Adventist Youth Honors Answer Book/Camping/Knife safety

• Keep your blades sharp. A dull knife is difficult to push through wood, requiring additional force. When the wood finally gives, the blade keeps going.
• Always push the blade away from you, and constantly consider where the blade will go.
• Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
• When splitting wood with a knife, do not hammer on the back of the blade. This weakens the attachment to the handle and deforms the blade.
• Close a pocket knife when it's not in use or when you are carrying it.
• Keep all blades away from heat. Heat will remove the temper, softening the blade. A soft blade will not hold an edge, making it nearly impossible to keep it sharp.