it depends. If it is their first knife, I would go with something simpler, with a larger handle (for a better grip) and a locking blade (if legally permissible in their area). An Opinel No.7 "My First Opinel" would be a good first knife.

 On the other hand, the design of the Micra prevents the blade from closing on one's fingers (the kick of the blade will hit the end of the opposite handle first); it's better than the Leatherman Squirt PS4 in that regard. And there isn't really enough spring tension to cause the blade to snap closed on one's fingers.  Just make sure the child knows not to take it to school!

I guess I'm saying that the Micra isn't ideal as a child's first knife, but it is safer than most slipjoint knives for a child who is familiar with knives.

[hsherzfeld]

For what it's worth, I got my first knives (SAK knockoffs and a Buck 110 knockoff) from selling popcorn in Cub Scouts at age 8. And I still have all my fingers

[Aloha]

Yes for the older one.  As you describe the younger one I'd also be inclined to say yes.  My only hesitation is the Micras inner tools.  They would both need some instruction as those inner tools can fold on them.  Unlike scissors they would be used to the inner working of tools on a Micra IMO would require instruction. 

 

[new_berlin]

I  think it would be fine for the 14 year old and for the younger one I would dull the knife blade as it is very sharp.

That's a good idea indeed to blunt the knife.

I think a Micra is a great gift for a responsible, mechanically-inclined 14-year old. As for a 7-year old, it depends. If it is their first knife, I would go with something simpler, with a larger handle (for a better grip) and a locking blade (if legally permissible in their area). An Opinel No.7 "My First Opinel" would be a good first knife.

 On the other hand, the design of the Micra prevents the blade from closing on one's fingers (the kick of the blade will hit the end of the opposite handle first); it's better than the Leatherman Squirt PS4 in that regard. And there isn't really enough spring tension to cause the blade to snap closed on one's fingers.  Just make sure the child knows not to take it to school!

I guess I'm saying that the Micra isn't ideal as a child's first knife, but it is safer than most slipjoint knives for a child who is familiar with knives.

This thread is already helping me see things in a clearer manner. I've nowlearned that i am actually looking to gift a multitool that includes a knife, not a knife per se-- the intent being to have them become comfortable around tools and act upon their curiosities (by opening up their toys, cutting something if necessary, or whatever anywhere they find themselves). The knife disclaimer on cabelasmade me think from safety (and legal?) aspects. So i suppose that it's an ideal multitool for kids that i'm looking for, not a knife per se. The micra just "looked" like something kids would love but it doesn't have to be that.

Also great point to make it clear to the kids that the MT must not accompany them to school!

[SteveC]

Too bad Leatherman discontinued the Leap as it was specifically designed for kids.

[new_berlin]

Yes for the older one.  As you describe the younger one I'd also be inclined to say yes.  My only hesitation is the Micras inner tools.  They would both need some instruction as those inner tools can fold on them.  Unlike scissors they would be used to the inner working of tools on a Micra IMO would require instruction. 

 

Yes the younger one is a curious and mechanical type. And it does not have to be the micra. the cuteness factor i thought would encourage them to use it, that's all. I'll be sure to instruct them and demonstrate.

[new_berlin]

Too bad Leatherman discontinued the Leap as it was specifically designed for kids.

after seeing your post, i googled the Leap. It seems like a micra except with a saw instead of blade. is my assessment correct?

[new_berlin]

sorry. ignore, goofed up editing previous post.

[hsherzfeld]

after seeing your post, i googled the Leap. It seems like a micra except with a saw instead of blade. is my assessment correct?

The Leap was a multitool designed specifically for children. It came with a knife blade that the parent could install on the tool when they felt the child was ready to have a knife.

[Poncho65]

The Leap was a much bigger tool than a Micra  It is a good plier based tool for a child as well 

I am sure it would be great for a 14 year old

I have bought several MTs and SAKS for my little girl and she is just about to be 13 I got her a BO Wave for a Christmas and a light blue Free T4 She has been taught knife safety for years and has been taught to respect a blade  I gave her a Micra and a Vic Classic several years ago just to get her use to blades and tools with scissors

[ElevenBlade]

Smaller doesn’t mean safer in smaller hands, I’d say.

Certainly with the Micra being best opened with some degree of skill - with a smooth motion on both handles... and then carefully extracting the tool you want and keeping the others safely tucked away... I don’t think its great for smaller hands. Just my two cents.

What is good about it to some degree is the absence of any backsprings. So it’s less likely to snap closed

[raider502]

Are these your kids, if not definitely ask the parents and they should be able to give some guidance on what they feel is appropriate.  Unless they are skittish about the idea then use your knowledge, skills, abilities to put them at ease about the kiddos having sharp stuff.

Think in general it comes down to the maturity of the kids and spending time with them to get them comfortable with using the knives safely.  I think all my kids were about 6 when I got them knives and started working with them.  Those first knives were Buck Bantams.


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