Camping knife

While a "Scout" knife in the U.S. is a pocket knife with a spear blade, can opener, punch, and cap-lifter-screwdriver, a "Scout" knife in Europe is one of these:











 
Thomas Linton said:
The BSA - as opposed to local types - not only does not prohibit fixed-blade knives, it encourages them.



Beyond these words, the only official BSA policy statement is as follows:
[2011 addition emphasized.]
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Sweet. Definitely worth looking into, because if they're allowed where the OP is I'd definitely recommend an izula or something of the sort. great size and beyond sturdy enough.
 
Back when I was in scouts I used a Boy Scout knife. Awl, can opener, bottle opener and main blade. Used it for my one match fire, cutting rope for practicing knots and whittling hot dog sticks. I think that was about it.
We kept a brace of axes hatchets and saws in camp for splitting fire wood.
 
Landonspop said:
I forgot to mention an orange or other brightly colored handle would be something we would prefer for finding it when dropped. My budget limit was $150, but by all means do not have to spend that if not needed.
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The Opinel #7 is available in stainless Inox with a bright Orange dyed handle. This would be ideal for a young scout. Either this or an SAK. Beyond this, you're just spending money as a way to feel good.
 
Starting out I recommend keeping it simple and try out the classics first. Buck Knives 119 fixed blade, 110 lock back folder, and the 112 lock back folder are just about indestructible. You could pick up all 3 for under $150 too.
 
Chris Pierce said:
Back when I was in scouts I used a Boy Scout knife. Awl, can opener, bottle opener and main blade. Used it for my one match fire, cutting rope for practicing knots and whittling hot dog sticks. I think that was about it.
We kept a brace of axes hatchets and saws in camp for splitting fire wood.
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I'll bet you also had fixed-blade knives for cooking. :)
 
I was in Scouts from Tiger cub all the way to Eagle Scout when I graduated high school. During that time I used primarily Swiss Army knives and the Camilus Boy Scout Deluxe which is a more traditional looking SAK. After buying/selling/trading dozens (if not hundreds?) of knives I've come up with a few that if I had known about (or existed) in scouts I would have wanted:

Single blade folder:
Benchmade Griptilian - this is just a great single blade folder with smooth ambidextrous opening and closing. You can make a custom griptilian on benchmades website and have laser etching done perhaps adding your sons name or troop number for memory and sentimental value. You can select handle scale colors, blade style, blade coating or lack thereof, and blade steel. Great value and right around your price point.

Swiss Army knife - the SAK Farmer is something that I wish existed (or had knowledge of) while in scouts. It has aluminum oxide handle scales making it even more sturdy than the usual red plastic handled SAK and all the basic tools you would need while in scouts. The blade, saw, awl, bottle opener, wire stripper, large flathead (mini pry bar), small flathead, can opener, and the key ring for attaching lanyards. Also to mention is that the tools on the Farmer are thicker than the normal SAK.

Fixed blades - Gerber Big Rock - for a perfect size camp knife that won't break the bank the Big Rock is a great buy. 4.5 inch blade with full tang. Great looking knife, nice to handle, and the one I have I've had for years without problems.

Hope this helps, J.
 
i would give him an opinel. really cheap and great for so many things. if sharpen the knife with a strop you could give it a razor edge. because its only like 12$ on amazon you you could always get him something else. I would recommend a benchmade mini griptilian or spyderco delica.
 
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batosai117 said:
It has aluminum oxide handle scales making it even more sturdy than the usual red plastic handled SAK and all the basic tools you would need while in scouts.
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Victorinox calls the line alox (an infrequently used abbreviation of aluminum oxide) but the scales are just anodized aluminum. Aluminum oxide is the stuff that most grey synthetic sharpening stones are made of.
 
I would not trust the Scouts these days, to be able to teach a youngster anything about camping or knives.

That said, my choice of a knife for a lad would be a SAK Trekker.
 
Mannlicher said:
I would not trust the Scouts these days, to be able to teach a youngster anything about camping or knives.

That said, my choice of a knife for a lad would be a SAK Trekker.
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"The Scouts" don't teach. Volunteers do. Mixed bag - as always. It was always best to check.
 
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