As long as we have the Whittling Chip, then we have nothing to worry about in the knife industry. “What is the Whittling Chip?” you non-Boy-Scout, “no Eagle Scout Badge here”-type folks might ask? It’s a badge earned in Cub Scouts at the “Bear” level, and/or as a Webelos scout.
‘A Cub Scout knife is an important tool. You can do many things with its blades. The cutting blade is the one you will use most of the time. With it you can make shavings and chips and carve all kinds of things.
You must be very careful when you whittle or carve. Take good care of your knife. Always remember that a knife is a tool, not a toy. Use it with care so that you don’t hurt yourself or ruin what you are carving.’
The requirements to earn the Whittling Chip card and patch are:
- Complete Bear Achievement 19, Shavings and Chips
- Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of a pocketknife.
- 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.
- Take the Pocketknife Pledge:
- 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.
Yes, as long as we have the Whittling Chip, all is well in the world of knives!
