Whittling Chip - LDS Cub Scout

Whittling Chip

Whittling Chip
I have found very little information on the web or anywhere else that
suggests what should be covered in the process of earning the
Whittling Chip and completing Bear Achievement 19. I have put
together the information I have found with some suggestions I got in a
class at PowWow. The result, although not perfect, is a class that has
worked for me with the boys in my pack. If you have other ideas or
suggestions to improve the class I would appreciate any input.
There have been discussions on the internet concerning fixed blade
(sheath) knives and whether Cub Scouts should carry them. The Guide
To Safe Scouting says in part: “A sharp pocketknife with a can opener
on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy.
Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry and
unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish.”
This is not in bold type, so it is not policy, but the italics indicate
emphasis, and I tell the boys they should only carry pocketknives.
There have also been discussions over whether the Whittling Chip card
should have corners torn off for safety violations. Some say that the
card has been awarded and don’t think it should be torn since some
boys will keep them in the years to come. I believe that as long as the
boys are notified about possible penalties, and if the penalties are
reasonable, they know what to expect. I tell them that a corner could
be torn off, or the card could be taken away either temporarily or
permanently depending on the violation. I have not yet needed to tear
the corner off of a card or take a card away from any of the boys.
Distribute a notice to parents explaining the class.
Don’t let parents be surprised by their sons coming home saying “I just
earned my Whittling Chip, now I can carry a pocketknife”. I have
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always handed out written letters or notices spelling out exactly what I
am teaching and why. A copy of the letter I used for our last class is at
the end of this file. I have had some parents and leaders that felt the
boys were not old or mature enough. I explain that the boys are
reaching the age that they will be using knives in the kitchen anyway,
they might as well learn knife safety. I explain to them that I will
teach them knife safety and at the end of the class the parent will
make the decision of whether or not their son gets the Whittling Chip
card. After they see how close their son is paying attention in the
class, check the answers on their sons written test, and watch their
son whittling with a real knife, every one of the parents have allowed
them to receive the card. When you are planning the class, don’t forget
your Webelos Dens. There may be some boys who are new or were not
able to take the class when they were a bear. It may not cover a
requirement like the Bears Achievement 19, but the boys will enjoy
earning the Whittling chip anyway.
I require a parent or other adult to attend the class with each boy and
let them know that this adult will make the decision whether or not the
boy will receive the card. The boys are always well behaved and pay
attention in the class but when they start working with real knives you
will need an adult to work one on one with each boy and to watch for
proper knife handling.
When I teach this class it takes about three hours. I have spread it
over three den meetings and I have taught it on the weekend in one
session. It works both ways but keep in mind that you need enough
room for each boy to have his own safety circle (about 6 ft diameter).
Explain to the parents what they need to bring to the class. The
PARENT (the boys don’t have their card yet) should bring a
pocketknife, it does not need to be new, but it should be in good
condition and sharp. Consider what other items may be needed like lawn
chairs if the class is outside, drinks and/or snacks if it will be a long
session.
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Make sure that the parent understands what the rules are that go
along with the card and that they are expected to help enforce the
rules when they witness any safety rules being violated. They should
also know that they will have control over when and where the boys will
be allowed to carry a knife.
Display a Whittling Chip card. Explain what the card means to
them and the rules.
With the Whittling Chip card a Cub Scout is allowed to carry and use a
pocketknife at certain Scout activities. The Den Leader will let them
know when a pocketknife is needed, the Cub Scout should check with
the Den Leader to find out if a pocketknife will be needed or allowed
at each activity. If the Cub Scout is not sure, don’t bring it.
Akela (any leader, parent, or adult) can ask for the Whittling Chip at
any time a Cub Scout has a pocketknife in his possession. If the Cub
Scout does not have the card in his possession, the knife is to be
collected and returned to the parent.
