Knives: Over the last year, we have received several very good questions about a Scout's ability to carry and use knives at Scout functions, activities and camping trips. There also may be a misunderstanding of the Troop's rules for using these woods tools. The Scout Motto is to "Be Prepared" and as a Troop we have a strong process to help educate the boys on how to properly and safely use a knife, a hatchet and a saw. These are all very valuable tools to a young man during a camping trip. Three other very important tools to have in the outdoors is: knowledge, experience and safety. We must always match these tools for the benefit of our boys and the Troop. All parents and Scouts must remember, using these woods tools are a privilege, a privilege that must be earned over and over. A Scout's ability to use these woods tools is not a right. For the safety of the boys and the adults, the Troop has established a set of safety rules. We strongly encourage that parents and Scouts review these rules regularly. Here are the Troop rules for the use of these tools during a Scouting function:

• To use a knife, hatchet or saw, the Scout must complete a safety course conducted by a designated instructor, tested by the Troop's uniformed leaders and successfully earn the Totin' Chip
• The Totin' Chip must be current and in the Scout's possession to use these tools (Similar to carrying a driver's license it must be in their possession at the time of use, not at home or in the tent or car)
• The Scout will read aloud the safety rules and acknowledge he understands each one of the rules to the ScoutMaster when presented the Totin' Chip. He there is an item he is unsure of, the Uniformed leader will discuss it with the Scout until he understands
• If a Scout has earned the Totin' Chip, the Scout must also have permission from his parents/guardians to use any or all of these tools. The Totin' Chip states that he knows the rules of using these tools but the Parents/Guardians have the final word for use
• Scouts are only allowed to have proper pocketknives on camping trips and Scouting Activities, no sheath knives of any kind are permissible at any Scouting Activity or function
• Pocketknives must be a proper size for the age and size of the youth. The blade must not be longer than the width of the Scout's palm. As the Scout grows, the knife blade may also increase in length
• No Spring assisted opening blades, switch blades, butterfly knives or any other knives other than a regular pocketknife is permitted by the Troop regardless of what the Scout Camp or BSA sells or allows, if there is a question, it is most likely not allowed by the Troop
• A Scout may only use one knife at a time so only one knife per Scout is permitted on a camping trip. Scouts should not bring multiple knives. (This is not to be confused with a knife that has multiple blades)
• Scouts are not permitted to take their own hatchets or saws to a Troop or Council activity. The Troop will provide and maintain these tools to keep them safe and in good working order
• Scouts are not permitted to take or use any size ax at a Troop function. This includes "Boy" axes. The ability to use this tool safely requires a great deal of coordination, strength and practice.
• The unsafe use of any of these tools by the Scout or by someone around the Scout will result in a removal of one corner of the Totin' Chip for every infraction. The loss of three corners will also result in the loss of the Totin' Chip and the tool. In the case of a Pocketknife, the uniformed leader will confiscate the knife and return it to the parent/guardian to discuss the matter. All adults and older Scouts are permitted to act as Safety experts and remove a corner when appropriate
• The Scout has the opportunity to re-qualify for the Totin' Chip by successfully passing the full training course again with his parents/guardian's permission to do so.
• A more serious safety infraction will result in the immediate loss of the knife or tool, loss of the Totin' Chip and notification of the Scout's parents/guardians. Additional steps and actions by the Troop may also be considered by the Uniformed Leaders, in consultation with the Troop Committee Chairman and potentially the Charter Liaison and Council representative.

Our diligence for the safety of our son(s) is our first priority and these rules have helped our boys to learn and use these tools properly and safely. This has resulted in the a very enviable safely record for our boys. Your help in ensuring your son(s) know and understand these rules will help us continue this safe record. Please contact one of the Uniformed Leaders if you have any questions regarding these rules and responsibilities.