Message to Parents Know Your Knife

Your children will encounter knives throughout Your “first knife” is more than just a sharp blade with
their lives. We feel that they should be taught the safe a handle to hold on to. Your new knife may include
use of these tools as early as possible. We encourage various other tools such as a screwdriver, file, or other
you to read this information and to help teach your specialized tools. You will use the cutting blade more
son or daughter about knife safety and care. often than the other tools, so let’s talk about that first.
When not being used, the blade should always be
It’s important that your children understand that a
secured safely inside the handle. This not only prevents
knife can be dangerous if not properly treated or used
accidents, it keeps the edge from becoming nicked and
carefully. Begin by showing your child safe knife use in
dulled.
the kitchen. Teach them how to sharpen a knife, cut
The blade is made from a high quality alloy steel.
properly, store the knifes carefully, and respect knives as
This steel is formulated to be strong, to hold its edge
tools.
well, and to retain its bright, shiny finish with proper
We believe it’s important that each child know that: maintenance.
1) Knives are tools, not toys. Your knife may also include accessory tools in the
2) Sharp knives are safe tools, dull knives are handle. These tools can be very helpful while at home
dangerous. or in the field. Many scout knives include files, a screw-
3) The sharp edge and point of the blade should always driver, scissors, tweezers, and other tools.
point away, never toward them or anyone else.
Your “first knife” can give many years of safe and
4) Knives have acceptable uses, but do not take knives trouble-free service. Like all tools, it must be main-
where they are forbidden (schools).
tained by cleaning, oiling, and sharpening from time
The American Knife and Tool Institute
to time.

Introduction Safety
Congratulations on owning your first knife. With A knife can be a dangerous tool when not used prop-
it comes a feeling of pride in being considered mature erly.
enough to own and carry a knife. That ownership also As strange as it sounds, a dull knife is far more dan-
brings with it a responsibility to use it safely and gerous than one that is kept sharp. Little “slips” can
properly. cause big gashes. The more pressure behind a slip, the
Like a hammer or saw, your new knife is a tool with greater the chance of being hurt.
which to do work. It will require regular care, a knowl- Remember that a knife blade is used for slicing. If
edge of what it can do (and cannot do) and an under- it’s sharp, it will cut more efficiently and cleanly. It
standing of its proper use. doesn’t matter whether you are cleaning a fish, cutting
Read this manual very carefully. It offers valuable a string, or just whittling a stick—a sharp knife will do
advice and tips on how to get the most from your knife the job best and safest.
for many years to come.
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 A sharp knife allows the user to work more relaxed ■ Always ask yourself, “If the knife accidentally slips,
and with effortless movements of the hands, wrists, where will it go?” If the answer is “into my hand or
and arms. Dull blades make the muscles more tense part of my body,” then change your position.
and opens the door for accidents.
Remember, the best way to prevent nearly all accidents
Another important rule to remember at all times is
that occur when using knives is to use common sense.
never pull the blade towards you. If your blade slips
while you’re cutting a rope or carving a piece of wood
it may not stop until it strikes your hand or body.
Maintenance
Here are some other tips that will make handling As with any good equipment, you’ll get the best serv-
your knife safer ice from your “first knife” if it’s kept in good shape.
.
Remove all water and dry thoroughly if the knife
■ Learn how to safely open and close your knife. Be
gets wet. Use light oil to cover the blade and hinged
sure your fingers are away from the edge and also the
parts. Wipe off all excess oil.
edge of the space the blade closes into. Practice
Whenever the knife is not going to be used for a
opening and closing your knife so you feel comfort-
long period of time, make sure that the blades and
able knowing how it works and feels.
working parts have a protective covering of oil. This
■ Never throw your knife. The blade is strong, but is will keep it from rusting.
not made for this purpose. The impact may cause it
to break, but more importantly, it may glance off the Sharpening
target and hit someone else or bounce back at you.
It is a simple task to keep the blade sharp. You may use
■ Don’t carry your knife with the blade open or out of a good sharpening stone or any one of the commer-
the sheath. Whenever a pocket knife is not being cially available sharpening systems. For the best results
used it should be folded into the handle. An open and safety, follow the directions for whatever system
knife can cause serious injury. you choose.

