1. family and parenting
2. children

Cub Scout Pack 178
West End Baptist Church
Palmetto Council
York District
www.cubpack178.com
Pack 178 Whittling Chip
Training Course
Program Structure and Course Materials
Containing Distinct Pack Requirements
2010 Edition
Information updated February 2010
Prepared by Todd Robbins, Cub Pack 178
Pack 178 Whittling Chip Training Course
revision date: Feb 16, 2010 5:34 PM
Contents
This document contains the program structure and teaching materials for completion of the ‘Whittling
Chip’ training course. The Whittling Chip course, and the companion participant guide document, are
written in accordance with the published policies of Pack 178, WEBC.
When recorded here, requirements within this document will supersede those published by other sources.
However, the current published version of the Pack’s policy will be the deciding factor if any
discrepancies are found to exist.
Table of Contents
Recent Document Changes ................................................................................................................... 3
Points to Remember During the Course ................................................................................................. 4
How to Use This Document ...................................................................................................................... 4
Required Materials .................................................................................................................................... 4
Explain - What is a Knife? ......................................................................................................................... 5
Teach a Skill - Learn to Use a “Safe Zone”.............................................................................................. 5
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Open a Knife ............................................................................................ 6
Before you Use It ................................................................................................................................ 6
How to Open It .................................................................................................................................. 6
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Close a Knife ............................................................................................. 7
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Handle a Knife .......................................................................................... 7
Do’s ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Don’ts .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Teach a Skill - If you Drop a Knife ............................................................................................................ 7
Teach a Skill - Passing a Knife .................................................................................................................. 8
Explain - How to Care For a Knife............................................................................................................ 8
Explain- What is Rust? ........................................................................................................................ 8
Explain- Keep the Knife Clean and Dry ........................................................................................... 8
Teach a Skill - Keep the Knife Sharp................................................................................................. 9
Sharpening Steps ............................................................................................................................. 10
Explain - If an Accident Happens ......................................................................................................... 10
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Use a Knife .............................................................................................. 10
How to Cut ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Teach a Skill – Knife Safety Check ......................................................................................................... 11
Safety Examination .......................................................................................................................... 11
Safety Corrections ........................................................................................................................... 11
Teach a Skill – Make a Carving ............................................................................................................. 12
Preparing to Carve .......................................................................................................................... 12
Carving Instructions ......................................................................................................................... 12
Course Conclusion.................................................................................................................................. 13
Blade Safety Quiz .................................................................................................................................... 13
Whittling Chip Pledge ............................................................................................................................. 13
Appendix A: Images to Assist in Understanding Course Material ..................................................... 14
Blood Circle ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Rust 14
Sharpening .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Pattern for Soap Bear ............................................................................................................................. 15
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Appendix B: Blade Safety Quiz ............................................................................................................. 16
Part I: Circle the correct answer .................................................................................................... 16
Part II: Fill in the blank ...................................................................................................................... 16
Part III: Circle the correct answer ................................................................................................... 16
The Pocketknife Pledge (fill in the blanks) ..................................................................................... 16
Appendix C: Blade Safety Quiz Answer Key ....................................................................................... 17
Part I: Circle the correct answer .................................................................................................... 17
Part II: Fill in the blank ...................................................................................................................... 17
Part III: Circle the correct answer ................................................................................................... 17
The Pocketknife Pledge (fill in the blanks) ..................................................................................... 17
Appendix D: Safe Blade Pledge .......................................................................................................... 18
Recent Document Changes
August 2008
Document creation.
January 2010
Identified the information on the first page as intended for scouts & parents.
Removed information recommended for participants to a new participant guide document.
Reformatted the material to make teaching the course easier.
Included comments and helps for the presenter.
Changed references of “boys” and “scouts” to participants since we also want to include all parents
in the training efforts.
Added additional information in the appendixes for images and example information to assist in the
completion of this course.
Many miscellaneous changes throughout the document.
All changes have been highlighted in yellow for easier review.
