Bear scouts and Webelos scouts may earn the privilege of carrying a pocketknife to Cub Scout functions. The objective of this award is to make scouts aware that:

'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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

The scout should sign and carry the Whittling Chip card whenever he has his pocketknife.

The Official BSA Whittling Chip for Cub Scouts and Webelos Scouts is a Wallet Card (No. 34223A) and/or Patch (08598). The patch is considered a 'temporary' patch and should only be displayed on the uniform sewn centered on the right pocket, or hung in a temporary patch holder from the pocket button. It does NOT get permanently sewn on a pocket flap even though it is shaped that way. You may want to check with your BSA council for local guidelines.