Pen Knives and Multi Tools

Pen Knives and Kids

Posted by Gav Grayston.
First Published May 2012; updated May 2023.

A pocket knife is essential for hiking, camping, or just being out. What does the law say? What's best for kids? Here are two recommended penknives for kids.


Pen Knives and the Law

I suspect most of us had a pen knife when we were kids. But things have changed since then.

So the big question: Are pen knives legal?  Are kids allowed pen knives?

The answers: yes, and yes.

Children can carry knives under 3 inches with no locking blade

The UK law states that you can carry a knife under 3 inches if it has a folding blade without a locking mechanism, and can be carried by those under 18.

I can understand why they don't allow a locking blade as a locking mechanism makes a penknife safer for your kids to use, as you know the blade won't fold up onto their fingers.


Pen Knives for Scouts

The Scout's policy on pen knives is that they should be looked after by an adult at Scout HQ, and if travelling to camp, they should be securely stowed in the middle of the Scout's backpack.

The pen knife should only be used when you need to use a pen knife and should not be carried around by children 'just in case' they need it.

You can read more on the Scout Pen Knife policy here.


Pen Knives and Kids - Useful Tips

teach your kids to angle the blade away from themselves

Remember to teach your kids to angle the blade away from themselves when using a knife, and watch how they use the folding knife so that the blade doesn't close on their fingers.  (A good idea to teach first aid on cuts as well).

Ensure the folding blade doesn't close on their fingers

Getting your kids a penknife with a saw means they can help cut sticks to an appropriate size for cooking over the fire. They can then use the knife to strip the bark from sticks before using the sticks as tools to cook food over the campfire. (Click here to see how to do this by making campfire bread twists).

You may want to take up whittling with your child. Click here for a guide on how to do whittling and the correct way to use a knife safely.


Victorinox, a name you probably recognise in penknives, makes entry-level pocket tools suitable for children.

Here's a table below of the two main contenders.

My First Victorinox Penknife, for kids

My First Victorinox Box

The entry-level pen knives from Victorinox are the My First Victorinox models, with one model having a saw.

We recommend getting the one with the saw

We recommend getting the one with the saw as this will get your kids into practice when sawing large twigs or small branches for the campfire and is a good option for younger children (say 6-8) that want to start learning how to do a few things with a penknife.

The My First Victorinox comes in three colours: red, blue, and pink. Click to view them on Amazon.

Victorinox Duke of Edinburgh Award pocket knife

DofE Victorinox penknife tools

The DofE Award scheme teamed up with Victorinox to create the official DofE Pocket tool.

This penknife has many tools that could prove useful on a DofE expedition but also features a rounded blade tip for additional safety.

It's not much more expensive than the My First Victorinox and you get more tools, though it doesn't have the little saw.

This is our recommended penknife that's ideal for older children. Click here to find on Amazon.

Where's the Wenger Scout Junior Pen Knife?

Wenger Scout Junior Pen Knife

Wenger used to have an entry-level knife designed for the Scouts with a rounded blade.

Unfortunately, this is no longer available, and I have seen the Scout's website recommending the D of E penknife shown above.