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Description

This activity resource is to be used in conjunction with MSF- KAS badge which is found in the core badge section

Resources

MSF- K.A.S badge has the full kit list

Badge Kit

The badge requires access to suitable and maintained:

* Bushcraft/fixed-blade knives
* Suitable folding or pocket knives
* Knife sheaths
* Hatchets/hand axes
* Axe masks
* Bow saws
* Folding saws
* Saw guards
* Cutting blocks
* Saw brakes
* Saw horses where required
* Wooden mauls/batons
* Suitable timber and wood samples
* Sharpening stones or appropriate sharpening equipment
* Stropping equipment where used
* First aid kit
* Suitable wound dressings
* Appropriate safety equipment
* Tool storage and issue system
* Suitable closed footwear and outdoor clothing

Suggested wood samples include oak, ash, beech, birch, hazel, sycamore, willow, pine, spruce, fir and larch.

Instructions

Follow all requirements in the badge


KAS KNIFE SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY

Badge 1 — Knife Skills

Name: ____________________________________
Date: _____________________________________

KNIFE = TOOL, NOT TOY

A knife is a useful tool for bushcraft, campcraft, carving and practical activities. It must always be treated with care and respect.

Only use a knife when you have been authorised to do so and follow the instructions of your KAS instructor.

⸻

THE 3 KAS SAFETY RULES

1. NEVER CUT TOWARDS YOURSELF OR ANOTHER PERSON

Keep the blade and your body under control. Position yourself so that if you slip or miss, the blade cannot cause injury.

2. ALWAYS THINK BEFORE YOU CUT

Ask yourself:

“If I slip or miss, what will I damage?”

Think about your body, hands, legs, other people and objects around you.

3. MAINTAIN YOUR BLOOD BUBBLE

Keep people outside your safe working area. Remember that the tool effectively extends your reach.

If someone enters your working area — STOP CUTTING.

⸻

SAFE KNIFE USE

* Keep a controlled grip on the knife.
* Keep the cutting edge away from yourself and others.
* Keep your supporting hand away from the blade.
* Use controlled movements rather than unnecessary force.
* Never run, jump or play while holding a knife.
* Never throw a knife.
* Never use a knife as a screwdriver, pry bar or digging tool.
* Use the right knife for the job.
* Follow the cutting technique taught by your instructor.

WHEN YOU ARE NOT USING IT

SHEATHED → SECURE → STORED

Keep the knife safely protected when it is not being used. Follow the instructor’s method for carrying, passing and putting down a knife.

When passing a knife, use the agreed safe method and make sure the other person has control before releasing it.

⸻

LOOK AFTER YOUR KNIFE

Keep your knife:

CLEAN • DRY • SHARP • PROTECTED

After use:

* Clean and dry the blade.
* Check the blade, handle and sheath for damage.
* Keep the cutting edge protected.
* Store the knife safely.
* Report damaged equipment to a leader.

A properly maintained sharp knife can be safer and more effective than a damaged or poorly maintained edge because less unnecessary force is required.

⸻

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

You are trusted to use KAS equipment while you continue to demonstrate safe and responsible behaviour.

STOP AND TELL A LEADER IF:

* You are unsure what to do.
* You cannot control the tool.
* You become tired, distracted or uncomfortable.
* Your knife becomes damaged.
* Someone enters your working area.
* Someone is behaving dangerously.
* Conditions become unsafe.
* Someone is injured.

If something goes wrong:

STOP → MAKE THE AREA SAFE → TELL THE LEADER

⸻

QUICK KNOWLEDGE CHECK

1. What are the three basic KAS safety rules?

a) _________________________________________________

b) _________________________________________________

c) _________________________________________________

2. What is the blood bubble and why is it important?

⸻

⸻

3. You are cutting and another Scout enters your working area. What do you do?

⸻

4. Name two things you should check before using a knife.

1. ___________________________ 2. ___________________________

5. Your knife becomes damaged while you are using it. What do you do?

⸻

6. You become tired or distracted while using your knife. What should you do?

⸻

7. Give three ways to care for your knife.

1. ___________________________

2. ___________________________

3. ___________________________

⸻

KAS RESPONSIBILITY PROMISE

I understand that a knife is a useful but potentially dangerous tool.

I will think before I cut, respect my working area, use my knife safely, look after equipment, stop when something becomes unsafe and ask a leader for help when I need it.

Scout signature: _______________________________

Instructor: ___________________________________

Knowledge check: ☐ Satisfactory ☐ Further discussion required

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

The practical demonstration is the main assessment of KAS competence.

The Scout must demonstrate safe handling, control, cutting technique, awareness of the danger zone and blood bubble, care of equipment and responsible behaviour.

Tags

• Axe
• axe and saw
• Knife

Badge Links

This activity doesn't complete any badge requirements