I’ve never found a Scout that didn’t want to reduce every stick in the campsite into a sharpened numb, making it look like beavers attacked the camp. However, there is a big difference between sharpening a stick and wood carving. It begins with the tools.

While a Scout can begin exploring wood carving with his Scout pocket knife, this type of knife is not appropriate for teaching wood carving. First they generally aren’t sharp enough and second, the blades are generally too long and not shaped correctly.

For my classes, I like to use carving knives and chisels similar to the pictures on the right.  Providing the Scouts with the proper tools to do the job will make teaching the badge safer and more enjoyable for both you and the Scout.  The tools don’t have to be expensive, they just have to be the right tools.

For beginning carvers, I like to start them out with a short fixed bladed carving knife, a carving chisel, a carving veener, and a carving gouge (each about 1/4”). A chip carving knife (pictured below the carving knife, is essential if the Scout also wants to explore chip carving.

The next tool that each Scout should have is a bench hook.  Properly used, a bench hook will ensure that the Scout is carving away from himself in most instances. When a bench hook is used in combination with a thumb guard and sharp tools, the risk of injury is greatly reduced.

It’s also important to give each Scout a well laid out work site. A picture of the work site layout, developed by Scott Miller of NCAC’s Aquia District, is pictured below. I’ve used it many times and with 2 adults, I can supervise as many as 12 Scouts at a time.

You’ll note that each Scout has a bench hook, tools, safety equipment, instructions, and access to shared sharpening equipment.

Merit Badge Worksheet

Carving Tips Handout