The Whittling Chip does not allow a Cub Scout to bring a pocketknife
onto school property at any time, even when school is out. Having a
pocketknife on school property, will result in loss of the Whittling Chip
card, it can not be earned back in our pack.
An accident which results in another person being injured will also
result in loss of the Whittling Chip card, it can not be earned back in
our pack.
Violation of a safety rule may result in having a corner torn off the
card or temporary loss of the card depending on the seriousness of the
violation. If all four corners are torn off, the Cub Scout must earn the
card again by taking another class.
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Display a variety of knives. Explain knife uses and which a Cub
Scout can carry.
Cub Scouts are only allowed to carry pocketknives on Scout activities.
If other knives are needed, kitchen knives for example, they will be
brought and used by adults.
Display a fixed blade (sheath or hunting) knife. Explain that a
pocketknife will do almost anything these knives do. Show how a sheath
knife attached to the belt could injure someone by bending over with
the sheath pointed against the leg and/or the sheath pointed up
toward the stomach. Cub Scouts should not need to carry a fixed blade
(sheath) knife.
Display a variety of pocketknives. Show that some have only a few
blades and some have many. Explain that many of the extra blades are
seldom used or don’t work well. Example: Having fork and spoon blades
on the knife would mainly be useful when backpacking, at other times
you usually have better silverware available. They should learn the
proper way to use each blade on their knife.
Display a pair of scissors. Show how these are two knife blades that
cut against each other. Explain that they should be treated with the
same respect and safety rules as any other knife.
Display various kitchen knives like a table knife, paring knife, bread
knife, and a butcher knife. Explain what they are used for. Explain that
since they will probably use these in a kitchen in the future, they
should be treated with the same respect and safety rules.
Display a lock blade knife. Explain that the lock is a safety feature
that keeps the blade from accidentally closing on the fingers. These
may be better for the boys if they can release the lock easily enough.
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Some locks are hard to release and could result in an injury if the knife
slips while trying to release the lock.
List the rules of knife safety. Explain the reasons for the rules
and demonstrate if possible. These can be covered together or
spread among the other sections.
Passing a Knife – Practice passing a real pocketknife. The blade should
always be closed. While doing this teach them that when you hand
someone a knife, you do not release it until the other person says
“Thank You”. This indicates that the other person realizes that they
are receiving the knife and are ready to accept responsibility for it.
After hearing the “Thank You”, say “You’re Welcome” as you release
the knife. This indicates that you have released the responsibility for
the knife to the other person.
Use a plastic silverware knife. Apply a small amount of bright red
lipstick (while preparing ask how many want to wear the lipstick) along
the cutting edge. Show the boys how to hold the knife by the back
(dull) side of the blade and pass it to another person, handle first using
the same “thank you – you’re welcome”. After passing the knife around
to everyone (it’s fun to include parents in this), check for lipstick on
everyone’s hands. Any lipstick marks indicate that the person could
have been cut by a sharp blade.
Safety Circle (Blood Circle) – Explain to the boys that anytime they
are using a knife they should have a “Safety Circle” around them.
Demonstrate holding your arm out as far as possible holding an object
like a ruler and turning around. The boys should learn that whenever
they are using a knife, they should be the only person in their safety
circle. If someone else enters their circle for any reason they should
close their knife and lay it down. Explain to them that they are also
responsible for anyone entering the circle, even from behind, so unless
they have eyes in the back of their head, suggest that they always
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work with a wall behind them. Show them how someone could surprise
them from behind and if they turn quickly holding a knife, they could
hurt someone.
• A knife is not a toy, it is a useful tool. Like most tools if it is not
used properly, it can injure someone.
• Always walk when carrying an open knife or a pair of scissors and
carry it with the blade pointed away from you.
• A knife should never be used to dig in the dirt. Dirt and moisture
will dull and/or rust the blade.
• Always cut by pushing the knife away from you. Be sure your hands
and body are out of the way.
• A knife should never be thrown at anything. Never try to throw it
and make it stick into the dirt, a tree, or any other object.
