Pack 322 Knife Policy for Scouts
- a Bears and Webelos who have earned their Whittling Chip are allowed to carry knives.
- Younger scouts and those that have not earned their Whittling Chip are not allowed to carry knives.
- Parent approval to carry a knife is required.
- Scouts must carry their Whittling Chip whenever they have a knife in their possession.
- Scouts may only use their knife under the direct supervision of an adult leader (Cub Master, Den Leader, Asst. Den Leader, etc…). The leader must not be involved in any other activities while supervising.
- Minor infractions in knife safety will result in a corner being torn off the Whittling Chip by a Scout Leader. Once all 4 corners have been removed the knife will be confiscated and the Scout must re-earn the Whittling Chip. The Cubmaster must be notified if a corner has been removed.
- More significant infractions in knife safety will result in the Whittling Chip and knife being immediately confiscated and the scout will have to re-earn the Whittling Chip.
- Confiscated knives will be returned to the Scout’s parent(s).
- If a scout loses their whittling chip due to infractions they my re-earn it after 2 months with Cubmaster approval.
- If a scout misplaces their whittling chip, they must show proof of accomplishment*.
- Knives are allowed at booth indoor and outdoor activities such as hikes, campouts, Pack Meetings, and Den Meetings.
- Per BSA Policy the Whittling Chip patch is temporary insignia and is not to be worn on the pocket flap of the Class A Uniform.
Knife Hardware Rules (Scouts are required to follow these guidelines, Leaders and Adults are strongly encouraged to follow them)
- The knife must have a locking blade
- The knife must be carried in a knife pouch. The pouch should worn on the belt when possible.
- The knife must be legal.
- Fixed blade, sheath, and switchblade knives are not permitted. a. The only exception to this rule is fixed blade knives used for cooking.
- Knife blades must be no more than 4”in length. a. The only exception to this rule is knives used for cooking.
- Multi Tools are permitted so long as they have locking blades.
*Proof of accomplishment is at the discretion of the Den Leader and may include: the leader's clear memory of the scout earning the Chip or documented proof such as email, photo copy of the whittling chip, etc...