■ Never run or attempt to climb trees with an open Sharpening is not a difficult process. If you attend
knife. to it regularly, only a few strokes will be needed to
keep it sharp.
■ If the blade of your knife does not lock in the open
position, never put pressure on the blade in a direc- Always sharpen your knife away from your body.
tion that might cause it to close on your fingers.

■ Never use your knife as a hammer, or to pound with

Blade 1.) Hold the blade at a
it. 10˚ to 15˚ 10-15% angle.
Maintain that angle
■ Never “chop” or strike objects to cut them. Besides while sharpening.
Sharpening Stone
the possibility that the knife can deflect off the
object, it may also chip off pieces of whatever is
being cut and damage an eye.
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 2.) Push the knife
in the direction
of the edge.

3.)Turn the knife around

to the other side of
the edge. Push the
opposite direction,in
the direction of the
edge again.

When sharpening on a sharpening stone, some steel on

both sides of the blade must be removed at a precise
angle. Stroking the blade over the stone at a 10 - 15°
angle slowly removes the metal. The metal is actually
scraped from the blade making it sharper with each
stroke as you push it across the stone, as if you’re Organizations
attempting to cut a thin slice from the stone’s surface.
The following organizations can help you locate peo-
ple in your area who would be helpful in organizing a
Parts of a knife program on knifemaking, knife safety, or general knife
The number of parts of a knife will vary. Typically information for your group.
a traditionally made pocket knife has over 20 parts,
AKTI American Knife and Tool Institute
while a rigid or fixed blade has fewer. PO Box 68
Never attempt to take apart your knife, as doing so Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: 319-752-8770
will leave you with an unsafe knife that will no longer
Fax: 319-752-6114
be warrantied by most manufacturers. Website: www.akti.org
The Knifemakers Guild
13950 NE 20th Street
Williston, FL 32696
Phone and fax: 352-528-6124
Website: www.kmg.org
The American Bladesmith Society
Box 977
Peralta, NM
Phone: 505-869-3912
Website: www.americanbladesmith.com

