Knives are handy tools and have been for a very long time. Things changed for the better for mankind the moment they started inventing cutting tools. These have evolved over the years to a number of variations that are used for handling all kinds of tasks. However, the other thing that has remained constant over the years is the danger that knives pose. In the right hands, they are great tools; in the wrong hands, they are weapons of destruction and can cause grievous harm.
So what are the things that you should and should not do when it comes to handling folding knives? This is the question we are about to explore in detail. We will look at the right way of handling knives and the things you should never do. If you have been thinking of getting a pocket knife of your own but are unsure of the implications, then stick to the end and learn a thing or two.
The Do’s
When you choose to own a pocket knife, there are certain responsibilities that you take on that may affect the people around you. For this reason, the following are some of the things you should always adhere to at all times.
- Always sharpen your knife after each use before storage. Once you have used your pocket knife for a long period of time in a day, chances are it will be blunted in some way and that’s perfectly normal. However, before storing it away, make sure you sharpen it a bit so that it would be ready for use the next time you need it.
- Keep your knife dry at all times as much as you can. It doesn’t matter the type of material used to make it. The common assumption here by most knife owners is that they assume just because their knives are made of aluminum, for instance, that rusting cannot occur. That may be true, but leaving your knife wet all the time will start something that will lead to corrosion in the long run.
- Try to keep the blade covered when the knife is not in use. The advantage that pocket knives have over fixed knives is the fact that the blade can be tucked away into the handle, and this makes them last longer. Covering the blade limits the contact with the elements, and this increases its lifespan.
- When using any type of pocket knife, direct the cutting strokes away from your body. You may think you have good control, but accidents do happen all the time. You may apply too much pressure when cutting, and if the movements are directed towards you, you may end up hurting yourself.
- If you can wear protective clothing, the better it is for you. There are special gloves that are meant for use with pocket knives that may save you from injuring yourself by accident. These gloves are also good for people who may be living in cold climates since handling a frozen knife is dangerous.
- Always store the knife out of reach of the children. No matter how small the pocket knife maybe, in the hands of a child, it is a very dangerous weapon, and they may injure themselves or others around them. Once you are done with the knife, keep it at a place that only you can access.
The Don’ts
The longevity of the pocket knife and the ability to use it without coming into harm’s way is determined by some of the things you use it for. As much as knives are made for everything, you still have to treat them with care to get the best out of them. The following are some of the things you should never do with a knife.
- You should never attempt to catch a falling knife. If the knife slips from your hand by accident, you should simply let it fall to the ground. Attempting to catch it will end up with you grabbing the sharp edge, and that will lead to deep cuts. Just let the knife fall to the ground; it will not break.
- You should never use a dull knife. The likelihood of getting injured when using a blunt knife is very high, and the reason is simple. You tend to apply more force when using a blunt knife for it to cut. This increases the chances of your hand slipping and cutting yourself in the process. A well-sharpened knife cuts through things like butter, and that is much safer as you will be using less energy and you will be more careful.
- Do not share your knives. Pocket knives are personal, and once you buy one, you will quickly realize how easy it is to get attached to them. Therefore, sharing your knife with other people is not advised as you are the only one who knows how to use them in your own way. Once you have gotten used to your knife, it’s hard using any other. Never share yours and never use what isn’t yours either.
- Don’t expose your pocket knife everywhere you go without first determining the laws of where you are. There are some places where carrying knives openly is allowed but illegal in some other places. You need to keep yourself from trouble by first finding out about the knife laws of each place you visit before exposing it.
Conclusion
The safe handling of knives is important, especially for a first-time owner. Once you get your knife, take your time familiarizing yourself with it until you get used to the weight in your hand. Only then will it be safe for you to go outdoors and try new things with it. For more information on pocket knives, check out our website(Shieldon – OEM knives).
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