Complete Guide to Safe Use of Outdoor Knives
I. Selecting the Right Knife
- Choosing a knife based on personal factors
When choosing an outdoor knife, fully consider personal physical strength, arm length, and body coordination ability. If one's physical strength is relatively weak, choosing a large knife may overly exhaust one's energy and even be prone to self-injury during use. For example, an overly long blade is not only heavy but also consumes energy when held and takes up space in a bag, making it less flexible to use. A knife of moderate size, with an ideal blade length generally between 10 - 15 centimeters, can perform relatively delicate tasks and also handle some heavy tasks. - Specific characteristics of knives
Full-tang straight knives are an ideal choice for outdoor knives. Compared to folding knives, straight knives have no moving parts. The integrated blade has better resistance to bending, can withstand greater usage intensity, and has more balanced overall stress. The hollow handle and folding axis of folding knives are prone to breakage and are not suitable for outdoor survival.
It is best to choose a blade without serrations. Although serrated blades have a certain role in cutting ropes, when they become dull, they are troublesome to sharpen and their practicality is greatly reduced, basically only being useful for cutting ropes.
The handle should be non-slip and comfortable. The outdoor environment is complex. A non-slip handle can ensure that there is no worry about the knife slipping off under any circumstances. At the same time, it is best to try the feel more when choosing to ensure a comfortable grip. - Advantages of Damascus steel material
The blade of Damascus steel is both rigid and flexible, and has better edge retention. Modern Damascus steel is a composite steel made by folding and forging two or more carbon steels. It is famous for its strength. When sharpening the blade, micro serrations that are difficult to see with the naked eye appear, making the knife sharper to some extent than other knives. In addition, through innovation, modern stainless Damascus knives have also solved the maintenance problem. Even if the pattern is worn out during use, it can still be restored to its beauty after treatment. Although Damascus knives may be more expensive than ordinary carbon steel knives and require more careful maintenance, they have obvious advantages in performance and unique beauty.
II. Preparations Before Use
(A) Keep the blade sharp
A dull knife is more dangerous. Compared to a knife with a perfectly sharp blade, a dull knife requires more force when in use, is inefficient and more dangerous. When outdoors, try to keep the blade sharp or carry a sharpening tool. For example, you can prepare a coarse sharpening stone for quick sharpening and a fine sharpening stone for fine polishing. Find a thick towel and place it under the sharpening stone and pour some water on the sharpening stone. Place the knife flat on the sharpening stone and slowly raise the back of the knife until the bevel of the blade is parallel to the surface of the sharpening stone. This angle is generally around 20 degrees. Coarse grinding is to create a sharp edge, and fine grinding is to remove the burrs generated during the coarse grinding process. Burrs indicate that the blade is truly thinned and a new sharp area is created.
Although a sharp knife is dangerous, in case of an accident, the wound is easier to suture. Wounds caused by dull knives are often uneven, increasing the difficulty of treatment. Natural whetstones are also a good choice. For example, Washita stone with a grain equivalent of 300 - 350 can be used as a starting sharpening stone; hard Arkansas stone with a grain equivalent of 500 - 600 is used for final polishing to make the edge perfect; black hard Arkansas stone with a grain equivalent usually of 800 - 1000 can sharpen the blade as sharp as a razor.
A dull knife is more dangerous. Compared to a knife with a perfectly sharp blade, a dull knife requires more force when in use, is inefficient and more dangerous. When outdoors, try to keep the blade sharp or carry a sharpening tool. For example, you can prepare a coarse sharpening stone for quick sharpening and a fine sharpening stone for fine polishing. Find a thick towel and place it under the sharpening stone and pour some water on the sharpening stone. Place the knife flat on the sharpening stone and slowly raise the back of the knife until the bevel of the blade is parallel to the surface of the sharpening stone. This angle is generally around 20 degrees. Coarse grinding is to create a sharp edge, and fine grinding is to remove the burrs generated during the coarse grinding process. Burrs indicate that the blade is truly thinned and a new sharp area is created.
