Comments on: Choosing a hunting knife

By: AdmiralPankake

AdmiralPankake — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:25:06 +0000

sheath knives are the best, but my troop doesn’t allow them, so i go for the closest thing, a lock blade folding knife!

By: Backwoods&Swamps

Backwoods&Swamps — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:24:16 +0000

i would have to say that both styles of blade have their place in the woods. However as a hunting knife I would stick to the fixed blade, because as stated by someone else already. They have less places for sand and dirt to hide and are just plain easier to clean up after skinning and dressing you game. As well as why ruin a good folder batoning wood to cook some of that game while you’re out on that camp and hunt. I say get a fixed blade and carry a locking folder as a back up. Really who doesn’t carry a back up into the woods with them? Be prepared!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 03:19:46 +0000

not all of them… The CHINA made boyscout knifes are JUNK!!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:53:30 +0000

I use the Gerber LMF II fixed blade. It has a half fine half serrated edge,a glass breaker/skull crusher on the end and a pull thru sharpener built it to the sheath. here in the Idaho mountains you don’t rely on a folding knife when you go hunting! It is my hunting,jogging,survival,camping and scouting knife! Forever ready with Gerber!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:45:15 +0000

No a fixed blade has more uses. You cant split kindling with a folding knife!

By: Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101)

Knife Xpert 157 (aka Chad 101) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:43:19 +0000

nope fixed blades are more Heavy duty and they will not fold up on you hands because the locking mechanizum can fail sometimes.

By: TAHAWK

TAHAWK — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:10:04 +0000

BSA has sold fixed-blade knives for over 70 years. Since 1989, they are strictly “kitchen” or wood-working knives. They are routinely used at BSA camps for cleaning fish as a folder is hard to clean. A lock-blade folder is safer than a slip-joint, and, when locked, is as dangerous as a fixed-blade knife.

By: TAHAWK

TAHAWK — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:06:02 +0000

Serrations at the base of the blade interfere with wood work in the area of the blade that gives the greatest control. Great for cutting rope, however.

By: TAHAWK

TAHAWK — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:03:26 +0000

The BSA does not prohibit sheath knives. They discourage “large sheath knives” in the BSHB and G2SS, then suggest them in The Complete Wilderness Training Manual,” 2d. ed. rev. (DK Publishing, 2007) and BSA “The Survival Handbook,” The much more dangerous axe is, of course, approved universally by BSA.

By: mr. daring

mr. daring — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 00:16:43 +0000

Thats what i’ve been wondering

By: Zigzag556

Zigzag556 — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:45:18 +0000

In my experience, a bigger fixed blade, along the lines of cold steel trailmaster or Ontario rtak II, would almost always be better in a cold winter snowy environment, especially for firemaking and splitting wood, batoning, chopping, etc. Etc.

Granted, a smaller blade does have ts place, tinder and kindeling, but I prefer larger blades.

By: Hyperflex

Hyperflex — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:19:29 +0000

ME TOO! These knives on BL are totally BEAST MODE! (=D) (;D)

By: taxpayer

taxpayer — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:58:48 +0000

When I was in Scouts in the early 1960′s, we were allowed to have either type. Many boys had the scout version of a Swiss knife, with fork and spoon. But almost everyone had a fixed blade, some bought in Scout shops. I had both.

By: yo

yo — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:44:36 +0000

i want those knives soooo bad

By: MrSpock.

MrSpock. — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:49:01 +0000

You mean like a Buck 110 folding HUNTER? I think that is a HUNTING knife meant for HUNTING.

By: Ranger Danger

Ranger Danger — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 22:54:37 +0000

you are right about how folding knifes closing on your hands….. my pointer finger would know… but if it happens again in the same spon i won’t feel it at all!!!

By: cold steeler

cold steeler — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:11:20 +0000

i have 2 knives. my everyday knife is the kershaw od-1 knife. great price (40-50 bucks) and i never leave home without it (except at school) very lightweight and no bulk.

my working, out doors, and camping knife is a cold steel finn wolf. another great price. blade is around 5 inches and the sheath is great. i got the od-1 at walmart and the finn wolf at a discount knife store.

By: Scout1216

Scout1216 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:02:40 +0000

The longest knife that should be is 5 inches short enough to do the main jobs, but long enough to baton wood. It cracks me up to see wilderness noobs go into the forest with a 12 inch knife.

By: Scout1216

Scout1216 — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:38:17 +0000

My uncle used a KaBar in the Corps. OORAH Semper Fi!

