Lock blade knives

[2Eagle]

I can't let this pass...someone has to fight back against the continued wussification of Boy Scouts. Large honking sheath knives are essential because boys like them and they may be usefeul for some things. They are cool. When I was a kid in Scouts we carried large sheath knives...utility of use is and was immaterial. They are cool. I have never known of a youth or soldier, in my soldiering days, to get injured by falling on a sheath knife...one of the oft quoted excuses right up there with "you might put an eye out"...I've also never know a kid who put an eye out...of course probably will happen at the next outing...Our council and district does not allow sheath knives at council or district events but we allow them at troop events. Funny that only one boy ever carries one but a lot of adults do...must be that chidhood thing. This is something a whole lot of people need to get over.

[kenk]

I see knives as tools. All kinds of knives are needed just as there are all kinds of tools. There are clearly places where a fixed blade is the best tool. Scouts in my son's troop are allowed to carry fixed blade knives of "reasonable" length so long as they carry & use them safely, though they are not allowed on council properties and our troop respects that rule.

 

What's resonable - well, that depends on what its used for, but a blade much longer than 5 or 6 inches seems oversized for Scouting.

 

For Scouts I tend to look at lower cost, but still high quality knives, since there is a pretty high risk of losing the knife.

 

My favorite low-cost folder is the Kabar Dozier Folding Spear for $20. This lock blade knife sharpens easily, opens one-handed with a thumbstud, has a durable non-slip handle, clip, lanyard hole, and a nicely-shaped 3" blade.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KA4066

 

My favorite low-cost fixed blade knives are the Mora knives, which come in an amazing assortment of shapes and sizes. I think the favorite of most folks are the #510, #511, 521, and #760 for about $10, but my personal favorite is the #746 for $13.50. Both have blades roughly 4" long and decently sturdy plastic sheaths.

http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

 

By the way, the #746, #748, and #740 stainless steel blades of lengths 4", 5.75", and 8" make fantastic cook kit knives.

 

Now, if you're asking for my own personal favorite folder and fixed blades, then you'll need to go here:

http://www.equipped.org/dr_gear.htm

 

By the way, if a patrol needs a can opener, well, skip the one on the knife and get one of these for the patrol box:

http://www.focuspg.com/focuspg/catalog.cfm?dest=dir&linkon=section&linkid=19

 

The best can opener on the planet.

 

If you need something smaller, then get a P-38 or P-51 GI can opener:

http://www.georgia-outfitters.com/page52.shtml(This message has been edited by kenk)

[T164Scoutmaster]

 

 

 

 

 

 

{

"Fixed blade is the policy I am aware of under health and safety."

 

You need to read that again, fixed blades are discouraged for reasons of size and weight but not prohibited.

}

 

 

 

 

 

I don't believe in my post I ever said anything was prohibited!

 

I said I was aware of the policy, and I stated in my district survival knives were prohibbited.

 

But thanks for your attention to detail!(This message has been edited by t164scoutmaster)

[Gold Winger]

It's not a policy, it is a recommendation. That's what I was refering to.

 

Buck knife a survival knife? I have a two inch Buck folder, would that be banned?