The Bear Cub Handbook or several Cub pack websites list important safety rules that boys should understand and follow to earn a whittling chip. "Safety first" is the number one requirement for being entrusted with a pocketknife. The Scouts allow only pocketknives with folding, preferably lockable blades. Switchblades and sheath knives are not permitted. For practice, the boys hold a dinner knife or closed blade pocketknife at arm's length and make a 360-degree turn to ensure that no one is inside their safety circle. If anyone enters their safety circle while they are working, they need to stop immediately and ask the other to step back. A knife safety quiz ensures that the boys are aware of the rules and understand the serious nature of using a knife due to the potential for injury to self and others with irresponsible use. Each Scout must pass as an individual before he continues.
Proper knife handling prevents injury to self or others. When passing a knife, it needs to be passed handle first, blade down, and wait for the receiver to say "thank you" to indicate he has a firm grip on the knife before letting go. Den leaders can set up a knife passing simulation with a lipstick smeared plastic knife. Any lipstick smears are evidence of improper handling potential injury. Practice until they can pass the knife completely around the circle without any simulated "injury." The same exercise with a pocketknife gives boys a chance to make sure to close the knife before passing it along.
Using a knife to make a useful or decorative object is the end goal of earning a whittling chip and the one that most captures the boys' interest. The boys should learn to always cut away from themselves and keep their other fingers out of the path of the blade. Soap or soft wax and a dinner knife allow the boys to practice making a series of short, small strokes to achieve the desired shape. When a Scout gets the hang of that, he can use a pocketknife to whittle a stick to a point for a marshmallow roast. Soft balsa wood is easy for beginning whittlers to carve. A simple design gives the best chance for success on the first project. Allow several den meetings to work on the whittling project or let the boys do it for homework so they have plenty of time to do their best. If the project is small enough, you can turn it into a tie slide.
Knowing how to properly care for the knife is just as important as proper use. Dull, dirty knives are more dangerous than sharp, clean ones. A simple design lets the boys make their own sharpening stones by fastening a sheet of rough grit sandpaper over a wood block. An adult should demonstrate how to angle the knife blade and sharpen both sides for a symmetrical sharp edge before letting the boys practice their knife sharpening skills. Anytime the scouts work with their knives in a den meeting or outing, begin and end their project time with carefully inspecting and wiping away any dirt, debris or moisture on the blade.