• Always close a pocketknife with the palm of your hand, never by
pushing the blade against another object like your leg.
• Always keep the blade as sharp as possible. A dull knife might not
cut into the work properly or slip resulting in cutting yourself or
something else unintended. A sharp blade is more likely to cut into
the work as intended.
• Never cut the bark from a live tree it could kill or seriously injure
the tree. Never carve on something that does not belong to you.
• A knife should always be closed and put away when not in use. Any
knife left out on a table could cut someone who does not realize it is
there. A pocketknife, even closed should be put away so it does not
get lost or played with by other children.
• Do not try to catch a knife if it drops, step back and pick it up after
it comes to rest.
• A knife should never be used instead of a screwdriver or other tool,
each tool has its purpose and must be used properly.
Discuss knife care and maintenance. How to clean and sharpen a
knife.
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Cleaning - Discuss keeping knives clean and dry. How the blade can rust
and how the rust will affect the sharpness of the blade.
Clean knives by hand, not in the dishwasher. The heat and steam can
damage or dull knives.
Discuss using a knife for cutting food. Explain that the knife should be
cleaned before and after being used on food items since the knife can
become dirty from being in the pocket.
Discuss cross contamination of food and the importance of cleaning the
knife, not just wiping it off.
Sharpening – Display a sharpening stone and show how to use it.
Display and demonstrate other sharpening methods if you have time
and have the materials available.
Show the boys how to angle the blade against the stone (or stick
against the sanding block) to produce a sharp edge.
Demonstrate and practice whittling using soap and a wood or plastic
knife.
By letting the boys practice carving on a soft bar of soap like Ivory
with the wooden craft stick knives or using a plastic silverware knife,
they can start getting the feel of using a knife. Show the boys how to
cut long thin shavings by cutting at the proper angle. Also show them
how to carve out chips by making the first cut down into the soap and
making a second angled cut until it reaches the first cut. Watch to see
that they are cutting off the thin shavings and small chips like they
should. This will also let you catch some possible safety problems early
and with less chance of a serious cut.
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Give a written test or quiz on knife safety rules.
The quiz helps to show what the boys have remembered about the
safety rules. Let the parents take the quiz at the same time as the
boys and then have the parents check the answers on their boy’s quiz.
Let the parents make the final decision as to whether the boys get the
card which helps to calm parents fears of boys waving knives around.
By the time they see the boys attention during the class, the answers
to the quiz, and the soap and wood carvings, every parent so far has
approved their son receiving the card. The quiz is copied below.
Practice whittling with a real pocketknife and soft wood.
Use balsa wood. Some people have suggested mixing vermiculite with
plaster. Mix the plaster according to the instructions, then add about
the same amount of vermiculite and let it set. I have not used this
mixture but it could be worth trying. Whatever you use, try it yourself
first. It is very frustrating for the boys to start a project and get bad
results or not be able to finish it because it is just too hard for them.
Another idea I saw in Baloo’s Bugle was to carve wagon wheels from
slices of apple and then dry them for a treat. I think the boys could
handle a little tougher project but they would enjoy doing this also.
Be sure the knife supplied by the parent is in good condition and sharp.
I have seen some boys struggle with Dads or Grandpa’s old knife
because it was too dull or it had loose parts on the handle. It is a good
idea to have some extra knives available, just in case.
Have lots of simple shapes available for them to choose from. I found
some foam shapes at Hobby Lobby (ice cream cone, cowboy hat, cowboy
boot, etc.) that the boys could trace on the wood with pencil to get
them started. The simpler the shapes are the better they are at this
point. Suggest to the parents that they allow the boys to practice more
carvings at home.
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If the wooden whittling projects are small enough, have some small
pieces of PVC pipe or garden hose and a hot glue gun available. Glue the
piece of pipe or hose on the back and the boys can paint them to wear
as neckerchief slides.
