Comments on: UK Scouting Assn. Bans Pen Knives — Triumph of the Nanny State

By: Carl Porter

Carl Porter — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:55:34 +0000

The first problem is people viewing the scout knife as a weapon and not a tool. The 2nd problem is blaming the availability of tools for a crime instead of concentrating on the root cause, people and their interaction or lack of it with other people.

By: Editor

Editor — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:50:42 +0000

Adam,

I followed that link and also read a further reply from a Scout leader. This is not a “retraction” of the “Guidance” Directive issued in April 2009 telling Scouts to leave their knives at home. There is no disavowal of the directive that scouts do not carry knives on camping trips. You are correct that UK Scouting does not have an absolute ban but the UK Scout Assn. has not disavowed it’s recommendations. Reading the Scouting Association’s “damage control” responses, I still think the media reports are essentially correct and that this IS a NEW policy intended to diminish scout knife use substantially. In the article you cite, Scouting Reps said: “The Scout Association does not condone young people carrying knifes on their person as a matter of course, unless there is a specific need for one.” That’s a far cry from what Baden-Powell said in the original Scouting manuals.

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:25:47 +0000

Knives aren’t actually banned. The media just blew it out of proportion.

More info here: http://www.scouts.org.uk/news/223/scouting-refutes-knife-ban-claims

By: Geekstrap

Geekstrap — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:56:34 +0000

Because this will help the individual that intends to carry a “penknife” with intent to do harm not to carry or do harm? Fools rush in. Yet another attack on Freedom from he fools that manage to get in a place of leadership. Leaders need followers stand up to them when they don’t lead but force from their position.

By: Chaz Forsyth

Chaz Forsyth — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:26:54 +0000

Bladesafe (NZ) triumphs again. The world WILL be a safer place !

By: Peter Male

Peter Male — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:26:43 +0000

Scout knives are not for self defense, they are a tool for use in camping and rope work, just like a seaman’s dirk and knife. I am appauled that this type of ban is occurring. What is the world coming to?

By: Rock63

Rock63 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:31:29 +0000

I’d love to hear Baden Powell launch a formal protest against this insanity.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Baden-Powell,_1st_Baron_Baden-Powell