By: Roo

Roo — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 07:12:42 +0000

I have a sog sheath knife and it works wonders on big tree limbs. I once went on a survival treck with my friend out in the Alaskan wildrness for 5 days and 5 nights and all I brought along was my sheath knife and that was all I needed. I beleave that a good sheath knife is the best tool that you could have in any situation. Also I belive that a boy scout that can be trusted with such a tool should be alowed to have one. The BSA rules do not state that you may not have sheath knives. Most troops frown uppon sheath knives so they do not allow them. It realy dipends on he troop your in. My current troop did not allow gem for a few years but now hat we have a new scout master we are allowed to use these tools.

By: anonymous scout

anonymous scout — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:18:24 +0000

Personally, I would buy a folding lock-back knife from wal-mart or a store like that. I have a friend that has one and it has a fire pattern on the blade and it looks amazing. Also the lock back knives look cool anyway and are generally bigger than normal pocket knives. I have never had a knife with a scout logo on it, and I’m ok. I survived on an outpost (basically a leader at a camporee takes about 3 scouts up on a mountain and camps near them in a tent and cooks dinner.. The scouts build a shelter.) where all I brought with me was my lock-back knife , a first-aid kit (came in handy dealing with bug bites) 2 ropes, and some water and I made my own shelter and slept in it for the night while everyone else brought tents. Now that is a true survival story where my knife came in handy (for big sticks.).
-Anonymous Outpost Survivor (I feel really good because that outpost story which I truly did made me feel like a true scout!).

By: pro-fixed blade

pro-fixed blade — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:36:39 +0000

oh and Killer Knome,
i have a 7 inch Kabar, and it serves wonders in my troop and my daily activities

By: unimportant

unimportant — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:42:30 +0000

Killer Knome

no, not at all
the blade should not be bigger than the palm of your hand

By: blade003

blade003 — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 22:15:53 +0000

i would also like to pointout that the article was about HUNTING knives made for HUNTING.

By: killer knome

killer knome — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:55:35 +0000

Can i have a 7 inch sheath knife in boy scouts?

By: Scout since 1967

Scout since 1967 — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 23:33:44 +0000

Knives are tools like a saw, hatchet, ax, of even a fork. Any of them can be misused.The scout motto is “Be Prepared”. How can a scout be prepared to use a tool if they are not taught? In an emergency situation, lost on a back country hike for example, a reasonable length fixed blade knife is a much better tool to have than a folding pocket knife. Just try and cut a sapling for a splint or shelter with a small pocket knife. We are teaching scouts to be young men. They should be treated as such with responsibilities to match.

By: Angela (vintage stag knives)

Angela (vintage stag knives) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:22:32 +0000

I don’t think children should carry any kind of knife unless they are supervised, but the official boy scout knife is the five blade “Camillus”.

By: 1stclassd

1stclassd — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:48:55 +0000

i like fixed blades alot, but don’t think their practical for scouting. they work, but are’nt really nesscsary.(dont think i spelled that right.) if you want a fixed blade get a leatherman steens, or the sog seal pup like he said. they’re pricey but well worth it.

By: suds

suds — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 03:55:47 +0000

sheath knives are very afective.my favorite knife(a sheath knife) is the gerber freeman hunter,that i got at academy.Sheath knives can do everything a folding knife can do pluss more.For instance on backpacking trips you can actualy make firewood with a good one (it is a lot lighter than an axe or hatchet)

By: COmmon Sense...

COmmon Sense... — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:26:12 +0000

hahahahahaha I love the fact that someone thinks that the Gear Guy doesn’t know the Knife Rules for BSA….

BOy’s Life is a BSA Publication people. They would not publish anything against the G2SS!!

Yes sheath knives are permitted.

By: ghost

ghost — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:41:12 +0000

what is B. S .A knife rules for boy scout

By: Common Sense

Common Sense — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 20:01:05 +0000

A knife, like any tool, can be a life saver or a life taker in the right or wrong hands. If a person has proved to be totally untrustworthy, he should not have a knife, period. A person can do just as much damage with a folding knife as with a fixed-blade knife. On the other hand, if a person has proved himself to be trustworthy, a fixed-blade knife can be a more effective tool in his hands than a folding knife can. The bottom line is: do not stereo-type people or knives, judge each situation with prudence and common sense.

By: mah boi

mah boi — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 19:56:23 +0000

don’t get a fixed blade, get a good lock back blade that works well and has a lot of uses.

By: moutianman

moutianman — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 01:19:51 +0000

I think fixed blades are the best knife ever

By: jef-fa-fa

jef-fa-fa — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:56:42 +0000

about the fixed blades

you can use them you just cant have the big 12 inch rambo knives

By: Jeffro

Jeffro — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:03:22 +0000

I like the tip.