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Points to Remember During the Course
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You will be teaching this class to both the scouts & their parents
Remember to speak clearly and slowly
Avoid “stories” that do not completely reinforce the points made in the course materials
Review the information in the participant’s guide during the preparation for this course
Review the Pack’s most recently published knife policy
How to Use This Document
Each section includes the purpose or goal of what the participants should learn from the material in that
section.
Some sections include “Demonstration” points. These are suggestions that the course presenter
demonstrate the skill or knowledge to the participants.
Some sections include “Hands on Practice” points. These are suggestions that all course participants
practice the skill or knowledge given in that section.
Some sections include “Hand on Exercise” instructions. These are for the course participants to
complete. Their purpose is to put into practice the skills and knowledge gained to that point in the
course.
Appendix A contains some images you may use as references during the execution of the course. There
is also a copy of the simple bear pattern from the Bear scout handbook for use in the soap carving
portion of this course.
Appendix B is a copy of the blade safety quiz to use during the course.
Appendix C is a copy of the blade safety quiz answer key.
Appendix D is a copy of the blade safety pledge each participant should sign after successfully
completing the course materials, but before receiving the Whittling Chip certification award.
The course material begins on the next page with the section titled “Explain – What is a Knife”.
If the course material is followed, a participant successfully completing the course will have completed
Bear requirements 19A, 19B, 19C and 19D.
Required Materials
For each course participant have the following materials available:
o A plastic or wooden “practice” knife. You can make a wooden practice knife from a tongue
depressor (or similar wooden blank) fairly easily if a belt or drum sander is available to you.
o A bar of soap for carving. Soap should be unwrapped and “dried” for 2-3 days before carving. The
easiest soap for carving for scouts is Ivory brand. Try to get the regular soap, not the version with
added moisturizers or lotions since those bars are often too soft for this purpose.
o A copy of a carving pattern. A copy of the bear pattern from the Bear Scout handbook is included
with these course materials.
o A dull pencil or slightly sharpened small diameter dowel for tracing the carving pattern into the
soap.
For general use, have the following available:
o First-Aid kit
o Non-latex gloves would allow participants a better grip on the soap during the carving exercises.
Remember that some participants may be allergic to latex, so be cautious to ensure availability of
glove options.
o Facility for hand-washing with warm water available.
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o Scissors for cutting the carving patterns out of paper. Alternately, you may have the patterns precut if you so desire.
o It may be helpful to have a few extra knives available for use in case a knife brought by the scout
posses a safety issue and is not acceptable for use during this course.
o A copy of the most recently published Pack knife policy
Explain - What is a Knife?
Goal: Teach the participants a better understanding of what a knife is and what its purposes are
First, it is important to understand that a knife is a tool -- not a toy. It is not something to use during
playtime. It is not something to use to threaten other people with. Knives are to help you complete a
task.
Knives come in many shapes and sizes. Some have only one blade. Others may many blades and tools.
Some are small; some are big. Generally, a good scouting knife will have blade, a punch, a can opener
and a screwdriver blade in a foldable design. The blade is usually a little over 2” long. Such a knife is
usually all that a resourceful Cub Scout will need.
Setup a Hands-On Display:
Display a variety of knives (include items such as scissors, letter openers, wire cutters, multi-tools, etc).
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 by and used by adults or by responsible scouts under direct adult supervision.
Display a fixed blade (sheath or hunting) knife. Explain that a pocketknife will do almost anything those
types of 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.
Reminder: as stated in our Pack’s knife policy, Cub Scouts should not carry a fixed blade (sheath)
knife.
Display a variety of pocketknives of various blade lengths and functions. 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 tableware available. Explain that each person should learn the
proper way to use each blade or tool 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 such as 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 follow the same safety rules as all other knives.
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. Some locks are hard to release and could result in an injury if the knife slips while trying to
release the lock. Remind them to keep this in mind when deciding on which knife a scout should own.
Teach a Skill - Learn to Use a “Safe Zone”
Purpose: Teach the participants this important safety step
Before you open or use your knife, you need to be sure that the area around you is safe and secure.
Establish a “safe zone” around you to protect yourself and other people and animals. This zone is also
commonly known as a “blood circle”. Refer to the image “blood circle” in Appendix A for an example.
