Using & Sharpening a Knife

Circle of Safety A.K.A Blood Circle

Before any Scout picks up their knife to use it, they must create the "Circle of Safety":

• The first thing the Scouts need to learn is that they should establish a safety circle, or “blood circle,” in order to safely use a pocketknife. To create the blood circle, grasp a closed pocket knife in your hand.

• You should extend your arm with the closed knife straight in front of you. Then rotate your body to either side while continuing to extend the closed knife arm.

No one or thing should be in the imaginary circle that you have created. Also, check your overhead clearance as this is part of your safety circle. If someone enters the circle, the knife should be closed up and laid down.

If another person enters your "Circle of Safety", you must close your knife or place into its sheath. Once they are clear, you create a new "Circle of Safety" to continue using your knife.

It is the knife user's responsibility to stop using the knife when someone breaches the "Circle of Safety". It is not the person entering the Circle of Safety's responsibility to back up or move.

Opening and closing your pocketknife:

• To open a pocketknife, hold in left hand, put right thumbnail into nail slot.

• Pull blade out while pushing against hinge with little finger of left hand.

• Continue to hold on to handle and blade until blade snaps into open position.

• To close pocketknife, hold handle with left hand with fingers safely on the sides. Push against back of blade with fingers of right hand, swinging handle up to meet blade. Let knife snap shut; “kick” at base of blade keeps edge from touching inside of handle.

Know how to sharpen a knife. A sharp knife is safer because it is less likely to slip and cut you.:

1. Place the stone on a level surface.

2. Wet the stone with a little water or oil.

3. Place the blade of the knife flat on the stone, then raise the back edge about the width of the blade itself, keeping the cutting edge on the stone.

4. Push the blade along the stone as though you were slicing a layer off the top. Sharpen the other side of the blade in the same manner. This is always better than moving it in a circular fashion.