Okay,
This obviously isn't going to be word for word as my memory is bloody terrible. But this is the general jist.
The use of personal knives is at the discretion of the scout leader. Most scout groups carry with them a supply of SAK which is deemed more suitable than a larger fixed blade knife. The aim is to educate the youngsters in knife crime first, in the hope that the message filters from them into the wider community. They are given a presentation on knife crime also. The SAK is a small knife which can be folded and put away. A larger fixed blade knife can be dangerous when left exposed and in a group of youngsters the possibility of that happening is very real.
He also mentioned the knock on process of carrying a large knife has... If one scout see's a large knife, he's going to go home and ask for one from his parents. With peer pressure and the situation with knife crime in the UK, we(the scout organisation) have to be very careful. Any blade that is deemed "cheap & unsuitable", "too large", "too menacing" or "too dangerous" will be confiscated by the scout leader. a SAK is discrete, portable and whilst still dangerous, is less dangerous than larger fixed blade knives.
He also told me to pass on that the scout leader has to first decide if the scout in question has sufficient knowledge in the use of knives. If he hasn't then he'll be given a tried and tested knife that the scouts use. (SAK I imagine) and supervised through out.
He also said that each scout group in various counties do things differently.
Hope that was helpful, personally I think it was a load of babble. The clipper is an excellent knife. And I'd rather my son have one of those than a SAK...
I can see why some scout leaders would be shocked by it. Especially if they are used to using SAK. I don't think the leader was in the wrong per say. I'd be quite thankful that it obviously shows they are passionate and do care about the youngsters they are involved with. But at the same time, she probably has no experience with knives and instantly thinks a large knife is dangerous.
I think if he still managed to get some carving done, even if it was with a SAK, there's nothing to get annoyed about. He'll have no doubt enjoyed it just as much.
With my job as a keeper I get lots of 15/16 year olds coming to me for work experience in their last year at school. Especially in the area where I live. Jobs in the outdoors are still sort after. Sometimes though I take teenagers on who come from areas like, Leeds/York and you can instantly tell. Their understanding of the countryside is minimal and their understanding of the tools needed is far worse.
Personally I never give any of them a fixed blade knife until at least the 3rd or 4th day. They get a wooden knife in a sheath which they wear on their belt. This get's them used to the feel of carrying the knife on their belt. When they eventually get a fixed blade knife. They are told;
"As soon as the knife has been used and you're finished with it. It goes back in the sheath, we don't play around with these things.They aren't cool, hip or groovy, they're nothing more than a tool, remember that."
A lot of them take the lesson and as soon as they're finished, the knife is put straight back into the sheath. The ones that don't have it confiscated. And they don't get a second chance with me.
Try having a word with the leader you're talking about. Not in a negative way. That'll only create problems for you son. I'm sure you can both learn something from it.
LJ