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Do this:
o Choose a spot with fairly level ground
o Make sure that there are no small children or pets close by, even if they are outside of your safe
zone
o Stand up with one arm out by your side, holding your CLOSED knife
o Slowly rotate yourself around
o If you hit something or someone, move until you can do this without interference
o Make sure that nothing or no one is in the imaginary circle that is created when you rotate
o If you are going to sit, make sure that you have something steady and secure -- the ground works
really well for this
o If you are going to stand, make sure that your feet are secure and that the area is not slippery and
that you are not standing on items that may trip you if you move
Once you can do the steps outlined above, you have established your safe zone. At any time after you
begin using your knife, the safe zone becomes unsafe, immediately stop and close your knife until it is
safe again.
REMINDER: Ensure that all scouts & parents understand that they set the example for others to follow.
Stress, especially to the adults, that if the scouts see them take these steps, they are more likely to do
them. Ask the participants what would make the safe zone unsafe – make sure that they
understand the concept and what types of situations can prove dangerous.
Demonstration:
Explain to the boys that anytime they are using a knife they should have a “blood circle” around
them. Demonstrate how to do this by 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 work with a wall or natural
obstruction behind them. Show them how someone could surprise them from behind and if they turn
quickly holding a knife, they could hurt someone.
Hands on Practice:
Have each participant, parents included, practice establishing a blood circle.
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Open a Knife
Purpose: Teach the participants the proper way to open a knife.
Before you Use It
Before you use your knife, do a quick inspection. If the knife handle or blade is loose, do not use it until it
can be repaired. If the knife blade is cracked, broken or chipped, do not use the knife.
If the knife is too small for your hands or too heavy to easily control, do not use the knife
Be sure that you establish your “safe zone” before you open your knife.
How to Open It
Hold the knife in one hand, with the blade side facing away from you, and open the blade with your
other hand. Many blades have a small semi-circle cut in the blade near the top to give you better hold
on the blade while opening it. You can use your fingernail or grab that edge with your fingers to pull the
blade open. Be sure to hold the sides of the knife firmly as you open the blade. It is often easier to open
if you pull both the blade and the knife apart at the same time -- use a motion similar to those of bird
wings flapping up.
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Never sling the knife to “pop open” the blade. Be sure that the blade opens all the way; some will
“click” when the blade is fully opened. If necessary, immediately turn the knife so that the point and
blade edge face away from you.
Demonstration:
Show the participants how to properly open a knife using the instructions above. Remember to
follow all of the safety rules covered so far in this course, including the “blood circle”.
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Close a Knife
Using a clean cloth, wipe the blade clean. Hold the knife handle so that the point and edge of the
blade are facing away from you and your fingers are not under the blade. If the blade has a lock,
disengage the lock with your other hand. Slowly close the blade with the palm of your hand against the
back of the blade.
Once closed, place the knife back into your pocket for added safety.
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Handle a Knife
Purpose: It is important that the participants learn how to correctly and properly handle a knife.
Do’s
Remember to keep the knife closed when not being used
Remember to keep the knife in your pocket
Always hold the knife in the same hand that you would hold a pencil in
Always keep the blade point and edge away from you -- and anyone else who may be near
Hold the knife tightly, but not so tight that you knuckles turn white
If you have to carry an open knife (or scissors), always walk carefully with the blade pointed down,
away from you and to the side
o Always cut or carve by moving the knife blade away from you
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Don’ts
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When a knife blade is opened, never hold the knife by the blade, but always by the handle
Never run or jump with the knife blade open
Never use a knife to dig in the dirt
Never cut the bark from a live tree
Never carve on anything that does not belong to you
Never throw your knife
Never pry with your knife
Never use the cutting blade as a screwdriver
Never store your knife where a younger child could get it
Teach a Skill - If you Drop a Knife
Purpose: Reinforce the dangers of an open knife
If you accidentally drop an open knife, never try to catch it. Quickly step back and wait until it fails to
pick it up. Before you use it again, always inspect the knife and blade for any damage.
