How to Whittle With a Swiss Army Knife

A Swiss Army Knife is suitable for whittling.

The Swiss Army Knife is carried by thousands of people the world over, and endorsed by the Boy Scouts of America; getting a Swiss Army Knife is sometimes considered a right of passage. Whittling is a very old art form and a soothing hobby. Swiss Army Knives usually contain numerous blades that are advantageous for whittling.

Things You'll Need

• Swiss Army Knife
• Whittling wood

Instructions

Opening the Blade

1. Insert your thumbnail into the divet of your Swiss Army Knife's blade.

2. Pull up on the knife blade to open it for use.

3. Open the blade all of the way. This will lock the blade in place for safer usage.

Using the Blade to Whittle

1. Hold the piece of wood in front of you. Hold the end you intend to whittle away from your body.

2. Hold the knife with the blade edge facing away from your body, down the edge of the wood.

3. Dig the sharp edge of the blade slightly into the wood.

4. Push the blade away from you and into the wood; allow the blade to cut through the wood. Remove a shaving from the piece of wood you are whittling.

5. Repeat this process until the piece of wood you are whittling takes on the shape you have chosen.

Closing the Blade of the Swiss Army Knife

1. Put the back of the knife blade on the flat of your palm.

2. Press against the knife blade until the hinge of the blade moves.

3. Close the knife blade completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a soft wood -- like pine or balsa -- for whittling.

References

• Whittling: Whittling as a Hobby
• Woodcarving Illustrated: Whittle a Flying Propeller