Better look sharp

sir – Between the ages of 12 and 15, living in a Glasgow council estate, I would regularly go out in the evening with a sheath knife, a clasp knife with a pointed metal spike, and a stout stick.

I don’t remember anyone in our Boy Scout troop stabbing anyone (Letters, June 1). Bruce Cochrane

Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire

sir – As a member of the Royal Navy Auxiliary Service in the Eighties, when using a knife afloat I was taught the rather tongue-in-cheek safety measure: “Always cut towards a friend”.

Perhaps not such a good idea these days. Tony Sharp

Gunnislake, Cornwall