Demonstration:
Using a plastic or wooden knife (or object that may resemble one), show the participants the danger
of trying to catch a dropped knife.
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Teach a Skill - Passing a Knife
Purpose: Reinforce safety when transferring the knife to another purpose
Whenever you need to pass the knife to another person, you must use lots of care. If the knife is foldable,
always close the knife before handing it off. Never throw a knife, regardless of whether the blade is
open, covered or hidden. While holding one end of the knife, allow the person to get hold of the other
end of the knife. Do not release your hold on the knife until the person taking it from you says “Thank
You” or in some verbal manner acknowledges the transfer. 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 – and show common courtesy.
If you must pass a “fixed” or non-closing knife, firmly hold the dull side of the knife blade while extending
the knife handle to the other person. Never throw the knife. Allow that person to grasp the knife blade
and say “Thank You” before releasing the blade. The other person should hold the knife steady until you
have acknowledged the transfer and released your hold on the knife.
Hands on Exercise:
Use a plastic tableware or a dull wooden knife for this exercise. Apply a small amount of bright red
lipstick (while preparing, ask how many want to wear the lipstick) along the cutting edge. Show the
participants 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” process you just described. After passing
the knife around to everyone, check for lipstick on everyone’s hands. Any lipstick marks indicate
that the person could have been cut by a sharp blade.
NOTE: If possible, try to obtain some type of non-visible marking material. Because of the lipstick on
the knife, many participants will exercise more caution than they might if there were no visible
material on the blade.
Explain - How to Care For a Knife
Goal: Demonstrate skills & techniques needed & used to keep the knife in good working order
Explain- What is Rust?
Goal: Help the participants understand what rust is, what causes it to form and how to defend against it.
Rust is a chemical change in the metal of the knife. It is caused by a reaction between the components
of the metal, air and moisture. Rust causes a physical change in the metal, causing it to be weaker and
more brittle in addition to causing a loss of material. Refer to the image “rust” in Appendix A for an
example.
Explain- Keep the Knife Clean and Dry
Goal: Help the participants understand the importance of taking care of this tool
Keeping the knife clean and dry will help prevent rust and keep the knife from getting “tight”. Rust will
cause the knife to become dull and can make the blade weak. If a knife has become wet, be sure that
it is completely dried. If possible, rub a thin coat of oil on the metal parts to help prevent rust and ensure
that the knife opens smoothly. Remember to use extreme care when applying oil to the blade – wipe
only in 1 direction and keep your fingers away from the edge of the blade.
Demonstration:
Using a clean rag, cotton swabs or similar material and appropriate type of oil, show the participants
the proper technique for drying, cleaning and oiling the knife.
Never clean the knife is a dishwasher -- always clean by hand. It is important to clean knives used in
food preparation with soap and hot water for sanitary reasons. However, the extended heat from a
dishwasher can cause the blade to warp or dull. If you must wash the knife in a dishwasher, always
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inspect and sharpen the blade before the next use. It is OK to use dish soap on the blade, but be sure
that it gets completely rinsed and dried. Leaving soap on the blade can cause discoloration or rust.
If you will be using the blade to cut food, be sure that the knife gets cleaned both before and after use.
Knives can become dirty from being carried in your pocket. Also, being sure that the knife blade is
properly cleaned will help prevent cross-contamination of food items.
Teach a Skill - Keep the Knife Sharp
Goal: Explain the importance of a sharp knife blade and allow the participants to practice this skill.
It is important to know that the process of sharpening a knife blade actually removes some metal from
the blade. The tip of the blade is often the part that dulls the quickest. This is because it is often in
contact with other surface materials as you cut. When sharpening, be sure that you remember to
sharpen the tip.
Demonstration:
If you have an older knife available for display, show the participants how the profile of the blades
has changed over the course of many sharpening cycles.
The most common way to sharpen the knife is to use stones usually called whetstones. These stones
come in many sizes and “grits”, which describe the size of the stone’s surface particles – in other words,
how rough it is. Rougher grits have smaller numbers and mean that their stones are made of large
particles. These stones are used for grinding and repairing the edge of the blade, not for fine
sharpening. Smoother grits have larger numbers, meaning that the stones are made of smaller particles.
