Making a Strop

• Keeping the knife sharp is essential to safe whittling and makes getting a clean cut much simpler. The bulk of sharpening is done on a whetstone, but a well-sharpened knife should stay that way unless dropped or damaged. Keeping a polished edge requires the use of a razor strop, or leather strap coated with sharpening compound. Cut a section from a leather belt. Wood-glue it to a wooden 5-gallon paint stir stick, polished side down, and let it dry. Trim the edges of the leather off around the stick. Dust the sharpening compound onto the leather and drag the blade along the leather at a slight angle for a razor-sharp edge.
  
  

Practicing

• Any stick will do for practicing basic whittling technique. Use the knife to strip the bark or sharpen the stick to a point usable for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. Hold the stick in one hand, preferably your non-dominant hand. Hold the knife, blade open and edge away from you, in the other. Position the blade on the stick below your hand and push the knife away, taking a thin slice with each stroke. Remove the bark completely, then sharpen one end to a perfect point, one small shave at a time.
  
  

Practical Projects

• Creating usable items is one way to practice your newfound whittling skills. Two practical items that are simple to whittle are a spoon and a signal whistle. Plans for either can be found on the website in the Resources section. The whistles are available in a kit, which is probably the best way to make your first whistle. For the spoon, simply choose a piece of wood wide enough for the bowl and long enough for the handle and bowl. Carve out the rounded bowl, then whittle down the handle until it is round and smooth.
  
  

Decorative Projects

• Many scouts enjoy making projects they can wear with their uniforms. One of the most common is a neckerchief slide. These can be cut to represent any of the Cub Scout mascots or some other symbol of scouting, such as an eagle. Choose a piece of wood thick enough to cut a hole through about 1/2 inch around. Drill the hole, with help, before carving the front of the slide into the design of your choice.