Distribute the signed Whittling Chip cards to the parents.
The Den Leader should sign the Whittling Chip cards and let the
parents present the cards to the boys. Be sure to have the boys sign
the Pledge on the back of the card. It is important that the boys
receive the award right away and when it is presented to them by their
parent, it shows that both the parent and the leader trust them with
the responsibility. I can still remember how proud I was when I was a
Cub Scout and earned the right to carry a pocketknife. I sure felt
grown up, and I can remember my parents taking advantage of that to
get a few extra chores done around the house.
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Letter to Parents
Dear Bear Parents,
As you know, we will be presenting a special class on knife safety starting at 3:00 PM this Saturday March 28. It
will be held at the Bears Den Campground and as part of our campout this weekend. The class is designed to teach
the safe handling and proper care of pocketknives. This will fulfill Bear Achievement 19 – Shavings and Chips and
allow Bear (soon to be Webelos) level boys to earn the Whittling Chip card which is required for any Cub Scout to
carry a pocketknife at Cub Scout functions. The Webelos age boys will have projects where the pocketknives will be
used.
While I am sure some of you may be concerned with the idea of the boys carrying a pocketknife, this program is
designed to teach knife safety. Even if the boys do not earn and get the card the class is important since most boys
will use kitchen and other knives in the future. The actual Whittling Chip card will be given to the boys only with
the parents approval at the end of the class. I have taught this program several times. I have never had any parents
deny the card at the end of the class. We have however had a couple of safety problems after the cards were issued.
It is very important that the boys understand and respect that they have earned this privilege and must follow the
safety guidelines to keep it. Again you will have the final say at the end of the class.
Besides the basic knife safety rules, the boys will learn these additional rules that must be followed.
1. They must have the card in their possession at all times while using a knife.
2. At any time Akela (any adult including parents) can ask for the card and it must be presented or the knife
will be collected and returned to the parent.
3. No knife will be carried on school property at any time even by mistake. Violation of this rule means
permanent loss of the card as well as any punishment from the school.
4. Any injury to another person will result in permanent loss of the card.
5. Any time a safety rule is violated, Akela may tear a corner off the card. Loss of all four corners result in the
loss of the card which must be re-earned by attending and passing another Whittling chip class.
Due to safety concerns, a parent or other adult must attend with each boy. This person will make the decision of
whether or not the card will be issued. The following items should be brought to the class by the parent.
• A pocketknife for both the boy and parent. (Does not have to be new but should be sharp and in good
condition. We can sharpen knives before the class starts if needed)
• Lawn or camping chairs for both the boy and parent (The class will be held outdoors to allow more space
for safety reasons)
I am requiring that each Scout read Achievement 19 on pages 146-151 of the Bear Handbook. This is the Shavings
and Chips Achievement. They should get familiar with all of it but should try their best to start memorizing the
safety rules and the Pocketknife Pledge.
The class will take a full two hours. The boys will have to score 100% on a simple written review test at the end of
the class. This will be the only time I teach this class before the June campout or the boys go to Goshen. I am
willing to do it at Goshen but only if the boys parent is in attendance. If the Scout has not completed this class and
earned his Whittling Chip he may not bring a knife to a Scouting event. If you have any questions about the class,
please call me at (202)355-5856 during the day, at (703)527-4627 in the evening, or by e-mail anytime at
rich@mendelowitz.com.
Thanks everyone!
Rich
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NAME: ____________________________________
Shavings & Chips Quiz – Pack 149
Part I: Circle the correct answer (True or False)
True / False 1. A knife is NOT a toy.
True / False 2. A dull knife is safer than a sharp knife.
True / False 3. Dirt on a knife blade helps keep it sharp.
True / False 4. Never carve your initials on anything that does NOT belong to
you.
True / False 5. When someone hands you a knife you say “Thank You” to show
good manners.
True / False 6. A knife is handy for cutting bark off trees.
