Scouting and knives?

[JD Mandrell]

On several forums I've seen folks say that fixed blades are not forbidden at Boy Scout camping trips and stuff, is the reasoning for safety or just because someone doesn't like the sight of them wearing knives openly???

If it was some misguided safety thing, wouldn't fixed blades be better than folders?

What next, Scouts without uniforms, because it looks to aggressive?

 

[hillst1]

This was taken from the most recent Guide to Safe Scouting
http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.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. 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.

Remember—knives are not allowed on school premises, nor can they be taken aboard commercial aircraft.

References: Boy Scout Handbook, Fieldbook, Bear Cub Scout Book, and Wolf Cub Scout Book

 

[Gautier]

I look at it in a number of ways, as to why most boyscout troops primarily carry a folder, even though a fixed blade isn't forbidden.

Firstly, I believe that tradition plays a big role, they don't call them "scout pattern" knives, for no reason. They've been an integral part of boyscout history for as long as I can remember, and most likely long before.

Second, I believe that folding knives help to teach young boys how to better handle a knife and what is and isn't acceptable. For instance, it's not a prybar, you don't cut with the spine, it's not a throwing knife, and it's not an axe or saw. Because there are certain "limits" as to what a folding knife can do, it's used just as it should be, as a small cutting tool and perhaps an expedient tool for other small tasks.

Lastly, I believe that the tradition of carrying a folding knife and it's popularity can be summed up in the BSA motto itself-- "Be prepared." By encouraging young boys to carry a pocket knife that can always be with you(unlike carrying a fixed blade which has more restrictions placed on it) we're encouraging good habits, instilling responsibility and self reliance at a young age. There's plenty more that can be said about this, but I'll stop there and just say...
There was a time when no man was worth his salt that didn't carry at least a few basic accoutrements--A pocket knife, a watch, a handkerchief, etc.
The sad reality is, that the BSA are one of the few organizations still encouraging such sensible behavior, despite it sometimes going against the grain of popular or "politically correct" opinions.

In today's social climate, unfortunately you have to pick your battles sometimes, and I think the BSA has made a good decision in advocating
the use and carry of pocket knives. I believe a lot of it is image consciousness in order to avoid more stringent restrictions. Could you imagine if certain people had their way? A boyscout may not be able to carry a knife at all. An 8 or 9 year old carrying a fixed blade is perfectly normal, the times we live in however, aren't.

Gautier

 

[JerkeeJoe]

In my experience as a scoutmaster, fixed blade knives are typically taboo at any BSA sponsored camp or outing. There is no in writing rule forbidding them as far as I know, but every event that I've been to has a rule listed somewhere in the documentation restricting knives to folding knives only.

The only answer I've ever been able to get is the safety answer, which to me is a cop out, but what can you do?

 

[Fiddleback]

In my experience as a scoutmaster, fixed blade knives are typically taboo at any BSA sponsored camp or outing. There is no in writing rule forbidding them as far as I know, but every event that I've been to has a rule listed somewhere in the documentation restricting knives to folding knives only.

The only answer I've ever been able to get is the safety answer, which to me is a cop out, but what can you do?

+1. Great post.:thumbup:

 

[Ron Athay]

As a Scout Master for 32 years I had this question come up several times. The closest I got to an official answer was something about official boy scout policy as guided by the risk management lawyers. I had one scout bring a folder to camp with an 8 inch fantasy/bowie type blade. He lost that too.
Ron athay

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Gautier,

I think your second point makes a lot of sense. A slip joint pocket knife would teach a LOT about safety. You just can't be dumb with those.

It makes a great argument for a 1st knife for my kids as well.

TF

 

[okbohn]

I spent years in scouting (eagle '86). We were allowed to carry folding knives any time (even to school back then) and a fixed blade on camping trips.

The Scout knives back then couldn't hold an edge to save their lives and more boys hurt themselves with them closing on their fingers at camp than ever got hurt by fixed blades.

That being said, the lessons learned were learned well. No one was ever hurt badly because we were taught and supervised well.

I had an official BSA fixed blade--wish I still had it. There may not even be an official one any more.