Cub Scout Knife for Whittling Chip Award

S

speedseeker

Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
502
My sons scout pack leader knows I enjoy knives so he asked my opinion on what would be a good knife as an award to kids who achieve their Whittling Chip badge. For those who don't know anything about the Whittling Chip award it simply means the scouts (about 9 years old) have demonstrated the ability to use a pocket knife safely. Any tips on good good folder for kids like this...the scout pack leader gave me the following basic requirements...

Single blade
Lock back style lock (No slip joints! Thought this was odd as most scouting knives are slip joints but his concern is safety.)
Under 20 (preferably under 15) bucks a piece as we need to buy about 10 and were not a rich pack.
American Made <--this is my preference not his so its not necessarily a requirement but...well you know.
Size Appropriate for a nine year old but can also be grown into a bit as the child ages.

Looking forward to gaining some knowledge from the group. Any tips are appreciated.
 
The Case Caliber lockbacks are about $13 each. The MiniBlackhorn lockback is only $11. Can't vouch for the quality since I don't own one, but they are made in the USA.
 
The KaBar Mini Dozier would be a really good choice. Not made in the U.S., but meets all of your other criteria. I think that other than the Case knives that were mentioned, you aren't likely to find a made in the U.S. lockback folder for under $15, but I'd love to have someone prove me wrong. The Byrd Robin 2 is a good little folder under $20, but is also made overseas.
 
For a lockback made in USA in the under $20 range...

a Bucklight Max would meet those parameters.
If you can live with made in Taiwan, I think well of the KaBar Doziers.
If you can live with made in China, the Byrd line is nice.
 
This may sound stupid, but you might want to check the rules of your pack and surrounding packs. I was surprised to learn that some prohibit fixed blades (not a concern for you) and LOCKING knives. Both of these rules seemed odd to me, but occasionally our pack will join up with other packs and we all try to adopt each others rules (out of respect when we are guests on a camp out).

just wanted to share this.
 
I'll third (?) the Bucklite Max.

I'd go for the medium, 3" blade (482). My 12 year old son likes the one I gave him, and he does have far more expensive knives.

Pretty good bang for your buck. They can be found between $15-$20 easily on the net.
 
I don't have the Bucklite Max, so I can't speak for it, but my dad loves his Kabar Dozier with the Thumbhole. Unfortunately, it is made in Taiwan, but I think that Kabar is a US company at least.
 
Kabar Dozier is the way to go. They are nice and light weight, come wicked sharp from the factory and best of all they can be had for around 18 bucks. I just got mine, and I could not be happier.
 
I wish I had've seen your post, OP, when a local Brick & Mortar had the Buck Lite 424 on sale for $9.99ea. I could have scooped up enough for your pack. If another sale comes up soon, I'll let you know!

lite01.jpg
 
See if you can find a dealer that would give you the Buck Vangtage in the smaller size for a good deal. They are a great size, lock, and are USA Made. My son carries one on scouting trips.


Our troop also has the Needs-to-Lock rule, and excludes fixed blades, as well.
 
I completely forgot that the Gerber LST is made in the USA and it is a lockback for just over $10. It's just another idea; I love the Buck knives I have, but I've never had the Bucklite knives. I also second the Buck Vantage select. It's about $25, but you might be able to get a good package deal.
 
I don't Know if gerber Bear Grylls is USA made, but they have two Scout knives that fit the bill.
 
I realise you're looking for a US made product, but if it comes down to sheer cost to ensure every kid gets a knife, maybe Opinel would be a good choice? Excellent value, non-threatening, easy to maintain...
 
Thought I would let everyone know how this turned out. American made was tough to find at this price point so we looked at some foreign made models. Came close to picking up one of the Rough Rider lockback models but at the end I couldn't get my self to buy a Chinese knife from a Chinese company for American Cub Scouts. Just didn't rub right. Ended up compromising and getting the Ka-Bar Dozier based on the advice here - Taiwan made for an American company at least. They should arrive this week. Wanted to thank everyone on behalf of the scouts. Bravo Zulu gents.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top