True / False 7. A pocketknife should always be closed when it is not in use.
True / False 8. It's okay to keep your knife wet.
True / False 9. A Cub Scout can take his knife to a pack meeting at the school if
school is out.
True / False 10. You should carry your open knife in your pocket.
True / False 11. You should close the blade with the palm of your hand
True / False 12. A Cub Scout should carry a fixed blade knife if it is kept in a
sheath.
Part II: Fill in the blank
safety, pocketknife, walk, knife, clean, dry, circle, palm
1. Close the blade with the ________________ of your hand.
2. A __________________ should never be used on something that will dull or
break it.
3. People watching you work with your knife should not enter
your __________ __________.
4. Your knife should always be kept ___________ and _________.
5. Scissors should be handled with the same safety rules as a ____________.
6. Always ________ when carrying a knife or scissors.
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Part III: Circle the correct answer
1. Always keep your knife ( dry / wet ) so it will not rust.
2. When using a knife, do not make ( big / little ) shavings or chips.
3. A ( dull / sharp ) knife is more likely to cut you.
4. A Cub Scout ( can / cannot ) take his knife to a den meeting at school if it is
held outside.
5. A knife should be cleaned ( before / after ) cutting food.
6. A fixed blade knife or scissors should be passed to another person ( blade /
handle ) first.
The Pocketknife Pledge (fill in the blanks)
close, respect, injure, promise, all, safety
I understand the reason for ___________________________rules.
I will treat my pocketknife with the _____________________ due a useful tool.
I will always ______________ my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
I will not use my pocketknife when it might ______________someone near me.
I ________________________ never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at _______________________times.
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Shavings & Chips Quiz – Pack 149 (ANSWERS)
Part I: Circle the correct answer
True / False 1. A knife is NOT a toy.
True / False 2. A dull knife is safer than a sharp knife.
True / False 3. Dirt on a knife blade helps keep it sharp.
True / False 4. Never carve your initials on anything that does NOT belong to
you.
True / False 5. When someone hands you a knife you say “Thank You” to show
good manners.
True / False 6. A knife is handy for cutting bark off trees.
True / False 7. A pocketknife should always be closed when it is not in use.
True / False 8. It's okay to keep your knife wet.
True / False 9. A Cub Scout can take his knife to a pack meeting at the school if
school is out.
True / False 10. You should carry your open knife in your pocket.
True / False 11. You should close the blade with the palm of your hand
True / False 12. A Cub Scout should carry a fixed blade knife if it is kept in a
sheath.
Part II: Fill in the blank
dry, safety, walk, pocketknife, knife, clean, circle, palm
1. Close the blade with the ____PALM______ of your hand.
2. A ___POCKETKNIFE____ should never be used on something that will dull or
break it.
3. People watching you work with your knife should not enter
your _____SAFETY_____ _____CIRCLE_____.
4. Your knife should always be kept _____CLEAN____ and _____DRY______.
5. Scissors should be handled with the same safety rules as a ___KNIFE___.
6. Always ___WALK____ when carrying a knife or scissors.
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Part III: Circle the correct answer
1. Always keep your knife ( dry / wet ) so it will not rust.
2. When using a knife, do not make ( big / little ) shavings or chips.
3. A ( dull / sharp ) knife is more likely to cut you.
4. A Cub Scout ( can / cannot ) take his knife to a den meeting at school if it is
held outside.
5. A knife should be cleaned ( before / after ) cutting food.
6. A fixed blade knife or scissors should be passed to another person ( blade /
handle ) first.
The Pocketknife Pledge (fill in the blanks)
close, respect, injure, promise, all, safety
I understand the reason for ________SAFETY___________ rules.
I will treat my pocketknife with the ________RESPECT____ due a useful tool.
I will always ___CLOSE___ my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
I will not use my pocketknife when it might ___INJURE___ someone near me.
I ______PROMISE__________ never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at ______ALL_____________ times.
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