How to Buy a Good Pocketknife or Multitool

opinel-usa.com) is sharp but without a point. The 3.5-inch blade is made from Sandvik stainless steel, and it holds an edge. The outdoors version ($26, <a href=https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/4126/pocketknife-and-multitool-buying-guide/comment-page-1/"https://www.scoutshop.org/opinel-no-7-outdoor-junior-knife-660519.html">scoutshop.org) also has a built-in whistle to call for help in an emergency.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?w=700" alt="Opinel's No.07 My First Opinel Folding Knife" width="700" height="526" class="size-large wp-image-179596" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=150,113 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=768,577 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=700,526 700w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=174,131 174w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/01-opinel.jpg?resize=70,53 70w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

Opinel’s No.07 My First Opinel Folding Knife ($17, opinel-usa.com) is sharp but without a point. The 3.5-inch blade is made from Sandvik stainless steel, and it holds an edge. The outdoors version ($26, scoutshop.org) also has a built-in whistle to call for help in an emergency.

With proper training, many Scouts can use a knife — a valuable tool for camping or working on a whittling project. A multitool provides multiple blades and other tools. Examples are saws, drivers and even forks and spoons.

A knife is not a toy. If you’re a Bear, Webelos or Arrow of Light Cub Scout, earn your Whittling Chip. If you’re in Scouts BSA, earn your Totin’ Chip. Then you will know how to safely carry and use one of these tools.

crkt.com) has a 2-inch<br /> fixed blade with a<br /> tough handle that’s<br /> comfortable to hold.<br /> The carbon-steel<br /> blade sharpens quickly,<br /> and the half-ounce<br /> durable thermoplastic<br /> sheath has multiple<br /> mounting options.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?w=700" alt="CRKT Minimalist Drop Point knife" width="700" height="285" class="size-large wp-image-179597" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?resize=150,61 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?resize=300,122 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?resize=768,312 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/02-crkt-minimalist.jpg?resize=700,285 700w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

The CRKT Minimalist Drop Point ($36, crkt.com) has a 2-inch fixed blade with a tough handle that’s comfortable to hold. The carbon-steel blade sharpens quickly, and the half-ounce durable thermoplastic sheath has multiple mounting options.

KNIFE BASICS

There are several types of knives.

All-purpose folding pocketknives are common in Scouting. Most come with tools such as a can opener, screwdriver, tweezers and, of course, knife blades — all in one compact package. Though they can be extremely handy, a downside is the knife blade doesn’t lock into place, so it may fold up on your hand while you’re using it.

Lockbacks are simple folding knives with a single blade that can be locked. So you get the benefits of a sturdy fixed blade-style knife but in a convenient pocket-size package that can be folded open with just one hand.

victorinox.com), a multitool with<br /> first-aid functions, has a suite<br /> of transitional tools, including<br /> a can opener, scissors and<br /> tweezers — plus large and small<br /> blades, saw, awl, leather punch<br /> and more. It pretty much has<br /> everything you need.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?w=700" alt="Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman knife" width="700" height="526" class="size-large wp-image-179600" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=150,113 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=768,577 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=700,526 700w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=174,131 174w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/05-victorinox.jpg?resize=70,53 70w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

Scouts have been using Victorinox Swiss Army knives for a long time. The Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman ($50, victorinox.com), a multitool with first-aid functions, has a suite of transitional tools, including a can opener, scissors and tweezers — plus large and small blades, saw, awl, leather punch and more. It pretty much has everything you need.

Fixed blades, are no-nonsense knives with a beefy handle and stationary blade. If you need a knife to accomplish the everyday tasks you come across in the outdoors, from whittling on things and cutting materials to spreading peanut butter on your sandwiches, a short, no more than four-inch-long, fixed-blade knife will accomplish all of that. Avoid large sheath knives; they are heavy and awkward to carry.

You’ll also find specialty knives such as river rescue knives with serrated blades for slicing rope, whittling knives designed for carving wood, and multitools, which are compact, handheld tool boxes. Most are built around a pair of folding pliers.

leatherman.com)

The Leatherman Sidekick ($70, leatherman.com) is a stainless-steel toolbox on your belt. The 7-ounce Sidekick has spring-action needle-nose and standard pliers, wire cutters and stripper, knife and serrated knife, saw, ruler, can and bottle openers, wood and metal file and three screwdrivers.

