I would be interested to hear what fellow Forum members might think about the Following Situation.

At one time all Boy Scouts,and Scouts carried a knife of one sort or another this was true also for Girl Guides and for any member of the Movement.But because there are others in Society of the same age who now carry knives as weapons any Scout or other member of the Movement who carries a knife could be charged.


The Scout of today carries a knife for the same reason as Scouts have always carried a knife.


Should Scouts be seen as a Special Case;and be allowed to carry knives if they want to ?? Dr.Stu..

I usually carry a knife when on camp/on hikes. However, unless a scout is waving their knife around, threatening or generally being stupid with a knife, I would be surprised if a police officer or any member of the public noticed, cared or acted!
When on camp, it is surely the leader's choice whether knives are permitted, and personally I feel a small penknife or lock knife is not a major issue, provided the young people are mature and sensible with them.
I don't believe there is a need for formal "special cases" for Scouts or Guides, as usually knives would be used by scouts on a scout campsite or similar, and are unlikely to be spotted by a police officer. Similarly, if a member of the public or a fellow scout/guide feels that there is a threat from another scout carrying a knife, then it is likely that the knife bearer is not being sensible with the knife, and therefore deserves to be charged for carrying it.

*please note I don't encourage avoiding or disobeying the law, and if that impression has been given then I'm sorry!*

Becky :D

I usually carry a knife with me at all times. It is part of my Leatherman Toolkit. I am not too sure about the legality of doing this in today's "knife wielding society", and have not been able to get any advice on this form of knife.

As far as Scouts with knifes go, I am of the opinion that, providing the Scout has been given the necessary instructions in the correct usage and carrying of a knife, it is normally OK for a Scout to use a knife under controlled situations during a Scout activity. In my Troop we still give training on the usage of knife, axe and saw. We do expect all the Troop to be able to handle these tools correctly and to observe the safety guidelines when using them.

If a Scout misuses a knife during a Scouting activity, then I, or one of the other leaders will confiscate the knife until the end of the activity. In addition the Scout will be given further instruction on the use of the knife. I have on occasions asked the local Police to come to the Troop and give a talk on knife crime in the UK. This talk together with graphic photographic evidence, does help to press home that carrying a knife in public can be dangerous, as it can give the wrong impression.

I'll try and keep this reply short.
Leaders should show kids of all ages knowlege on the correct way to handle knives. its amazing how many dont. also we should show an emphasis on why we carry knives and what the knife is for! end of the day for us a knife is a tool not a weapon. Unless your in the army you dont use a knife as a weapon.
obviously if 2 kids attend a camp with two different knives, one a fighting knife, the other a scandi knife... which one are you going to confiscate?? also having said that you should also know the limits of each child and what should be practical.
i think if anyone can get any form of media to highlight the fact that scouts can carry knives responsibly yet thugs on the street cant.. theres no harm in it. so Yes kids whilst in scouting can carry knives... but as a leader use your head and know the kid!
also wouldnt do no harm during a section night if you can get a community bobby to tell the kids the law on the knife.