The number refers to the density of the particles on the stone surface. The larger the number, the denser
the particles, therefore, the smaller the particles The smaller the particles, the less material they can
remove. Therefore, the larger the number, the finer the edge the stone will produce because the smaller
particles take off less material.
Whetstones require some type of lubricant. Some use oil and some use water. Water stones are more
practical because water is more easily obtained in most places, especially in the field. Oilstones are
often thought to produce a finer (sharper) edge. Regardless of what you use, use the correct lubricant
for the type of stone you are using – using the wrong lubricant can damage the stone.
Hands-on Demonstration:
If possible, pass around or display several types and grits of whetstones. This will allow the
participants to feel the differences in surface textures.
You may also use some types of sandpaper (or emery cloth) to sharpen the blade edge. You will need
very fine grit sandpaper. It is also helpful if you use sandpaper specifically designed for “wet”
applications so that you can use some type of lubricant during the sharpening process.
Hands-on Demonstration:
If possible, try to make a simple sharpening device as described in the Bear scout handbook
achivement19B Explain how to make the device. Pass this device around for the participants to
see.
Hands-on Exercise:
If possible, have materials on hand to allow the participants to make their own sharpening device.
Use the “EDGE” method for leading them in putting it together.
There are also many other types of sharpening devices. Another common type consists of either metal
disks or bars that are set into a handle or holder of some type so that the disks or bars form an overlap.
When you draw the blade of the knife thru the overlap, the disks/bars scrape off some of the blade
material, leaving a sharp edge. These types of sharpeners works well, but remember that they can
quickly remove a bit more blade material than you might think.
A common kitchen sharpening device is either a ceramic or metal honing rods. Because of the way
that these are designed to work and the fact that many have only a small amount of protection for the
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hand, you must be EXTREMELY cautious when using one. Don’t try to use one unless you are fairly
experienced with knife handling.
Sharpening Steps
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Place the stones on a level surface.
Wet the stone with a little water or oil.
Place the blade of the knife flat on the stone with the blade facing away from you,
Raise the back edge about the width of the blade itself, keeping the cutting edge on the stone.
You are trying for a 15 – 20 degree angle.
Draw the knife straight back toward you, or move it straight back and forth putting pressure on it
only when you pull it toward you. This is always better than moving it in a circular fashion.
Turn the blade over and repeat on the other side an equal number of times.
Repeat steps 1 thru 5 on a finer grit stone until the knife has a smooth, sharp edge.
If you have some leather available, you can use this to finish the edge by dragging the blade
edge along the leather. Repeat this the same number of strokes on each side of the blade.
Refer to the images titled “sharpening” in Appendix A for examples.
Hands on Practice
Allow the scouts to “practice” knife sharpening using a home-made stone and knife. Use a wood
block with sandpaper glued to it and sharpen a craft stick into a knife shape. Show the boys how to
angle the blade against the stone (or stick against the sanding block) to produce a sharp edge.
Explain the importance of sharpening equally on both sides of the blade to prevent an uneven
edge.
Explain - If an Accident Happens
Goal: Reinforce the proper actions if there is an accident involving a knife.
Always tell an adult -- especially if someone was injured and is bleeding.
If the cut is minor, clean and treat it according to First Aid rules. If the cut is serious, get help quick. If you
get “stabbed” by more than about ¼” of the knife blade, do not pull it out unless you have too. The
knife blade will help keep pressure on the wound and prevent heavy bleeding.
Teach a Skill - How to Safely Use a Knife
Goal: To instruct the participants in the proper and safe way to use a knife while observing all safety rules
that have been covered so far in the course.
Reminder: Be sure your knife is sharp. A sharp knife is safer to use than a dull knife because it does not
require as much force to cut. Using too much force can cause the blade to slip, possibly resulting in an
injury.
How to Cut
Hold the knife in the hand that you use to write with. This is your dominate hand and you will be able to
better control the knife with this hand. Grasp the handle with your whole hand. Position the blade at a
slant, pointing away from you. To cut, begin the cut then move the blade away from your body. If this is
not possible, position yourself to the side of the object you are cutting.