Although a sharp knife is dangerous, in case of an accident, the wound is easier to suture. Wounds caused by dull knives are often uneven, increasing the difficulty of treatment. Natural whetstones are also a good choice. For example, Washita stone with a grain equivalent of 300 - 350 can be used as a starting sharpening stone; hard Arkansas stone with a grain equivalent of 500 - 600 is used for final polishing to make the edge perfect; black hard Arkansas stone with a grain equivalent usually of 800 - 1000 can sharpen the blade as sharp as a razor.
(B) Check the knife's condition
Before using an outdoor knife, be sure to develop the habit of regularly checking the knife's condition. If it is a straight knife, regularly check whether the sheath is firm and whether the straight knife will accidentally jump out of the sheath due to walking or jumping. If it is a folding knife, regularly check whether the safety device is reliable to avoid accidental opening during activities. For absolute safety, when the knife is not in use temporarily, it must be put back into the sheath and properly stored. Do not be lazy.
Checking the knife's condition is not only responsible for oneself but also for the people around. Ensure that there will be no accidents during the use of the knife and ensure the safe conduct of outdoor activities.
Before using an outdoor knife, be sure to develop the habit of regularly checking the knife's condition. If it is a straight knife, regularly check whether the sheath is firm and whether the straight knife will accidentally jump out of the sheath due to walking or jumping. If it is a folding knife, regularly check whether the safety device is reliable to avoid accidental opening during activities. For absolute safety, when the knife is not in use temporarily, it must be put back into the sheath and properly stored. Do not be lazy.
Checking the knife's condition is not only responsible for oneself but also for the people around. Ensure that there will be no accidents during the use of the knife and ensure the safe conduct of outdoor activities.
III. Precautions During Use
(A) Correct knife-using posture
When skinning prey, place the index finger holding the knife on the back of the knife for more accurate cutting. Be careful not to pull the knife towards your body to avoid accidentally cutting yourself if your hand slips. When building a campsite, making tools, or chopping branches for firewood, in most cases, use a machete or hatchet. It is best to wear gloves and adopt a hammer grip. Before chopping, bend the target branch back and forth several times to soften the wood fibers and reduce resistance. When chopping, press down and bend the branch with one hand and hold the knife and apply force directly to the point of impact with the other hand. When cutting the branch from the root, consider the direction of the cut to avoid the blade getting stuck in the trunk. When chopping firewood, it is also best to wear gloves. If using a hatchet, first gently chop the blade into the wood, and then hit the hatchet and wood on the ground up and down to split it. If using an ordinary straight knife, place the knife vertically and stably on the wood, find a sturdy stick and hit the back of the knife to make the blade force downwards to split the wood. When the blade is stuck in the wood, never pry it left and right. Instead, shake the blade up and down. When whittling wood to make tools, press the back of the knife with the thumb and pull with other fingers towards the body. This way is the most flexible, labor-saving, and can precisely control the knife. When not confident in the quality of the knife, apply force near the root of the blade. The hand holding the knife should not exceed the safety limit. Keep both wrists close to the chest and fix them. Use the thumb to control the force and direction. When whittling the bark of a hard branch, move the knife in front of you with the tip of the knife pointing down for safety.
When skinning prey, place the index finger holding the knife on the back of the knife for more accurate cutting. Be careful not to pull the knife towards your body to avoid accidentally cutting yourself if your hand slips. When building a campsite, making tools, or chopping branches for firewood, in most cases, use a machete or hatchet. It is best to wear gloves and adopt a hammer grip. Before chopping, bend the target branch back and forth several times to soften the wood fibers and reduce resistance. When chopping, press down and bend the branch with one hand and hold the knife and apply force directly to the point of impact with the other hand. When cutting the branch from the root, consider the direction of the cut to avoid the blade getting stuck in the trunk. When chopping firewood, it is also best to wear gloves. If using a hatchet, first gently chop the blade into the wood, and then hit the hatchet and wood on the ground up and down to split it. If using an ordinary straight knife, place the knife vertically and stably on the wood, find a sturdy stick and hit the back of the knife to make the blade force downwards to split the wood. When the blade is stuck in the wood, never pry it left and right. Instead, shake the blade up and down. When whittling wood to make tools, press the back of the knife with the thumb and pull with other fingers towards the body. This way is the most flexible, labor-saving, and can precisely control the knife. When not confident in the quality of the knife, apply force near the root of the blade. The hand holding the knife should not exceed the safety limit. Keep both wrists close to the chest and fix them. Use the thumb to control the force and direction. When whittling the bark of a hard branch, move the knife in front of you with the tip of the knife pointing down for safety.
