Pocket Knife Safety

Having your Whittling Chip is an earned privilege from the pack and having a pocket knife is an earned privilege from your parents. There are a few places (like a scout event) that its OK to have a pocketknife. There are lots of places that its never OK to have a pocketknife with you. If you want to have a pocketknife with you, always ask if its OK. 

DO: 

Keep the blades closed except when you are using them
Cut away from yourself. 

Keep your knife sharp and clean. A sharp blade is easier to control than a dull one; a clean blade will last longer. 

Close the blades before you pass a knife to someone else. 

DON'T 

Carry a knife with the blade open. 

Cut toward yourself. If the blade slips, you may be injured. 

Pound on a knife handle or blade with another tool. The knife may break.
Throw a knife. 

Pry with the point of a cutting blade. It can snap off. 

Put a knife in a fire. New knife blades are hardened, or tempered, with just the right amount of heat. Reheating them may ruin the temper and weaken the knife. 

Caring for your pocketknife

Most pocketknives are made of a strong steel alloy that won’t rust. However, dirt and lint can collect inside, and ordinary use will dull the blades.

Sharpening

Sharpen your knife with a whetstone or a knife sharpener. Whetstones require a certain amount of skill to get your knife sharp. A knife sharpener can quickly and properly sharpen your blade. The best knife sharpener is always the one that works best for you.

Remember the Pocket Knife Pledge

I will treat my pocketknife with the respect due a useful tool.
I will always close my pocketknife and put it away when not in use.
I will not use my pocketknife when it might injure someone near me.
I promise never to throw my pocketknife for any reason.
I will use my pocketknife in a safe manner at all times.