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 Conservation get involved in projects run by a DU chapter near you.
To find out more, write
We are living in the age of the environment. Never
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
before have so many people been concerned about the One Waterfowl Way
well-being of our planet. Memphis, TN 38120
“But what can I do?” you may ask. Website: www.ducks.org
The best way to become involved is to become part
Another organization that buys valuable habitat for the
of a community program to help the environment.
preservation of plants and wildlife is The Nature
Here are a few programs that may already be going on
Conservancy. This group operates over 1,000 nature
in your area. Or, you may want to investigate joining a
sanctuaries scattered across the country.
scout troop, school outdoor club, sportsman’s club, or
For information write
public conservation organization that’s already
involved in outdoor activities. The Nature Conservancy
The U.S. Forest Service is now involved in a “Keep Suite 800 N Kent Street
Arlington, VA 22209
America Beautiful” program in which 30 million trees
Website: www.tnc.org
will be planted each year in nearly 40,000 communi-
ties across the nation. In years past, only one urban or Perhaps the biggest contribution now is to prepare
suburban tree has been planted for every four that die yourself for making a difference in Earth’s future. A
or are cut down. For information write to good start is to learn all you can about ecology and
conservation. If your teacher allows you to choose your
America the Beautiful
U.S. Forest Service own subjects for essays and term papers, pick an envi-
PO Box 96090 ronmental topic. Do the same in your science classes,
Washington, D.C. 20090-6090 especially biology courses where you’ll learn about
Website: www.fs.fed.gov wildlife and its habitat needs.
Saving habitat is another important goal of many Many other organizations are involved in environ-
organizations. mental work every day. They provide information to
Ducks Unlimited (often simply nicknamed DU) is citizens who want to learn more about their programs.
dedicated to providing habitat for ducks, geese, song- Here are a few to which you may want to write for
birds, muskrats, and other wildlife that live in or near information.
water. Over the years, millions of acres of wetlands The Izaak Walton League
have been drained for development. DU is a conserva- 1401 Wilson Boulevard, Level B
tion organization to stop that trend. DU manages wet- Arlington, VA 22209
Website: www.iwla.org
lands in the prairie pothole area in the U.S. and
Canada where most of the waterfowl do their nesting. is concerned with air and water quality, protection of
Money is raised in cities, towns, and communities by wetlands and public lands, fish and wildlife habitat
hundreds of local DU chapters. management, and outdoor recreation.
You may be able to help with fund-raising efforts or
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 The Future Fisherman Foundation The future of our environment is in your hands.
One Berkely Drive
Spirit Lake, IA 51360
Website: www.asafishing.org
Outdoor Ethics
Someone once described outdoor ethics as “outdoor
promotes participation in and education about fishing
manners.”
and conserving our water resources.
The way you act and what you do outdoors
Each state also has its own game and fish agency. They shouldn’t be any different from the way you behave at
supply information on such topics as endangered home. You surely wouldn’t throw a soda bottle or a
species, and wildlife and fish management programs candy wrapper in the corner of your living room and
that you can become involved in. leave it there.
Of course, there are many things you can do with- And you wouldn’t carve out your initials on your
out writing to anyone or getting involved in a project. father’s walnut desk. But sometimes people don’t seem
For example, if you camp out, remember to pack to carry their “manners” with them when they camp,
all your trash with you when you leave. If you see litter hike, hunt, fish, or bird watch.
that someone else has left behind, pack it out too. For example, it’s sometimes a big temptation to
Many communities have recycling programs for carve your name or “draw” a picture in the trunk of a
paper, cans, and glass. These materials can be used smooth-barked tree. While the bark may heal in time,
again or made into new items and save landfill and there is a chance that you may be opening a wound for
dump space. infection.
Often recycling is voluntary and materials must be
In addition, defacing a tree is a form of vandalism that
taken to a recycling center. Check with your city or
destroys the beauty of nature. Save carving for chunks
community government to see if there’s a program in
of wood and soap.
your area. If so, participate. You may even earn a bit of
Of course, outdoor ethics also means obeying game
spending money by collecting and recycling aluminum
and fish laws, caring for hiking trails, leaving clean
cans.
campsites, respecting nature—and much more.
Another source of information for learning what
Today millions of people enjoy some sort of out-
you can do to benefit the environment is the National
door recreation. More than 140 million people take
Wildlife Federation. This organization is concerned
part in outdoor activities that involve fish and wildlife.
with all aspects of the outdoors—from wildlife to clean
If each person watches his or her “outdoor manners”
air. The federation’s “Make a Difference” program cov-
it will not only create a cleaner outdoor environment, but
ers all aspects of environment and conservation. Write
a more pleasant one as well.
Make a Difference
National Wildlife Federation Fishing and Camping Tips
Washington, D.C. 20036
Website: www.nwf.org Here are some tips to help you enjoy your outdoor fun.
Remember, you can make a difference.
■ You can count on catching small panfish like

