Pocket Knife Safety
Pocket knives make versatile camping tools and are great for carving, whittling and making small repairs. But exercise proper caution when using these devices, which can be razor sharp. One wrong move can lead to an emergency room visit for stitches or something more serious.
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Safety Zone
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Safety zones always should be observed when using pocket knives, whether you are cutting twine, whittling wood or opening a can with a Swiss Army-style knife. The safe work area should be about 10 feet in diameter, with no one but you within that zone. While this may sound excessive, this creates a space buffer to ensure no one is near the blade, especially in the event a knife slips from your grasp.
One Blade at a Time
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Swiss Army-style or Boy Scout pocket knives contain multiple blades--including carving blades, small wood saws and can openers--that tempt you to open more than one blade at a time. This is the perfect way to cut, stab or puncture yourself. Open only one blade at a time, and always close all blades for storage or when passing the knife to another person.
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Safe Carving/Whittling
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When wood carving or whittling, always run the blade away from yourself and others. Never cut in the direction of flesh. Wood can be full of knots and makes for an unpredictable cutting surface. If the blade slips or glances and is heading toward you, bad things will happen. Use firm, deliberate cuts, but do not force the blade through the wood. Smaller, more controlled cuts are safer and more efficient than hacking, chopping or gouging.
Safe Sharpening
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Dull knives can be more dangerous than sharp ones because of the unpredictable cutting patterns dull knives can take. Properly sharpened knives tend to cut smoothly through the intended material. Dull knives can become hung up in the material or glance off, leading to eventual injury.
Whether using whetstones, which require lubrication with water; oil stones, which require lubrication with oil; or other sharpening devices, be sure to sharpen your knife away from your body.
For stone-type sharpeners, hold the blade at a 30-degree angle to the stone's surface and move the blade in small circular motions with the edge pointing away from your hand and body.
Be Prepared
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Regardless of how careful you are, accidents happen when using pocket knives. Always keep a first-aid kit nearby when using these cutting tools, and make sure you are familiar with the kit so you know how to properly use its contents.
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