Our scouts originally had some Frosts Moras. Then bought some Mora 640 (Viking), think they were about £3 from Clas Ohlson- bargain price, reliable, easy to sharpen (great for teaching) and not too expensive to worry about. Only downside was they weren't always fully clean/dry when put away so tarnished quite quickly (making them unsuitable for use when cooking as well) or worse. SO then we upgraded to the Cocraft Mora (again Clas Ohlson for about £6). It's a Mora clipper with cocraft branding on the sheath which somehow makes it cheaper, but still the same solid construction- Advantage of this is being stainless doesn't matter so much if the scouts don't care for them as much as needed.
As always, kids find many ways to give themselves little nicks, but so far no bigger injuries (touch wood) and hey its all part of learning.
For crook knives, bought a few of FGYT a while back with some slightly smaller handles. As they're only sharp on one side, and with manageable handles, they're easy enough for little people to use. Ok I always make sure I'm the one instructing with the crook knives and its always to a small group, but so far not even a slight nick!
As long as you do a good safety brief first, make sure that they're all aware that knives are tools not toys, or weapons (sometimes even cover a bit on knife law as scouts are at the age where parents might buy them a knife and they might think it a good idea to take it to school to show there mates or what not), and have a first aid kit on hand you shouldn't have any problems.
EDIT: That isn't meant to sound like I'm against kids having knives, far from it- I got my first when I was 8 and had a small collection by 15. Just make sure they're aware when carrying one is appropriate and when isn't (We all carry a penknife up the woods as kids, but the town centre no thanks)
As always, kids find many ways to give themselves little nicks, but so far no bigger injuries (touch wood) and hey its all part of learning.
For crook knives, bought a few of FGYT a while back with some slightly smaller handles. As they're only sharp on one side, and with manageable handles, they're easy enough for little people to use. Ok I always make sure I'm the one instructing with the crook knives and its always to a small group, but so far not even a slight nick!
As long as you do a good safety brief first, make sure that they're all aware that knives are tools not toys, or weapons (sometimes even cover a bit on knife law as scouts are at the age where parents might buy them a knife and they might think it a good idea to take it to school to show there mates or what not), and have a first aid kit on hand you shouldn't have any problems.
EDIT: That isn't meant to sound like I'm against kids having knives, far from it- I got my first when I was 8 and had a small collection by 15. Just make sure they're aware when carrying one is appropriate and when isn't (We all carry a penknife up the woods as kids, but the town centre no thanks)