If you are cutting completely thru something, be aware of what is under the object you are cutting.
Cutting on rock, dirt, metal, some plastics, etc., can dull the knife blade as the cut is made. Always use
something that ‘gives’ under the object (such as cardboard or a cutting board – although they can dull
the blade edge, it will not be as quick nor harsh as cutting on other materials). Grasp the handle with
your whole hand. Position the blade with the back part of the blade (near the handle) on the material
being cut. Hold the object being cut securely using your free hand or some type of vice or clamp. Be
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sure that your hand and all fingers are well away from the knife blade. Stand so that your body is not
directly behind the knife. While applying downward pressure with the blade, slowly pull the blade thru
the material. Do NOT “saw” the blade back and forth unless your blade is designed for that purpose.
If you are carving or whittling, always hold the object you are cutting securely in front of you, place the
blade against the object and apply slight pressure while moving the blade away from your body. It is
better to make several cuts using light pressure than one cut to remove a lot of material by forcing the
blade.
Hands on Demonstration:
Using different objects and a plastic or wooden knife, demonstration to the participants both
improper and proper ways to cut objects. Be sure to show correct feet and body placement.
Hands on Exercise:
Let the participants practice the stance and motions for cutting various materials. The practices
should be based on the discussions & examples you lead in during the presentation for this section.
The participants should use either plastic or wooden knives for practice. Actual cutting of the
materials is not required – this is to practice methods. Reinforce safety and stance for each cutting
exercise.
Teach a Skill – Knife Safety Check
Goal: To ensure that the knives brought by course participants will be safe for them to use in the carving
portion of the course.
Safety Examination
As with all tools, it is important to examine the knife before use to ensure it is safe. This includes examining
the handle, blade profile, locking mechanism (if present) and blade edge. Use the following
considerations during the exam:
o Is any part of the handle cracked or missing?
o Is any part of the handle loose?
o Does the blade open freely and smoothly?
o Is any part of the blade cracked or broken?
o Does the blade fit tightly in the knife handle?
o If so equipped, does the blade lock properly when opened?
o Pay attention to any rust or discoloration of the metal components, especially the blade, as this
may indicate points of weakness with the knife.
o Is the blade nicked or pitted?
o Is the blade sharp?
o Stress that if a knife is found to be unsafe, it should not be used.
Hands on Exercise:
Have each participant examine the knife they brought to the course. Stress the importance of this
even for any newly purchased knives participants may have brought. Encourage the participant to
talk about each aspect of the knife as they complete the examination.
Safety Corrections
If the inspections uncover any issue that can be corrected in class – such as a dull knife blade, you may
allow some time for the participants to correct the issues before proceeding. Any knife that you deem
unsafe should be stored and not used during the remainder of this course.
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Teach a Skill – Make a Carving
Goal: To instruct the participants in the safety and techniques for completing a soap carving.
Preparing to Carve
Ensure that all knives are safely stored, preferably in pockets, before beginning this next section.
Each participant should be given instructions before any materials are handed to them.
Carving Instructions
Before you begin carving with your knives, it is important that you learn to apply the techniques and
safety reminders that you have learned so far in this course. To help you with this, we will first practice our
carving moves using our plastic or wooden knives. Doing this will help you learn to better control the
knife, which will make your carving turn out better, not to mention be safer to complete.
The first step in carving is to decide what shape you are going to carve. Then, you need to determine
what type of material you are going to carve. For us, we are going to make some simple animals using
bars of soap. If you will be using soap, you need to let it air-dry for a couple of days before you plan to
use it. This will help make it stronger, easier to hold and make the soap texture more consistent. I have
soap for you that has been drying for this occasion.
After you decide what you shape you will carve, you need to find a pattern to use. You can trace the
pattern on your soap bar using a dull pencil, small diameter, slightly sharpened dowel or something
similar. You do NOT want to trace your pattern with your knife. You may need to cut-out the pattern
using pair of scissors. Remember to use all knife safety rules when you do so. Position the pattern on the
bar and orient it so that its placement satisfies you. Carefully trace around the pattern using the tracing
tool. Remember that you will be removing material, so if your trace accidentally goes astray, don’t
panic. Lay the pattern aside as a reference to guide you during your carving.
