Amazon.com sells the Wave for if you can't locate a nearby source. The have the Leatherman Wave with Deluxe Leather Belt Sheath for $59.99 Or you can buy it with the Leatherman Tool Adapter for the Wave $76.48 <br><br>Also, don't forget that money in your Scout Account can be used for gear and not just camping fees. Check with your leader to see if your troop has specific rules and procedures.<br><br>(Nice shopping tips, Tom. I'll have to remember my class A shirt when I go visit Bass Pro Shop this weekend and see if it works there too! )<br>

Contrary to what I wrote previously:<br><br>You might be able to consider some of the fixed-blade suggestions after all, depending on your local policy. I've dug around a little bit more, and despite many verbal assurances that fixed blades "are not allowed", the only "policy" I can find is on page 78 of the current handbook, quoted here:<br><br>"Note: The Boy Scouts of America does not encourage the use of large sheath knives. They are heavy, awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores."<br><br>That leaves a lot of room for interpretation, but it's clear that fixed blade knives are NOT forbidden. I suggest you discuss it with your adult leaders and refer them to ETS if they have questions (I'd refer them to ETS, regardless...). If you have a practical fixed blade in your pack or in a safe sheath worn correctly, I don't see what objection could be raised.

I was a member of the BSA about 17 years ago in Alaska. I carried an old 6 inch Kabar sheath knife (the military pattern with the leather handle) on all our outings and the scout leader never said anything about it. Several of the other boys had sheath knives as well, and of course we all had pocket knives. I have not been involved in the BSA for a long time, but I can't remember the BSA frowning on fixed blade knives. Maybe it was just my troop/pack or leader.

>>>I have not been involved in the BSA for a long time, but I can't remember the BSA frowning on fixed blade knives. Maybe it was just my troop/pack or leader. <<<<br><br>As Tom mentions, it's a "discouragement," not a hard, fast rule or policy. Such suggestions are designed to help ensure a safe, secure environment. I feel that young, newer scouts have little use for a fixed blade knife. Older, more resposible (hopefully <s>) scouts with more camping experience could be allowed to have such knives. But I personally don't see a need for them to brandish them unless they are on a trek. and five mile hikes in a state park don't qualify. For most of the situations they'll encounter in a campsite, their pocket knives and the troop saws and hatches are better suited.<br><br>I was on a trip to Baraboo for an annual Circus World Museum overnight, sort of a camporee. One of the scouts favorite stops is an Army Suplus shop. One scout wanted to purchase a 6" fixed blade knife with his spending money. He was a younger scout and I didn't feel right about it. So I told him he could buy it, but I'd hold onto it until we returned and I'd give it to his folks to decide if he could carry it. He declined the offer <s>.

as far as knives go look for the good steel, I dont know much but<br>I have found Bazil machete for $10.00 and cut it down to a useable knife. The edge can't be beat. You just have to look around for the deals.