The Ultimate Pocket Knife!

OK. So you lost your knife camping last weekend. You need a new one?
How about the Wenger Giant Knife 2007?

It should have all the functions that you require. Who couldn't use a cigar cutter and a laser pointer at the same time?

Last year, Wenger produced this special "pocket knife", not to win a Guinness World Record, but to see if they were capable of achieving this technical feat. After one was built, another was produced, then another, etc... Soon people were getting wind of this knife. So more were produced, each one put together by hand one at a time.

It contains no fewer than 87 tools offering 141 functions. And of course the price? It retails here in Canada for $1500.

There are many Swiss Army companies that make knives, but from my experience there are only two that are worth talking about: Victorinox and Wenger.

I am personally a big fan of Victorinox knives, having owned 4. I always carry one in my pocket, and one on my belt. My last purchase was several years ago in the way of a SwissTool. My Multi-Tool has become very useful on a daily basis and I rarely leave home without it.
I would strongly suggest a Multi-Tool of some sort if you were looking for a perfect all-around tool. It covers all bases.

Leatherman makes some dandy multi-tools as well, but I have not had any experience with them. Though I have heard good things about their Wave multi-tool, they have now released a new model called Skeletool CX (voted "Gear of the Year" award by National Geographic Adventure Mag. for 2008).

I have checked with Scouts Canada regarding knives to see what is allowed with the kids. Knives are restricted with the Beaver level for safety reasons. In Cub Scouts, boys and girls are allowed to carry folding blade type knives including multi-tools, but only during age-appropriate activities such as camping. Only Scouts, Ventures and Rovers are allowed to carry sheath knives, but again, only during age-appropriate activies.

I also would strongly suggest that the kids take time with their leaders and learn the proper use of knives before using one. There are also several areas in their handbooks that can be marked off towards merit badges in regards to proper knife use, including the Tawny Star and Camping Badge.

Knives can be very useful in Scouting. But make sure whatever you choose that it is approriate for your childs age.

YIS...LE