Cub Scouts learning about knives

TX_planes

TX_planes

Joined
Jan 30, 2014
Messages
735
Our cub scout den began working on their Shavings and Chips requirement, this week. I brought in a range of types and styles of knives. We discussed terminology, handling, sharpening and maintenance. This was the first time that most had handled a pocket knife. We will be doing the actual carving this next weekend on our campout. I really enjoyed helping the scouts learn about knives.

My favorite quote of the night was. A cub scout asked "Are those knives sharp?" I said " Well, let's see". The parents were intently watching. I took a knife and cleanly sliced a sheet of paper is one fell swoop. Their eyes almost popped out of the their heads. The parents all gasped. I said "Yep, they are sharp so be careful".

If you look carefully, you can see my old Boy Scout knife.

Any way, I thought some of you might enjoy this story or perhaps find it a pleasant flash back to your own experiences.

 
Last edited:
Very nice, I am the Den leader for my son's den and I'm am anxiously waiting for this requirement to come up. I like that you took the time to go over terminology.
 
Wonderful. I remember getting my totin' chip when I was a tenderfoot. Still have my SAK somewhere. Made it to Eagle and have kept up with my Scout Leaders in the 20 years since.
 
Outstanding.

When my boys were in Cub Scouts I was the leader in charge of Whittling Chip instruction. Once they made it to Boy Scouts that group of Cub Scouts had no problems earning their Totin' Chip.

Well all except one, there's always One..
 
I've been a scout leader for Boy Scouts for about 10 years now.

I usually try and spend a bit of time with the boys showing them how to sharpen. Safe handling etc.

Just this weekend, we were out camping in the rain, and I was showing them how to make fuzz sticks to get a fire lit. We got it done. Though one younger boy managed to cut him self a little with one of my Opinel's.
 
Last edited:
Sharpening is an important skill. Dull knives are more likely to cause an injury than sharp knives....I learned that the hard way. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work with the scouts. :thumbup::)
 
TX_planes said:
Our cub scout den began working on their Shavings and Chips requirement, this week. I brought in a range of types and styles of knives
Click to expand...

Very cool! :thumbup:

TX_planes said:
This was the first time that most had handled a pocket knife. ... The parents all gasped.
Click to expand...

I gotta admit, I find this pretty depressing. :confused: What do those kids' dads teach them, how to play XBox?

I've spent plenty of time with each of my kids, teaching them how to safely handle a knife and letting them carve on a stick under my direct supervision. It's just been something we do, whether on a day hike, on a trip, or just hanging out in the park or on our patio. The idea of making one of their first knives (our oldest two -- 11 and 9 -- own knives) one of those stubby-bladed "training wheels" models just seemed ludicrous. A kid should know how to safely use a knife before owning one.

-- Mark
 
I have told this before...I fondly remember as a den leader working with my boys on their whittlin' chip. I had grabbed up some used-not-abused old school cub scout knives off the bay, and had the boys work with them as they learned knife safety, soap carving, etc. At the end, I let the boys keep the knives they were using (with parents permission, of course).

I hope they have kept those knives. Fun times! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
 
As someone who just made eagle 3 years ago, I must say that I really do appreciate the guys like you all out there. My dad taught me when I was young, and from the age of about 6 when he bought me a Schrade Old Timer I've had a knife in my pocket any time I can.

Trust me when I say that having good instructors in scouts made a huge difference in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Thanks again.
 
I remember my son getting his whittling chip. It was a long time ago, but he continued with Scouts till he got his Eagle Award. I had a nice knife with ivory scales and decided he had earned the recognition. I Linda K. Stone do the scrim on both sides and then I made a presentation box for it. He has it in his bedroom and we are still proud of him today. I think Scouting is one of the least recognized forms teaching kids respect, discipline, and responsibility there is. I am proud to have been associated with our Troop in NE GA.eagle_scout 02.jpg
 
chrispy513 said:
As someone who just made eagle 3 years ago, I must say that I really do appreciate the guys like you all out there. My dad taught me when I was young, and from the age of about 6 when he bought me a Schrade Old Timer I've had a knife in my pocket any time I can.

Trust me when I say that having good instructors in scouts made a huge difference in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Chrispy, congratulations on achieving Eagle.

Everyone, thank you for sharing your stories and you encouragement. They are much appreciated.

Curtis
 
I'll second Chrispy513. I firmly believe that the leaders that gave their personal time to guide, teach, and mentor me from Tiger Cubs through the rank of Eagle with two palms left an everlasting impression. Heck I still have a very close relationship with my Boy Scout Master. I hope that I can honor you all, and those before me, when I step up and pass it on as a leader when my two sons become active. To all those that gave time and energy to BSA, I thank you for your efforts.
Now, speaking from experience, and the loss of a corner of my Totem Chip Badge, remind the scouts that fingers don't take kindly to slip joint knives when plunging directly into a whittling project, especially once you get slightly over center.....;)
 
Thank you for spending time with these kids.

I find it incredible that this was the first time using a pocketknife for most of these kids. Where are there fathers, grandfathers, and uncles? My nephew started scouting this year (he's a Webelo). I can proudly say that he cut himself for the first time a couple of years ago, when he was seven. Nothing serious, just a small kiss from closing the blade, but an unforgettable lesson on the importance of knowing where the edge is at all times.

- Christian
 
We did that last night. I am an assistant den leader. The den leader last night was going over sharpening. He brought a kitchen sharpener and a file. At this point he said the book says you can use a leather strop but no one does that anymore. When he noticed I was sitting there with my hand up he asked if I wanted to add something. I informed him that I used a strop, and just so happened to have one with me. So I demonstrated. I figured I needed to be prepared when he let us know he had borrowed his sons knife since he didn't own one. :(. Funny thing is most of the 8yos already own pocket knives.
 
TX, thank you for taking the time to teach these hope off the next generation about knives. Too many kids are growing up with no background or knowledge of these things. We have lost the knife culture in this country, from when I was a kid and all men who had pants on had a pocketknife of some kind on him. We're in too much danger of loosing that culture as well as our gun culture and outdoors in general. Less and less people now carry any kind of knife, and when they do, sometimes they do more harm than good. At least in scouting, the kids will learn the right stuff.

Good for you!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Well done. Such places and people such as you are probably the only exposure to knives as real tools and companions these kids will get these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top