Whittling Chip Retired

In 2024, the Cub Scout program is making some big changes to how we teach knife safety. Instead of the old Whittling Chip program, Scouts will now complete new Adventures that focus on knife safety. These Adventures are different for each rank, so Scouts learn what they need to know at their age level.

The old Whittling Chip program was usually done during the Bear year. Once a Scout earned it, they could carry and use a pocketknife. But with the new program, knife safety isn’t a one-time lesson. Scouts will need to complete a knife safety Adventure at every rank. This means they will review and learn new skills every year.

For example, Bear Cub Scouts will do the “Whittling” Adventure to learn about pocketknife safety. When they become Webelos, they’ll do “Chef’s Knife,” which is all about kitchen knives. Arrow of Light Scouts will do an Adventure called “Knife Safety,” where they learn about both pocketknives and kitchen knives. This new system helps Scouts build their skills step by step.

This ongoing learning is a good change. Knife safety is an important skill, and it’s easy to forget the rules if you don’t practice them. By learning and reviewing knife safety at every rank, Scouts will be ready to use knives responsibly and safely. It’s all about keeping our Scouts safe while they grow and learn.

The new Cub Scout program has added three Adventures to teach knife safety. Each one is designed for a specific rank. These Adventures help Scouts learn the right skills at the right time. It’s a simple and smart way to teach something important.

For 3rd-grade Bear Cub Scouts, there’s an Adventure called “Whittling.” This one focuses on pocketknife safety. Scouts will learn how to open, close, and use a pocketknife the right way. They’ll also practice carving safely. It’s similar to the old Bear Claws Adventure but updated to fit into the new program.

When Scouts move up to 4th-grade Webelos, they’ll work on an Adventure called “Chef’s Knife.” This Adventure is all about kitchen knife safety. Scouts will learn how to use knives for cooking. They’ll practice cutting food and learn to stay safe while helping in the kitchen. This helps them see knives as useful tools, not toys.

Finally, 5th-grade Arrow of Light Scouts will complete an Adventure called “Knife Safety.” This one combines pocketknife and kitchen knife skills. Scouts will review what they learned earlier and take it to the next level. By the time they finish, they’ll be ready to handle knives safely in many situations.

These Adventures make a lot of sense. Each rank focuses on skills that fit the Scouts’ age and abilities. By spreading the learning out, Scouts can build confidence and stay safe as they grow. It’s a great way to teach a skill they will use for the rest of their lives.

When Cub Scouts complete the Arrow of Light rank, they are ready to cross over to Scouts BSA. This is an exciting step. Scouts leave behind Cub Scouting and start learning new skills in a more advanced program. Knife safety is one of the areas they will continue to build on.

In Scouts BSA, knife safety is part of the Totin’ Chip certification. Totin’ Chip doesn’t just cover knives. Scouts also learn how to safely use axes and saws. This training helps Scouts be ready for more outdoor adventures, where these tools are often used.

To earn the Totin’ Chip, Scouts review safety rules and practice using knives, axes, and saws under the guidance of a leader. They learn how to care for the tools, use them properly, and store them safely. This is more advanced than what they learned in Cub Scouts, but it builds on the same basic principles.

By completing the Totin’ Chip, Scouts show they are responsible and ready to use these tools. It’s not just about following rules—it’s about being trusted to handle tools safely. The Totin’ Chip helps Scouts gain confidence and prepares them for bigger outdoor adventures as they continue their Scouting journey.

The old Whittling Chip program was a big part of Cub Scouting for many years. It taught Scouts how to safely use a pocketknife. Once they earned it, they were allowed to carry and use a knife during Cub Scout activities. For many Scouts, earning the Whittling Chip was an exciting milestone.

To earn the Whittling Chip, Scouts had to complete a few key requirements. They learned knife safety rules, practiced how to care for and use a pocketknife, and made a small carving. They also had to promise to follow the “Pocketknife Pledge,” which included rules like closing the knife when not in use and never throwing it. These steps taught Scouts the basics of using a pocketknife responsibly.

The new program replaces the Whittling Chip with Adventures that are specific to each rank. This change means Scouts will learn and review knife safety at every grade level, instead of just once. They’ll also get to work with different types of knives, like kitchen knives in Webelos and Arrow of Light. This new system spreads the learning out over time and helps Scouts build more skills as they grow.

I think the new program is better because it focuses on ongoing education. Learning knife safety at every rank helps Scouts remember the rules and practice them regularly. It also introduces age-appropriate skills, so Scouts are ready for the next step. The old Whittling Chip program was good, but the new Adventures give Scouts more opportunities to learn and stay safe.

