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Classic Folding Knives
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
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:
Spear Blade
Can Opener
Punch/Owl
Cap lifter/Screwdriver
Shackle for Belt
Single Blade Knife
Single Blade Knife
Tradition single Blade Knife with Clip Point Blade.
Blade:
Clip Blade
Detail work
Piercing
Cutting in tight places
Good control of cutting edge
Toothpick Knife
Toothpick Knife
Tradition single Blade Knife with slender Clip Blade. aka "Switch" or "Tickler."
Blade:
Narrow Clip Blade
Detailed cutting
Trapper Knife aka Jack Knife
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:
Clip Blade
Detail work
Piercing
Cutting in tight places
Good control of cutting edge
Spey Blade
Used to castrate livestock
Allows you to cut animal without puncturing it
Great for skinning game
All purpose knife for tight spaces
2-Blade Double-Ended Knife
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:
Half Whittler (Clip and Pen Blades)
Minuteman (Clip and Pen Blades)
Lancer (Clip Point and Coping Blades)
Deuce (Clip Point and Coping Blades)
Muskrat (2 Clip-point Blades- designed for trapping)
Canoe (Spear and Pen Blades)
Blades:
Modified Clip Blade
Detail work
Piercing
Cutting in tight places
Good control of cutting edge
Coping Blade (or Pen Blade)
used in tight spots or curved patterns
Canoe Knife
Canoe Knife
One blade on each side, with body resembling a canoe. Popular with fisherman.
Blades:
Spear Point Blade
Strong tip for piercing
Heavy duty blade
Favorite for making tough cuts
Pen Blade
All purpose blade for light duty work
Originally used to sharpen quill pens
Stockman Knife
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:
Modified Clip Blade
Detail work
Piercing
Cutting in tight places
Good control of cutting edge
Sheepsfoot Blade
Great tip strength
Good control of cutting edge
Originally designed for trimming sheep's hooves
Great for carving
Spey Blade (or Pen Blade)
Used to castrate livestock
Allows you to cut animal without puncturing it
Great for skinning game
All purpose knife for tight spaces
Whittler Knife
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.
Longer blade on one end (Spear, Clip or Wharncliffe Blade)
2 shorter blades on other end (Coping and Pen Blade)
Blades Shown:
Clip Blade
Detail work
Piercing
Cutting in tight places
Good control of cutting edge
Coping Blade
Similar to a Sheepsfoot
Used for making cuts in tight areas or curved cut
Pen Blade
All purpose blade for light duty work
Originally used to sharpen quill pens
Swiss Army Knife
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
History
Wenger was founded during 1893 and produced the "Genuine Swiss Army Knife "
Victorinox was founded during 1897 and produced the "Original Swiss Army Knife"
Both made similar knives for the world market and Swiss Government contracts
In 2005, Victorinox acquired Wegner
Swiss Army Knives come with many different combination of tools.
We list several setups our Scout Folding Knives Page.
Reputable Knife Brands
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
Reputable Folding Knife Manufacturers
Buck Knives - Post Falls, Idaho
Note - some Buck Knives are made in China
W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery - Bradford, PA
Makes knives with BSA Logo
Greater Eastern Cutlery - Titusville, PA
Bear and Son Cutlery - Jacksonville, AL
Queen (Out of Business 2018) - Titusville, PA
Tree symbol means it is manufactured in Solingen, Germany by Böker Germany
Cinch by Böker - Solingen, Germany
Böker Arbolito - Argentina
Böker Plus - Taiwan and China
Magnum by Böker - Taiwan and China
Victorinox - Ibach, Switzerland
Classic Scouts knives can still be found on eBay
You can find a nice quality knife for less than $30.
Some higher quality knives are 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. 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.
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