FOLDING OR FIXED KNIFE? KNOW THE POLICY

Knife policies vary among packs, troops, councils and camps when it comes to what blade types and lengths are allowed. Learn your unit’s policy before buying a blade of any kind. When it comes to types of knives, the Guide to Safe Scouting recommends “choosing the right equipment for the job at hand.”

BLADES

Most blades are made from strong and durable stainless steel. Blades are available in straight edge, serrated (jagged like a saw) or both. Bigger is not always better. A small, sharp four-inch-or-smaller blade can cut just as well as bigger knives but is much safer to handle and easier to maneuver in tight spots.

stansport.com) has more than eating utensils.<br /> The tool, which separates into<br /> two so you can use fork and spoon<br /> together, also has a can opener,<br /> corkscrew and chisel all in a belt-ready<br /> nylon carrying pouch.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?w=700" alt="Stansport's Folding Knife, Fork, Spoon Multitool" width="700" height="347" class="size-large wp-image-179599" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?resize=150,74 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?resize=300,149 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?resize=768,380 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/04-stansport.jpg?resize=700,347 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

Stansport’s Folding Knife, Fork, Spoon Multitool ($15, stansport.com) has more than eating utensils. The tool, which separates into wo so you can use fork and spoon together, also has a can opener, corkscrew and chisel all in a belt-ready nylon carrying pouch.

PRICE AND QUALITY

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality tool. Often, an inexpensive knife will do everything you want it to do. As prices go up, you’ll see small improvements in the quality and size of the blade.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Knives and multitools can last your whole life if you care for them. Wipe your pocketknife with a damp cloth to clean it, and add a drop of food-safe oil at pivot points to keep it at its best. Use a sharpener to keep your blade sharp.

“A sharp knife will work for you, while a dull one works against you,” says Kyle Owens of Work Sharp, a company that makes sharpeners.

worksharptools.com) is small enough to<br /> stash in your pack, with a<br /> diamond sharpening plate and<br /> ceramic honing rod that have<br /> built-in angle guides so you<br /> can get a perfect edge on your<br /> pocketknife.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?w=700" alt="Work Sharp's Pocket Knife Sharpener" width="700" height="291" class="size-large wp-image-179601" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?resize=150,62 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?resize=300,125 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?resize=768,319 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/06-worksharp.jpg?resize=700,291 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

A great knife deserves an equally great sharpener. Work Sharp’s Pocket Knife Sharpener ($15, worksharptools.com) is small enough to stash in your pack, with a diamond sharpening plate and ceramic honing rod that have built-in angle guides so you can get a perfect edge on your pocketknife.

CARRY IT SAFELY

The smartest, safest place to stash your knife is in an easy-access spot in your backpack. You’re asking for trouble by wearing a fixed-blade knife on your belt. If you fall, the knife could rotate inward and you could land right on the blade.

) has eight<br /> essential tools, including a knife,<br /> saw, awl, driver, pry bar, hammer and<br /> bottle opener, packed into<br /> a surprisingly small and effective<br /> pocket clip tool.</p> " data-medium-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?w=300" data-large-file="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?w=700" tabindex="0" role="button" src="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?w=700" alt="Gerber's Armbar Trade" width="700" height="342" class="size-large wp-image-179602" srcset="https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg 1200w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?resize=150,73 150w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?resize=300,147 300w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?resize=768,375 768w, https://scoutlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07-gerber.jpg?resize=700,342 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />

At only 3.1 ounces, Gerber’s Armbar Trade ($50, gerbergear.com) has eight essential tools, including a knife, saw, awl, driver, pry bar, hammer and bottle opener, packed into a surprisingly small and effective pocket clip tool.

TREAT YOUR KNIFE WITH RESPECT

Treating pocket knives with respect not only ensures your safety, but also keeps others safe. Here are a few major no-no’s:

• Throwing a knife
• Using a dull or dirty blade
• Handing a knife to someone blade first
• Cutting while others are within your “safety circle” (arm’s length)
• Carving into something that doesn’t belong to you
• Cutting toward your body

Using a knife requires responsibility. Bear Scouts can start carrying a pocketknife after completing the Whittling Chip requirements. Members of Scouts BSA must earn their Totin’ Chip, which also gives them the right to carry and use axes and saws.