OAUSA net 7/27/23 & 8/17/23 - Edged Implements

[NotAMog]

Please check in -

John - KN6VL

Bruce - KD6GCO

[Geoff]

Please cut me in tonight.

[K9Nigel]

check in please KC6JGZ

[Diesel4x]

please check KF6KOC Randy & KF6RGR Becky in, thank you.

[lrsrngr]

KK6CTT for the online check-in please (07/27/23)

I am a fan of keeping a knife as sharp as possible and avoiding the problems found with rounding the bevel and having to reshape the bevel because I've let the blade go too long without preventive maintenance. This ensures the inevitable problems found trying to get the correct bevel back on the blade. Using the right tool for the job is also the road less traveled only out of necessity.

In camp a ceramic wand and a file are kept handy and for those nights sitting by the fire touch-ups are done while enjoying the end of day winddown. The wand is used on fine edges and kept in the camping utensil box. While a medium sized triangular or "three square file" is kept in the E-tool pouch with the USGI entrenching tool. A triangular file is well suited for touching up the E-tool and the pruning saw we take with us and there have been occasions where resetting the kerf of the saw has been necessary to keep the blade moving through material with less drag, more efficiently.

If you have little ones who are slowly progressing in their chores and fieldcraft skills around the campsite, in the outdoors; the safe use of edged implements should be a consideration. One of the best techniques for this is to use the Boy Scout Totin' Chip format, or a derivative, as a lesson plan. The training and the concepts for safe handling and use has been around for decades.

Cole (someone I don't know) earned his Eagle Scout back in 2014 and created a blog that provides insight into Scouting topics. The link below is a good place to visit and use for ideas that will provide a starting point with your children and those of others you will teach, coach and mentor.

2023 Cole Totin Chip.png (1.02 MiB) Viewed 2549 times

https://scoutsmarts.com/totin-chip-guide/

The Totin’ Chip certification grants a Scout the right to carry and use woods tools. The Scout must show their Scout leader, or someone designated by their leader, that the Scout understands their responsibility to do the following:

• Read and understand woods tools use and safety rules from the Scouts BSA handbooks.

• Demonstrate proper handling, care, and use of the pocket knife, ax, and saw.

• Use knife, ax, and saw as tools, not playthings.

• Respect all safety rules to protect others.

• Respect property. Cut living and dead trees only with permission and good reason.

• Subscribe to the Outdoor Code.

• The Scout’s “Totin’ Rights” can be taken away if they fail in their responsibility.

My nephew taking the written portion before the hands-on portion with a 70% pass/fail requirement and safe handling practical application to follow.

200624, Holcomb Valley TSO 16 640.JPG (88.94 KiB) Viewed 2519 times

Newly issued Totin' Chip Card where we enter into an agreement. He gets to carry and use edged implements when with me in an outdoor context. If he violates safety or proper use rules, I cut off a corner of his card and if he gets all four corners cut off, he loses his privileges. One incident may result in one or all corners being cut and retraining/retest required to recover lost privileges.

200624, Holcomb Valley TSO 640.jpg (111.32 KiB) Viewed 2519 times

[Jeff-OAUSA]

Please check me in. Thanks.

WD6USA

[kE6PLA]

Please check me in KE6PLA,73!

[ModernWarrior]

Checking in.....

I hope that everyone has been well. It's been a while.

[KI7NAI]

I still have my Totin' Chip, dated summer of '91.

IMG_2868.JPG (3.11 MiB) Viewed 2522 times

[DaveK]

BUMP FOR NET PREVIEW FOR 8/17/23.