Whittling Chip

Requirements:

1. Know the safety rules for handling a knife.
2. Show that you know how to take care of and use a pocketknife.
3. Make a carving with a pocketknife.* Work with your den leader or other adult when doing this.
4. Read, understand and promise to abide by the "Knives Are Not Toys" guidelines.
5. Read, understand and promise to abide by the "Pocketknife Pledge."

*One of the items carved for requirement 3 of the "Bear Claws" adventure
may be used to fulfill Whittling Chip requirement 3.

The Pocketknife Pledge:

• 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 I am not using it.
• 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.

Knives Are Not Toys Guidelines

• Close the blade with the palm of your hand.
• Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it.
• Be Careful that you do not cut yourself or any person nearby.
• Never use a knife to strip the bark from a tree.
• Do not carve your initials into anything that does not belong to you.

Knife Safety Rules

• A knife is a tool, not a toy
• Know how to sharpen a knife.
  A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife because it is less likely to slip and cut you.
• Keep the blade clean and dry.
• Never carry an open pocketknife
• When you are not using your knife, close it using the palm of your hand and put it away.
• When you are using the cutting blade, do not try to make big shavings or chips. Cut slowly and steadily.
• Make a safety circle. Before you pick up your knife to use it, stretch your arm out and turn in a circle.
  If you cannot touch anyone or anything else, it is safe to use your knife.
  While using your knife, be sure to watch in case someone walks toward you and gets too close.
  If that happens, put your knife away until it is safe to continue.
• Always cut away from you, never toward you.
• Never hand a knife to someone else blade first.
  Learn and use the "eye contact" method of handing a knife to someone else.
  Do not release the knife until the other person makes eye contact with you
  and acknowledges he is receiving the knife.
• Never use a knife on something that will dull or break it.
• Never throw a knife for any reason.
• Always think before you cut.