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A pocketknife has a blade that folds up to provide safe handling. Opening and closing the pocketknife can be just as difficult and dangerous as using the knife itself. First, grip the pocketknife with your left hand, and place your right thumbnail in the groove at the rear of the blade. Holding the pocketknife tightly with your left hand, pull the blade out as far as possible, ensuring that it won't snap back into place. Now remove your thumbnail from the groove and hold the knife at the thick point of the blade. (This side of the blade is not sharp.) Pull the blade back until it locks in place.
Reverse this process to close the blade. Grip the base with your left hand, using your right hand to close it. Carefully hold the knife by the thick, dull side of the blade, and push it back down into the casing. -
Before you use a pocketknife, establish a "safety circle" around you so no one comes close enough to get hurt. The best way to do this is when the knife is closed. Hold it out at arm's length and spin around. If you haven't bumped anybody, your circle will provide enough room to work with the knife without putting anyone else in danger.
The safest way to carve is to always cut away from your body, and to hold the knife tightly with your whole hand. It's also important to use your writing hand (your dominant hand). -
Always close the pocketknife before you pass it to someone else. If you absolutely have to pass it open, there are steps to take to make sure it is passed safely.
The person passing the knife should hold it by the blade, with the cutting edge of the blade facing away from the hand. The person receiving the knife should take it by the handle. Passing a pocketknife this way gives the person holding the blade the most control. Once the person has taken the knife, it's best for her or him to say "Thank you, I have it," or simply "Thank you," to let the passer know the receiver now has control of the pocketknife.