When you are ready to begin carving, remember to use short, shallow cuts. Trying to cut too much at
one time will force you to put too much pressure with your knife. This will reduce your ability to carve fine
details. . 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.
You will begin your carving using either a plastic or wooden knife. This will allow you to become
comfortable with the motions of cutting and carving. It will also give me an opportunity to observe you
to ensure that you are following all of the safety skills that we have discussed as part of this course. After
you have some experience with the wooden or plastic knife and after you have demonstrated that you
can safety handle the knife, you will be allowed to use the sharp edged knife that you brought with you.
Hands on Exercise:
Allow the participants to practice carving on a soft bar of soap with a wooden or plastic knife. This
will allow them to start getting the feel of using a knife. 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.
Hands on Exercise #2 - Optional:
After the participants demonstrate good aptitude with the knives, you can let them try their hands
at carving and whittling wood. A good choice is balsa as it is lightweight and not too “tough”. It is
a good idea to have some simple shapes (such as ice cream cones, cowboy hats or boots, etc)
that can be traced onto the wood for a pattern.
After you have completed your carving or if we run short of time, you will need to safely clean your knife
and store it during the remainder of course. To clean your knife safely, you will use a damp rag to wipe
the blade and handle clean – being sure to keep your fingers away from the edge of the blade when
cleaning. Make sure that your knife is dry before closing and storing it.
If you wish, you can polish your soap carving to help seal the surface and make it a little shiny. You can
do this with a smooth, close-knit cloth with just light pressure. You can also use a small wooden stick for
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this also. Remember, too much pressure can cause unwanted depressions or cuts in the surface of the
soap.
Course Conclusion
After the participants have concluded their carving (or you have neared the end of your allotted time
for the course), assist them in cleaning up the areas used during the course. You will need to assemble
them together again so that they can complete the knife safety quiz included with this course.
Blade Safety Quiz
As a check to ensure that all participants understand the topics discussed as part of this course, have
them complete the included quiz (Appendix B). You can choose to have each participant take the test
individually or complete the quiz as a group. If you choose the group option, it may be good to have a
completed copy of the quiz to send home with each participant for later review.
For your convenience, a copy of the test with answers completed appears as Appendix C after the quiz
copy.
Whittling Chip Pledge
Now that you have completed the blade safety course, you are eligible to be awarded the Whittling
Chip. The final requirement in the course is that you agree to abide by the safe blade policy by signing
the “Safe Blade Pledge” (the last page of this document).
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Appendix A: Images to Assist in Understanding Course Material
Blood Circle
Rust
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Sharpening
Pattern for Soap Bear
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Appendix B: Blade Safety Quiz
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
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.
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)
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.
Choices:
Close
Respect
Injure
Promise
All
Safety
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Appendix C: Blade Safety Quiz Answer Key
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
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 __SAFE__ __ZONE__.
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.
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)
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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Appendix D: Safe Blade Pledge
In return for the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to designated Cub Scout functions, I agree to the
following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool
I will keep my knife safely in my pocket any time it is not being used
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
I will never carry my knife to school or to a school event
I understand that anytime I carry my knife, I must also carry my Whittling Chip certification card and be
able to show it to any Cub Scout leader who asks to see it.
I understand that knifes are not allowed at every scout event. I will check with my pack leadership if I
have a question on whether I can bring my knife or not. If there is a question, I will play it safe and leave
my knife at home.
I also understand that if I fail to follow the safety rules above or those of my pack, or if I use the knife in an
unsafe or threatening manner, I could lose the privilege of carrying my knife and lose my Whittling Chip
certification card in accordance with Pack 178’s published policy.
____/____/_______
Date
_________________________________________________
Cub Scout
_________________________________________________
Cub Scout Parent / Guardian
_________________________________________________
Course Instructor
_________________________________________________
Cubmaster
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