Classic Folding Knives

Prior to the popularization of Lock Blade Knives, folding slipjoint knives with one or more blades were a favorite classis outdoorsman's tool. 

There are several different setups listed on this page to give scouts and parents an idea of the different options available out there. Each is set up for a specific use, but honestly, any would be an acceptable option for a scout knife.

If you are looking for a recommendation, a Swiss Army Knifes such as the Spartan will fit the needs of most Scouts.

Scout Knives

Scout Knives, also known as Camper Knifes, were the classic wilderness multitool of it's time.  This design was used by US and European Military units as well as Boy Scouts and outdoorsman like.  

We discuss these in greater detail in our Scout Folding Knives Page.

The classic configuration comes with:

Camillus 4-blade Camp Knife ( #BSAOO8)

4-blade Camp Knife ( #BSAOO8)

Image: camillusknives.com

Single Blade Knife

Tradition single Blade Knife with Clip Point Blade.

Blade:

Buck 379 Solo Knife

Buck 379 Solo Knife

Image: buckknives.com

Toothpick Knife

Tradition single Blade Knife with slender Clip Blade. aka "Switch" or "Tickler."

Blade:

Buck 385 Toothpick Knife

Buck 385 Toothpick Knife

Image: buckknives.com

Trapper Knife aka Jack Knife

Traditional knife with 2 blades on one end, generally a clip point and a spey blade.  Longer blades were preferred by trappers for skinning game. 

Blades:

Buck 382 Trapper Knife

Buck 382 Trapper Knife

Image: buckknives.com

2-Blade Double-Ended Knife

This double-blade setup was a common design.  Depending on intended use and manufacture, these can be found with different blade combinations. 

Setups included:

Blades:

Buck 375 Deuce Knife

Buck 375 Deuce Knife

Image: buckknives.com

Canoe Knife

One blade on each side, with body resembling a canoe.  Popular with fisherman. 

Blades:

Buck 389 Canoe Knife

Buck 389 Canoe Knife

Image: buckknives.com

Stockman Knife

Triple Blade Knives were popular allowing for multiple specialized blades.  Depending on the manufacturer and intended use, blade setup varies. 

These were ideal for cutting up meat. 

Blades Shown:

Buck 373 Trio Knife

Buck 373 Trio Knife

Image: buckknives.com

Whittler Knife

A Whittler has one long blade on one end and two smaller blades on the other.  They also have 2 and 4-blade versions of the Whittler Knife.  Ideal for carving. 

Blades Shown:

Böker Whittler

Böker Whittler 

Image: bokerusa.com

Swiss Army Knife

Victorinox and Wenger have long made excellent pocket knives with multiple tools.  These are excellent, quality tools that can still be easily found.

History 

Swiss Army Knives come with many different combination of tools.

We list several setups our Scout Folding Knives Page.

Wenger 16520

Wenger 16520

Image: amazon.com  

Reputable Knife Brands

The US once had several major knife manufactures that pumped out thousands of quality knives.  The market for classic folding knives has shrunk as Lock Blades and "Tactical Knives" have taken over the knife market and likely due to global competition. 

Reputable Folding Knife Manufacturers

Case Trapper

Case Trapper

Image: caseknives.com

You can find a nice quality knife for less than $30.

Some higher quality knives can get very expensive.  If you look carefully, you may note and appreciate the fine level of detail and quality of these knives.  Regardless, we don't recommend purchasing expensive knives for Scouts as these knives have a tendency of taking a lot of abuse and will likely get lost at some point during scouting. 

On the other end of the spectrum, many knives, including those sold in the Scout Shop or Trading Post, are Chinese copies of classic knives.  These are generally poor in quality and not recommended.  It may seem like a great deal, but a non-functioning knife on an outing can be very disheartening and potentially dangerous.