Just talked to Dan!

Tom Krein

Tom Krein

Joined
Feb 11, 2003
Messages
1,628
Dan had a bit of cell coverage tonight! So far they have gone 40+ miles.

They are getting ready to hike Mt. Baldy!

HOPE he survives it!! :foot:

Tom
 
For some CRAZY reason, the Boy Scouts of America have decided that fixed blades are bad and couldn't be taken!!

I could understand if they were going to the movies, or a planetarium or something like that. They are going on a serious wilderness trip... what are they thinking?

Makes absolutely no sense to me...

Tom
 
Tom Krein said:
For some CRAZY reason, the Boy Scouts of America have decided that fixed blades are bad and couldn't be taken!!

I could understand if they were going to the movies, or a planetarium or something like that. They are going on a serious wilderness trip... what are they thinking?

Makes absolutely no sense to me...

Tom
Click to expand...

It's the "new" Scouting. Fixed blades are not PC anymore. Too big, scary looking, and....... there's always the liability angle.

:jerkit:

Andy
 
Yeah, somebody somewhere can't read their own policy. I go back to the "Guide for Safe Scouting" every once in a while and it still doesn't ban fixed blades - although many camps adopt more restrictive policies, and fillet knives and kitchen cutlery seem to be exempt. As long as you have a decent sheath and don't go for the bottom of the barrel Rambo junk, I'd rather give Scouts a small FB than a flea market folder. I think we already went through this in one of Dan's pre-trip threads. Anyway, <rant off>

Hope the phone didn't make climbing Baldy too much of a chore. ;)
 
I was floored by this. I always had a fixed blade when I did any camping. While it may not outright ban them, it does discourage them.:thumbdn:

http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss09.aspx

A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish.
Click to expand...
 
one would have to argue what makes a sheath knife "large". I can't believe they wouldn't recognize the utility in having both a good fixed blade and a pocket knife. Something like a nessie or bushcraft, for example, is not "heavy and awkward to carry" in my eyes. You might be able to argue otherwise regarding a monster nessie or WSK.
 
Looking back on it, the scouting rule appears weird to me, too. I got my Eagle in 2000.

The only thing I can say in defense...is that we went out in patrols of 6-10 kids, so one would take an axe, one a saw, a couple hatchets, and everyone would have a multitool or SAK and some folding knife.

So, the bases were covered...but I agree that it's odd.
 
gcgcgc said:
Looking back on it, the scouting rule appears weird to me, too. I got my Eagle in 2000.

The only thing I can say in defense...is that we went out in patrols of 6-10 kids, so one would take an axe, one a saw, a couple hatchets, and everyone would have a multitool or SAK and some folding knife.

So, the bases were covered...but I agree that it's odd.
Click to expand...


This "rule" or whatever you want to call it isn't new. Got my Eagle in '90. We weren't allowed fixed blade knives at campouts, Scout Camp, or Philmont the entire time I was in Scouts. Our guide at Philmont did his best to convice me that taking a Buck folding Hunter, Vic Tinker, and Schrade Whittler was way excessive and I should leave 2 behind at base camp. I don't think any of us took an axe.
 
Dan should make it back to NW Arkansas today. Sounds like he had a GREAT time, even though he couldn't take his bushcraft knife.... :foot:

Tom
 
I'm back!!!

:thumbup:



I had a great time - I do wish I would have taken my bushcraft with me. But, honestly, it would have been "more advertising, than using". We spent so much time hiking...and doing activities...didn't really have time to sit around whittling. Plus, there was a burn-ban because of drought conditions....so, no fires. *shrug*


I ended up taking a Vic Farmer and a Leatherman Charge Ti (which I let one of the scouts use).

Philmont is different than other scouting adventures. It is truly a boy-lead outing. They do all the planning, scouting, navigating, cooking, etc. As adult advisors...we're just there mostly for safety reasons. My primary responsibility was to make sure everyone was staying hydrated (a hard task at high elevation in a hot/dry climate). We were told to "back off and let the boys do it" and to "be on vacation". It was hard at first (so used to running the show)...but we "let go" and they really did take over. By the end we were practically shadows...just hanging out with the guys. It was quite enjoyable...far better than any other camp I've ever been to.


So, while I was sad I didn't take my bushcraft along with me....I was glad I didn't have the extra weight (we carried all our gear for 12 days straight)....and I didn't really end up needing a knife for more than cutting open dry-packed foods.


Thanks for the support, guys!


:thumbup:


Dan
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top