Most Cub Scouts are very excited about the opportunity to own and carry a pocketknife. In some families a pocketknife may be a common tool to carry. In other cases this might be the first time the Cub Scouts and their families are learning about knife safety. It is important that each Scout understands a pocketknife is a tool and not a toy, and how to responsibly handle and use the pocketknife when they are around others.

• Understanding that carrying and using a pocketknife at approved Scouting activities is an honor to be given to those Scouts who demonstrate they are mature enough to live up to the responsibility that goes along with this tool

• Learning the different types of pocketknives and the appropriate times to use them

• Learning and following safety rules

• A Scout is trustworthy, obedient.

Complete the following requirements.

1. Learn about three common designs of pocketknives.

2. Learn knife safety and earn your Whittling Chip.

3. Do one of the following:

1. Using a pocketknife, carve two items.

2. With a pocketknife, safely perform each of these tasks:

1. Demonstrate how to Cut a piece of rope, twine, or fishing line;

2. Open a sealed box without damaging the contents;

3. Open a can with the can opener tool on a pocketknife;

4. Remove and replace the screws on an object with the screwdriver tool on a pocketknife;

5. Open a letter

*One of the items carved for Bear Claws requirement 3 may be used to fulfill Whittling Chip requirement 3.

Try to schedule this meeting for Schrock Park in Tuttle. If that is not an option, Check to see if there are any restrictions about using a pocketknife at your meeting location. With help from parents or other leaders in the pack, identify alternate meeting locations to meet these requirements. You may also find a local troop that is able to assist you with meeting locations and obtaining meeting supplies.

If desired, it is an option to invite a knife collector to assist you with the presentation of the material for Meeting 1. It might also be helpful to invite a few extra parents for the hands-on knife sharpening portion. 

See the Bear Handbook appendix for optional den meeting activities, including openings, gatherings, and closings.

These den meeting plans, when followed, will complete the requirements for the Bear Claws adventure. These plans allow for completing requirement 3A (carving two items). You may easily adjust the plans to complete requirement 3B during Meeting 2. If Cub Scouts are working on requirement 3A, you may want to plan on a third meeting to allow enough time for each den member to complete their carving at the meetings.