We take the ownership and handling of knifes very seriously. We therefore have a strict code of conduct we adhere to with regards to knifes.

Knife Policy Rules

Oure knife rules are as follows:

• No Scout is allowed to bring a knife to any Scout related event UNLESS permission has been explicitly given by the Scout Leader or Assistant Scout Leader (NOTE: the young Leaders are not permitted to give this permission)
• At event where Scouts are allowed to bring knifes they will hand all knifes in to the Scout Leader to be locked in the 'Bank' scout may then ask for their knifes as and when they wish to use them.
• Knifes are NOT allowed in the sleeping tents.
• Knifes are to only be used in the designated areas (typically around the campfire, in the kitchen/mess tent, in the axe area, or at the location of an activity that warrants the use of a knife, for example at the site where the Scouts are building a bivouac).
• Scouts are only allowed to carry their knifes to/from these areas and use them unsupervised within these areas if they have a 'Witling Chip'.
• Once a Scout has earnt their Witling Chip they agree to abide by the knifes owners rules written on the back. If they are seen to break a rule, one corner of the Witling Chip will be cut off, once all four corners are gone, they have to resit the Knife usage test again before they can use their knife unsupervised.

Witling Chip

Scout acquire the Witling Chip by passing the Knife safety & usage test. this test involves the Scout demonstrating toone of the Scout Leaders that they understand the Knife Safety rules and that they are able to whitle a piece of wood safely. Typically this involves making a woggle from a tree branch.

Knife Safety Rules

The knife safety rules are as follows:

• I understand the reason for safety rules.                                                       
  I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.                                                       
  I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when I am not using it.                                                       
  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.

Recommended Knifes

All knifes must comply with UK law.

There are three types of knifes we accept, penknifes, lock knifes and bowie knifes. Bowie knifes MUST have a sheath and be stored in the sheath when not in use. Bowie knifes MUST on have a sharpened edge on one side and havea blade less than 7 inch's long. Lock knifes MUST have a strong well made lock. We recommend that the only knifes purchased are procured form a reputable source and manufacturer. Victorinox for example make high quality knifes at a reasonable price. A knife like the Huntsman would be ideal for a Scout. Any knife with a blade and a saw would be acceptable.