How to Earn the Whittling Chip
The whittling chip is a card that a Cub Scout, of either Bear or Webelo rank, earns that allows him to carry a pocketknife to scout functions. Once he has completed the requirements, he receives a "whittling chip" card to carry in his wallet and a patch that may be worn in a patch holder on the button of the right front pocket of the uniform. Either the card or the patch must be present whenever the scout is carrying his pocketknife. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure a scout understands knife safety.
Instructions
-
-
1
Discuss knife safety with a troop leader or a parent. Scouts need to understand that a knife is not a toy, but a tool, before embarking on the requirements needed to earn the whittling chip.
-
2
Complete Bear achievement 19, "Shavings and Chips." This consists of learning the safety rules for handling a knife in the Bear book, showing proper care and use of the pocketknife and making a carving with the knife under the supervision of an adult.
-
-
3
Demonstrate the skills learned. This includes knowing the proper technique for safely closing the knife with the back of the blade against the palm of your hand and using utmost care when handling the knife.
-
4
Understand that a knife should never be used on something dull that will damage the blade. Also understand that a knife should not be used to strip bark from a tree or carve initials into objects.
-
5
Take the pocketknife pledge in front of a den leader at a den meeting or during a pack meeting: "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."
-
1
References
- Photo Credit NA/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
