Sadly I have to agree. Even though the article cites the law saying that small, folding blades are OK, their own guidance makes no distinction.

I don't know how much standing this has. It is described as "guidance", so hopefully individual troop leaders are not required to follow it. It may only apply as a default position for leaders who don't have an opinion of their own. Also I imagine (and hope) it's only a handful of people at the top of the UK scout movement who think like this.

I got my very own knife in the 4th grade, and since about 9th grade carried a folding knife daily. Kids these days would be expelled!!! Also had my guns in the trunk at school because we often went shooting after class.

Things sure change