SECOND CLASS SCOUT

The teeth on saw blades are set-bent so that they cut two thin a grooves in the wood and then rake out the shavings in between. Even with the best care, the teeth will slowly lose their set and will bind in the wood. Bow saw blades are replaceable and are not very expensive. Take along a spare if you will have a lot of cutting to do.

AX

The ax has a long and colorful history in America's forests. Pioneers used axes to cut trails and roads through the wilderness. Settlers chopped down trees to make way for gardens and fields. With their axes, frontier craftsmen shaped boards and beams for buildings.

Today, axes can be used to split firewood, clear fallen trees from backcountry trails, and complete conservation projects on pathways and in campgrounds. As with all woods tools, using an ax safely requires practice and common sense.

Sale Tool

An ax must be in top condition. If the head is loose or the blade is dull. don't use it. Report an unsafe tool to your Scoutmaster and either help repair it or retire it from duty.