By: king tut

king tut — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 01:34:43 +0000

If you using it for hunting you want fixed blade.I have a buck knife fixed blade and it works good.I had a folding one and it broke easy so if you want a good hunting knife

get a fixed blade.

By: revrev763

revrev763 — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:12:54 +0000

folding knives are better

By: inhuman

inhuman — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:39:03 +0000

cool

By: Wildman

Wildman — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:43:56 +0000

This “advice” from the gear guy is pretty bad. Although the knives he recommends are probably great blades, look in your Scout Handbook. “Boy Scouts of America does not encourage the use of sheath knives.” Maybe the gear guy hasn’t read up.

By: loner

loner — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:06:15 +0000

i was never allowed to take my fixed blade knife on scouting activities but i never use it even though it is so sharp i can shave with it. i think a small folding knife is the best.

By: irishman

irishman — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:32:54 +0000

i like fixed blades but stick with a folding knife with a blade less than 4 inches long in some states 4 inch blades arent allowed.

By: big

big — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:32:29 +0000

You know what, I used to be in boy scouts. The whole thing about fixed blades being frowned upon is one thing and one thing only, political. They think it looks bad for a bunch of 13 year olds running around with scary looking fixed blades. Fixed blade versus folding, they really have their own purpose but for most situations in camping a small fixed blade is the way to go. Much more multi purpose and stronger than folders.

3-5″ anything more than that is overkill for most situations, I always thought the USAF pilots knife was a decent knife for the money

By: boy scouts rule!!!

boy scouts rule!!! — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 02:02:51 +0000

You can go to Walmart, or Dicks or even Cabelas. Walmart will sell them for the most cheap and they are of good quility. Dicks will have more knives but they coast much more.

By: much older scout

much older scout — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:59:40 +0000

i think that the fixed blade is only really effective if you know how to use one the way it is intended, skinning animals and other extremes of nature survival. most boys entering boy scouts will be too inexperienced to handle a fixed blade. i say stick with a cheaper folding knife with a serrated edge at the base of the blade. if you really want to impress your scout buddies buy a nicer knife that is a wacky color. i have a blaze orange knife from Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) and everyone wants to see it. for 30 bucks i got a serrated edge, double safety system, iron grip clip, and overall a sweet knife. oh yeah, to clean the grit out of the pivot all you have to do is loosen the bolt a little and swish it around in some water, dry it off, and put a thin layer of oil over the entire knife, tighten the bolt, and you have a brand new knife. i like Rem oil but don’t use it on a blade with a black finish because it eats the finish off. Hope it helps.

By: joe

joe — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:16:55 +0000

Just stick you knife in your pack if they dont let you use it better to ask for forgivness then permission

By: Old Scout

Old Scout — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:55:52 +0000

There shouldn’t be any job a scout needs to do on a weekend or week long camping trip that can’t be done with the official Boy Scout folding knife, like the Camillus Knives: Boy Scout Knife. If you’ve had a blade close on your fingers that means you were using the knife incorrectly. A fixed blade knife as described by the gear guy is great if your name is Bear Grills, or Jeremiah Johnson and you plan on disappearing into the wilderness. I’m not saying the gear guy is wrong about fixed blade knives. I’m saying that Boy Scouts don’t need them.

By: sierramike

sierramike — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:48:53 +0000

The guide to safe scouting does not prohibit fixed blade knives but it does not encourage them. Scout camps may set more restrictive rules.

By: sportsman

sportsman — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 01:11:29 +0000

i think that they are good but do i order them or buy themm at a store

By: jj

jj — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:52:00 +0000

i went to lewis n clark summer camp and you cant hve them there

By: grub

grub — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:56:12 +0000

you bring up a good question i thought you cant have fixed blades but this gear guy question says you can?!?!?!?

By: Lone Wolf

Lone Wolf — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:24:25 +0000

I do belive that fixed blades are not allowed on scout outings

By: hillbilly

hillbilly — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:55:41 +0000

i was wondering if you can cary fixed blade knifes in the boyscouts. i made a knife at a camp and someone told me i could not cary it. i beleve that fixed blade kifes are better then jack knifes like you said thay dont fold up on your hand and thay are easy to clean and you know whare the blade is when you cant see it.

i dont like folding knifes because thay get grit and sand in the pivot and the lock on lock backs and i have a fue good scars because of folding knives with bad locks or none at all

i would just like to know what the rules are on what knifes you can cary and what you cant.

thank you

By: jimbo

jimbo — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:33:53 +0000

these are great and all but where can i buy them