Knife safety is a very important skill for Scouts to learn. Knowing how to handle a knife safely is not just about Scouting. It’s a life skill that Scouts can use at home, in the kitchen, and outdoors. Teaching knife safety helps Scouts understand that knives are tools, not toys.

The new program does a great job of promoting responsibility. By teaching knife safety at each rank, Scouts learn to respect knives and use them with care. They also learn to take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. This is a big part of what Scouting is all about—teaching life skills and responsibility.

The updated program also makes learning knife safety easier. By spreading the lessons across several years, Scouts can build their skills step by step. Younger Scouts focus on simple tasks, like learning to open and close a pocketknife safely. Older Scouts learn more advanced skills, like using a kitchen knife. This age-appropriate approach helps Scouts grow in confidence and ability.

Continuous learning is key. Knife safety isn’t something you learn once and then forget. By reviewing and practicing at each rank, Scouts stay sharp on the rules and skills they need. This ongoing training makes them more prepared and confident when they use knives. It’s a great way to teach a skill that will stay with them for life.

Make a Fake Pocket Knife for Safety Demonstrations

Using a fake pocketknife made from cardboard is a helpful way to teach Cub Scouts about knife safety. Before handling real knives, Scouts can practice opening, closing, and pretend carving with these models. Applying lipstick to the cardboard blade leaves marks if they touch it, showing where “cuts” might occur. This hands-on method engages Scouts and reinforces safety rules.

Creating these fake knives is simple. Cut out a handle and blade from cardboard, punch holes, and attach them with a brad so the blade can move. This activity was often used for Whittling Chip, but also works for the newer adventures.

Bear Claws Adventure: Bear Claws was one of the Bear required adventures before 2024. For this adventure, Bears learned how to use their pocketknives safely and carve a couple of items. This is when most Cub Scouts earned their Whittling Chip.

Whittling Chip Card Corners: Some leaders used to cut the corners from a Whittling Chip card when the owner committed a safety infraction, although this was not a BSA policy.

Welcome to Cub Scouts

Why is knife safety taught every year in the new program?

Knife safety is an important skill, and reviewing it every year helps Scouts remember the rules. It also gives them age-appropriate skills as they grow, so they are ready for more responsibility.

What happened to the Whittling Chip?

The Whittling Chip has been replaced by new Adventures that teach knife safety for each rank. Scouts now learn and practice knife safety every year instead of just once.

Do Scouts still earn a Whittling Chip card?

No, Scouts don’t earn a Whittling Chip card anymore. Instead, they complete the knife safety Adventure for their rank, which focuses on the skills they need at that age.

What types of knives will Scouts learn to use?

In Bears, Scouts learn about pocketknives. Webelos focus on kitchen knives, and Arrow of Light Scouts learn about both pocketknives and kitchen knives.

Do Scouts still make carvings with a pocketknife?

Yes, Bear Scouts will still practice carving as part of the “Whittling” Adventure. This helps them learn how to use a pocketknife safely and carefully.

What happens after Cub Scouts finish the Arrow of Light rank?

When Scouts cross over to Scouts BSA, they work on earning the Totin’ Chip. This training includes knife safety, as well as learning to use axes and saws safely.

Why is knife safety taught as a separate skill?

Knives can be dangerous if not used properly. Teaching knife safety helps Scouts learn to use knives as tools and teaches them to respect the responsibility of handling sharp objects.

Can Scouts still wear the Whittling Chip patch?

No, the Whittling Chip patch is no longer part of the program. Instead, Scouts will focus on completing the new Adventures for their rank.

The changes to the Cub Scout knife safety program are a big step forward. Teaching knife safety at every rank helps Scouts learn and grow in a way that fits their age. Instead of a one-time lesson, Scouts now get to practice and review these skills every year. This makes them safer and more confident.

The new Adventures are designed to make learning knife safety fun and practical. From carving with pocketknives as Bears to learning kitchen skills as Webelos, Scouts are building tools for life. By the time they reach the Arrow of Light rank, they have a strong foundation in knife safety.

When Scouts move on to Scouts BSA, they take what they’ve learned even further with the Totin’ Chip. They’ll learn to handle more tools, like axes and saws, and take on new challenges. It’s all part of the Scouting journey, where responsibility and skills grow year by year.

Knife safety is about more than just rules. It’s about respect—for tools, for others, and for yourself. These updates help make sure Scouts are ready to use knives safely and responsibly, both in Scouting and in life. It’s a simple idea that makes a big difference.