what knife is best for boy scouts?

[spyder_dude007]

delica or endura???

[Tightwad]

Sorry to say......neither one. At least not now.

The purpose of scouting is to teach young men lessons
in self reliance in a mentoring environment. For that the
scout needs to learn real knife skills first. That makes the
"scout" knife the perfect teaching tool.

The best scout knives is the military stainless steel version
that Camillus makes. I carred one for decades before moving
on to other types of cutlery. Once the scout learns how / why
to use a knife it's a sure bet he'll know which spyderco to buy.

[Sword and Shield]

Well, since I don't know your age and/or experience level, <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>Dude, I'll break it down for you, based on my experience in teaching knife and axe.

11-14: Simple, the classic 4-blade Camillus Scout knife. One of the best and handiest pieces around, a perfect fit for a Scout who is not overly experienced. Overall knife and outdoor experience always factor in. I have seen 12 year olds that I trusted more with a knife than some 18 year olds.

15+: Here is where it gets really subjective. If the Scout is skilled with the knife, and is responsible, a move up in bladeware is possible. Many stick with the old 4-blade Camillus, while many carry an Endura or Delica with a Gerber 800 backup.

Now, the disclaimer section. Carry what you need, and what fits you best. Some people can work magic with the Scout knife, and couldn't dream of anything else. For some others, the added benefit of a lock and a little better steel is worth the move up.

Don't move up in bladeware unless you need to. It was only when I became highly skilled in the outdoor craft that I needed the added tools of a Gerber, and even then the Scout knife was a superior cutter. It is lamentable that many Scouts immediately select a knife based on &quot;coolness&quot; without ever thinking about how useful it is.

There is a third thing to consider, the Scoutmaster. My old SM hated fixed blades, claiming them &quot;banned&quot; in the Boy Scouts, according to the Handbook. (they aren't, just not recommended.) If he has restrictions on length, obey them.

Just some food for thought.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.