Do the Boy Scouts Prohibit Fixed Blade Knives?

Do the Boy Scouts prohibit fixed blade knives? Many people think so. The Guide to Safe Scouting is the definitive source for all thinks safety related concerning the Boy Scouts. Let's see what it says.

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[CarlosPerezColorado]

As a society we are OK with putting a 16 year old behind the wheel of a 2 ton vehicle with minimal training than teaching them how to safely use essential tools in an outdoor setting. I can relate to your frustration.

[Flukemaster]

As a scout leader of more than 16 years. I couldn't agree more. My boys see me use my fixed blade but thanks to your video I'm going to actually put together a class on how to use one.

[VikingPreparedness]

Amen! Former Scoutmaster here. Our Scouts carried sheath knives after earning totin’ chip

[TheWoodedBeardsman]

It's probably to avoid injury...but yeah, it's an easy skill to teach/learn and the RIGHT place for us/them to do so. Fixed blade knives are safe when used correctly...like any tool.

[CoastalBackWoods]

I've had a scary LT Wright Knife fixed blade knife sitting next to the computer for the past few weeks... Funny thing happened... Nothing... Hasn't hurt a soul... Interesting. I remember as a kid having folders close on me, sometimes hitting my finger... I've never had that happen with a fixed blade... Ever... Thanks for the thought provoking video!

[charleslarson]

Bryan, This video is a fine example as to why, with the many many subscriptions that I maintain, SOP is number one for You have the guts to stand on the platform of common sense! I'm 65 years old. I was a Cub Scout in the 50's and a Boy Scout in the 60's. As a Cub Scout, up in northern Minnesota, I had and still own fixed blade knives, in addition to my folding Cub Scout knife. (still an EDC for me) There was no issue, no debate, no problem with that. The PC madness is infecting everything in this nation and good for you to stand up and "rant" a bit. More people need to stand up and do the As a Scout Master, you are I'm sure aware that the BSA has taken a hard hit with a now perverted BSA creed, concerning basic morality that goes even beyond this issue, as bad as it is. If this twaddle keeps up, there will be merit badges for knitting and how to make a nice quiche. >:-(

[Lars]

Hey Bryan, I was in the Cub Scouts at a very young age here in Massachusetts and at that point my life I couldn't really speak to their standpoint on the use of knives. However after the information you brought to light in this video I completely agree with everything you said. There is not one survival expert out there these days that would not advocate the use of a solid fixed blade knife. People such as Mors Kochanski, Cody Lundin, Dave Canterbury, Mykel Hawke, Les Stroud, Derek Faria, Tim Smith, EJ Snyder, and basically any South American jungle goer would say that a strong fixed blade knife or machete is a must in any wilderness environment. To me, it seemed as though the whole point of the Boy Scouts is to educate young people about how to safely navigate and survive the woods. As such, you must enter into the situation with the proper tools, knowledge, and skills. By telling pupils that one of your most important survival tools is not allowed or taught within The boundaries of said organization, I feel that they are not preparing pupils for the realities of survival and ultimately damaging their chances of survival. I feel that society in general has moved away from the mentality of common sense and instead has moved towards the mentality of political correctness at the sacrifice of safety in many cases.

[Teachering]

"What is this world coming to?" That's a question I find myself asking a lot these days. I enjoyed listening to all that you had to say, Bryan. It seems to me that we sometimes need to "cause waves".

[JEFFREYWILSONMESSER]

I'm just now seeing this video and I think you are SPOT ON with what you said.

[swe_nurse]

Something like that is unheard of around here, as far as I know at least. Here in Sweden the scouts even have an "official" fixed blade knife, the Mora Classic Scout 39 and it is seen on the belt of most scouts after earning the knife (safety) badge whenever they are in the field. I still have mine and even though I quit the scouts many years ago it is still maintained and as sharp as it ever was.

So much of what scouts do begins and ends with a solid, well maintained fixed blade and it's sad to see that such a valuable (and valued!) tool is prohibited in a place where it is a needed implement is absurd.

On another level one may ask this question: What are we teaching our kids when we prohibit completely normal tools by saying "they are weapons" or "they are too dangerous"? In my mind the answer is clear, we're telling them that knives are weapons only and nothing good can come out of that.

The scouts are also about honoring traditions and teaching history but what would a 18th century Swedish woodsman or an American piooneer say about wandering into the woods or field without a fixed blade knife?

[daltonvickers]

If you baby our kids instead of training them, You raise big babies instead of well trained young men

[travishopkins]

In the DC area, National Capital Area Council, they have said no to fixed blades since the late 70's. I wish they would change it so we can teach the boys about them. Great video and well said!

[jake]

If you really think about it a child should start with a fixed blade knife and then graduate to a folder after having proven that he is safe. Little fingers get cut folding knives all the time, and to my knowledge no one has ever cut off a finger folding a fixed blade knife.

[starlingblack]

Good rant! I agree. I was never a Boy Scout, but grew up on the farm. Using sharp tools safely was necessary instruction to avoid hurting ourself or others. Thanks Bryan for a thought provoking video.

[turtlewolfpack]

In all my years in the bush I haven't ever felt under equipped with a good folding knife. That said I do carry and enjoy fixed blade knives, these days I carry both 99% of the time but I consider a large knife a 6" blade and have little use for the huge knives in vogue these days. Also, if the child is trained to use a khukuri and is comfortable with it-who are the Boy Scouts to say he can't use his favorite blade?

[josephblow]

Good presentation.

I was a scout during the 1960s, and I had a matching fixed-blade knife and hatchet that I took on campouts. I was a Cub leader, and when my son got to his Boy Scout troop I heard that fixed-blade knives were verboten. I was puzzled and dismayed to hear that, but I chose not to make waves.

Many ultralight backpackers are hitting the trail these days without any knife. As a seasoned citizen I took cues from the ultralight community to reduce my pack weight, but could not bear to sacrifice a knife, so I confined myself to a small Gerber LST pocketknife. That worked fine until backpacking in a nearby rainforest (I'm in the Pacific Northwet) one April weekend when I realized the habitat was so wet that it would be impossible to start a fire without having an axe, hatchet, or fixed-blade knife to allow harvesting of dry wood or accessing the dry interior of wet wood. (Fortunately, we had stoves so no there was no need to build a fire.)

As a result I obtained a Bark River fixed-blade knife with a 3-in blade and a convex grind that allows me to baton wood if necessary. I EDC this knife in a pocket sheath that rides in my shirt pocket. It's heavier than the LST, but not by much and it's still compact.

[DeanO]

I have a vintage boyscout axe made by Plumb. I know from our friends in WI that boyscouts have changed a great deal since I was a member in the 70's

[craigoldsen]

As an OLD Eagle Scout and scoutmaster of many years, I'd just like you to know that I share your opinion 100%. THANK YOU!

[dwightehowell]

That knife is about right. This nation is becoming something I'm not proud off & don't even like.

[kengarland]

Bryan
I am in total 100% agreement with you !
I'm 74 years old. My Father, Grandfather, and my Scoutmaster taught us how to use and respect knives aka fixed blades, Guns, & Bow & arrows.
We never shot or stab anyone.
The Leaders in my era taught us young men how to become men with respect and honor !