Recomend good knife for hiking

Does anyone know why The Boy Scouts frown upon fixed blades?
Click to expand...
I asked a long-timer Scouter just that the other day. I don't think the answer will suprise you...

Like everything else, a few irresponsible owners ruined it for everyone. Throwing knives into trees, playing "mumblypeg", and carrying knives so large that they were useless for the tasks at hand.

This is old news, probably happened in the 1950s.

-Bob
 
And again, the suggestion was for an adult leader...
Click to expand...
I didn't realize that when I first read the post.

But my point still stands about taking valuables (financially or emotionally) on group trips. Wonder what makes a grown man cry at Boy Scout camp? Losing a SAK, that had a diamond wedding ring attached to it. We (the staff) looked everywhere for that fellow's pocketknife and never found it.

-Bob
 
I've been remiss in not updating the responders on the purchase we made for our departing scout leader. I appreciate all of your suggestions! He finished the first of August and we plan to present the token of our appreciation this week.

Jediknight86 recommended a Spyderco Endura or Delica SS and we settled on an Endura. Thanks! The price was within our budget (personal not troop budget)and the flat stainless handle was prime for engraving. But it was difficult to find someone in town who could/would engrave stainless. A flurry of calls to jewelry stores and trophy shops resulted in nothing. A place in the mall did with a one day turn around but the price was steep but they did a nice job.

LJK said:
Does anyone know why The Boy Scouts frown upon fixed blades?
Click to expand...

LJK, I had this discussion on the Wilderness Forum the other day. The BSA policy does not really prohibit fixed blades. From a Guide to Safe Scouting IX Sports and Activities:
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. Since its inception, Boy Scouting has relied heavily on an outdoor program to achieve its objectives. This program meets more of the purposes of Scouting than any other single feature. We believe we have a duty to instill in our members, youth and adult, the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned knives with the highest concern for safety and responsibility.

My opinion, as expressed in the Wilderness Forum, is that some local scouting units have misinterpreted the policy to mean all fixed blade knives. I think that there are issues of public perception which may be a concern for some leaders or administrators. The scouting movement has no doubt stimulated a healthy interest in knives like no other youth program. I was a scout in the '60s and I don't recall any mention of this.

GB
 
Digery said:
Bob W said:
"If he's in Scouting, he probably needs a good folder. Fixed blades are officially only "discouraged" by the BSA, but they aren't allowed in many troops or at district activities...A Swiss Army Knife (One Hand Trekker would be great), Opinel, or lightweight lockback like the AG Russell FeatherLite would be perfect hiking knives." - YIKES!


PLEASE - ditch the Swiss Army or Opinel suggestions. Yes, a lockback. I can see no good reason why anyone would want to buy a non-locking folder, but if you must, it's your fingers you risk. Giving one to an inexperienced kid is irresponsible. And since, IMHO, a knife is all about the blade & blade quality, if you're going to spend decent money (over $50) on the thing & then more to have it engraved, purchase something with better quality steel than a Swiss Army or Opinel. It'll be a big deal to him & a teachable moment: show him how to use it safely & care for it properly. Perhaps a reminder, too, of where NOT to carry it (many school boards will turf you out for carrying, no excuses).
Click to expand...

How did us old guys make it to adulthood and retain all 10 fingers?

Granted I would recommend a locking blade too, but it would be on a Victorinox Trekker or One-Hand Trekker. I have a few expensive folders, but find my Vic Trekker to be a lot more useful when camping.
Click to expand...
 
As someone eles suggested, I wouldn't spend a bunch of money either. Good knives tend to "get lost" in groups. However, I would get a moderately priced SAK or a Leatherman tool and engrave it. Engraving it does impair others admiring it too long.
 
If your friend is an avid hiker, he may appreciate a good knife that is truly lightweight.

Go to www.dlttradingcompany.com and check out the Bark River Snowy River, and have Larry get one for you in a bamboo handle. If you don't see it on the website, Larry can probably find or order one for you. Amazingly light knife that works big!

Also Larry will be able to lazer engrave anything you want on the blade.

Good Luck!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top