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 bluegills, pumpkinseeds, and sunfish on any camp- won’t catch fire as quickly.
ing trip. Just because they’re small doesn’t mean they
■ Going on a hike? Cut the center from a large apple
can’t make a meal.
and fill it with peanut butter. You may want to add
The fish can be deep fried after removing the
raisins or nuts, too. Wrap it in foil or cellophane
entrails and cutting off the head and tail. It’s difficult
and it will make a tasty snack for whenever you get
to skin small fish and there’s no reason to do it. The
hungry.
skin holds the flesh together during frying and can
be eaten. But you don’t want to eat the scales. Before ■ Before building a campfire, take the time to build a
cutting off the head and tail, press the fish against a fire ring. Clear a 3-foot wide space down to bare soil
board, hold its tail and scrape forward (against the by removing all rocks, twigs, and leaves. Then sur-
scales) with the back (dull side) of your knife blade. round the ring with rocks to prevent the flames from
The scales will fly off, leaving only the smooth spreading or the heat from becoming too intense
skin. Now you’re ready for some good-eating camp along its edge. When you leave make sure the fire is
fingerfood. out. You may not see a flame but a fire can burn for
It’s also good to know that biologists say that many hours in the decayed material under the soil.
small panfish should be kept and used. If a pond or Stir the embers, add water, and place the rocks back
lake becomes overpopulated with them, they where you found them. Leave no sign that you were
become stunted because there isn’t enough food to there.
go around. Anglers can keep their numbers at a level
■ Matches won’t help you start a fire if they’re wet.
which their pond or lake habitat can support.
Break several wooden matches in half and store them
■ A good way to attract fish is to “chum” for them. in a plastic 35mm film container until they’re needed.
Poke holes in a small can of catfood, put the can in
■ If the zipper on your jacket or sleeping bag sticks, rub
a net bag (like the sack in which onions are sold), tie
the track with a piece of candle wax. You can also use
a string to it and throw it in the water. It won’t be
a lead pencil which contains graphite, a dry lubricant.
long before the scent is distributed and fish will
come searching for the food—and your bait. ■ When you cook over an open fire, first rub the bot-
toms of the pots and pans with soap. After dinner
■ If a fish has swallowed your hook and you want to
the soot will wash off easily.
release it, don’t try pulling the hook out. Cut the line
near the mouth and set the fish free. In a few days ■ “Leaves of three, let them be” is good advice for any-
the fish’s digestive system will dissolve the hook. one walking in the woods. Poison Ivy always has
leaves growing in clusters of three. The vine grows
■ Sitting around the campfire is a perfect time for
up trees and clusters of poison ivy often grow as
roasting hot dogs or marshmallows on a stick.
dense as the tree leaves themselves, especially in the
Problem is, the stick often catches fire. To prevent
lower parts of the tree. Many people who get the
this, collect green (live) stick from shrubs and bush-
itchy irritation have no idea when or where they
es, then soak them in water for a few hours. They
touched the poison ivy. If you think you’ve come in
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 contact with it, wash your skin with soap and warm
water as soon as possible. ■ Fishing line will wear out quickly if your rod guides are
badly worn. To check their condition, use either a
■ Inexpensive baking soda isn’t as popular as it used to
piece of nylon stocking or a cotton cue tip. If there is
be but it’s still a handy item to have on your outdoor
any resistance when either is rubbed inside the guide,
travels. Sprinkle it on your hands when cleaning
it may need replacement.
slimy fish and it will help you get a better grip.
When you’re done, it will remove the fishy smell ■ If you run out of bait on a fishing trip, don’t
from your skin. Sprinkle it in your boots to help despair. There’s plenty of free-for-the-finding bait
absorb perspiration. Or store it in your ice chest to around. Grubs live in rotting wood. Grasshoppers
help absorb odors. Canteens can also be kept clean and crickets abound in summer fields. Worms will
by rinsing them with three tablespoons of baking often be on the surface of cool soil under flat rocks.
soda to one part water. And if you forget your tooth- In fall and winter the “lumps” (called galls) on
paste, it can even be used to brush your teeth. goldenrod stems serve as home to a small, white fly
larvae that panfish love.
■ Keep your tackle box organized by using safety pins to
store your swivels and hooks. Simply open the pin, ■ Never use a gas campstove or lantern to heat your
thread the eyelets of the swivels and hooks on the pin, tent. Not only is it a fire hazard but the gas fumes
then close it. This is also an excellent way to keep dif- can be deadly.
ferent sized swivels and hooks from getting mixed up.
■ When hiking or hunting, always carry a plastic whis-
■ If the thread holding the guides on your fishing rod tle. Work out a code with your companions. One
is starting to come loose, coat it with clear fingernail whistle may mean “Where are you?”; two whistles,
polish. “Come quickly”; three whistles, “Emergency!”; and
so on.
■ If you ever need to measure something and don’t
■ Remember the cardinal rule of outdoor travel.
have a ruler, remember that a dollar bill is 6 1/8
“Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but
inches long and 2 5/8 inches wide. Folded in half the
pictures-and memories.”
bill measures just slightly over 3 inches.

■ If your boots or waders spring a leak, slip a plastic 1) Knives are tools, not toys.
bread bag over dry socks, then put your leaky 2) Sharp knives are safe tools, dull knives are
footwear back on and continue fishing—comfort- dangerous.
ably. 3) The sharp edge and point of the blade should
■ Whenever you’re being photographed with a fish, always point away, never toward them or anyone
remember to hold it in front of you. A fish held to else.
the back or side will appear smaller than it really is. 4) Knives have acceptable uses, but do not take
Most of us need all the help we can get when show- knives where they are forbidden (schools).
ing off our “big catches.”
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“Humans have been using knives as tools My
for millions of years.”

FIRST
Knife
By Noted Outdoorsman

Tom Fegely
Tips on Safety, Use, Maintenance,
Sharpening, Conservation,
Outdoor Ethics,
Fishing, and Camping

www.AKTI.org
Phone: 319-752-8770
Toll free: 877-752-8770

© 2000 Imperial Schrade Corporation