(B) Pay attention to the surrounding environment
When using a knife, not only pay attention to personal safety but also consider the safety of companions. Within a 360-degree range around oneself and within the length of one's outstretched arms, when using a knife, ensure that no one is close by. Similarly, when a companion is using a knife, do not get too close to avoid accidental injury. This is a point often emphasized in many survival courses. When activities outdoors with companions, always be vigilant to ensure a safe knife-using environment.
When using a knife, not only pay attention to personal safety but also consider the safety of companions. Within a 360-degree range around oneself and within the length of one's outstretched arms, when using a knife, ensure that no one is close by. Similarly, when a companion is using a knife, do not get too close to avoid accidental injury. This is a point often emphasized in many survival courses. When activities outdoors with companions, always be vigilant to ensure a safe knife-using environment.
(C) Stay away from dangerous areas
The so-called "death triangle" refers to the area between the knees and the crotch, where there are many important veins. Be especially careful to stay away from this area when using a knife to avoid bleeding. For example, when using a knife, it is best to stay away from the legs as shown in the picture to ensure safety. If this area is not paid attention to, once an accident occurs, the consequences may be unimaginable.
The so-called "death triangle" refers to the area between the knees and the crotch, where there are many important veins. Be especially careful to stay away from this area when using a knife to avoid bleeding. For example, when using a knife, it is best to stay away from the legs as shown in the picture to ensure safety. If this area is not paid attention to, once an accident occurs, the consequences may be unimaginable.
(D) Safely store the knife
After using the knife, be sure to immediately put the knife back into the sheath or a conspicuous place. This is especially for those who are forgetful. In the outdoors, 乱放 knives may lead to serious consequences, such as sitting on them. Even without considering the possibility of losing the knife, accidentally sitting or standing on the knife can also have serious consequences. Therefore, develop a good habit of putting the knife away in time after use.
After using the knife, be sure to immediately put the knife back into the sheath or a conspicuous place. This is especially for those who are forgetful. In the outdoors, 乱放 knives may lead to serious consequences, such as sitting on them. Even without considering the possibility of losing the knife, accidentally sitting or standing on the knife can also have serious consequences. Therefore, develop a good habit of putting the knife away in time after use.
(E) Be careful when drawing the knife
For straight knives, when drawing the knife, it may cut the finger. Although it sounds a bit unbelievable, this situation can indeed happen. So be very careful when drawing the knife to avoid injury due to negligence.
For straight knives, when drawing the knife, it may cut the finger. Although it sounds a bit unbelievable, this situation can indeed happen. So be very careful when drawing the knife to avoid injury due to negligence.
(F) Firmly grasp the knife
When doing activities such as making feather sticks, whittling wood, and doing small woodworking, a firm grip is very important. This is one of the reasons why the choice of handle is crucial. In addition, do not place the index finger on the back of the blade, as this grip may slip. Ensure a firm grip on the knife to better perform various operations and also reduce the risk of injury.
When doing activities such as making feather sticks, whittling wood, and doing small woodworking, a firm grip is very important. This is one of the reasons why the choice of handle is crucial. In addition, do not place the index finger on the back of the blade, as this grip may slip. Ensure a firm grip on the knife to better perform various operations and also reduce the risk of injury.
(G) Choose the appropriate cutting position
There are various jungle cutting techniques, such as cutting in front of the chest, cutting beside the knee, cutting on the outside of the thigh, and pressing and cutting with the thumb. Do not use your thigh as a cutting board. You can choose any position except cutting on yourself. These cutting methods have their own characteristics. You can choose an appropriate position for cutting operations according to the actual situation to ensure safety and efficiency.
There are various jungle cutting techniques, such as cutting in front of the chest, cutting beside the knee, cutting on the outside of the thigh, and pressing and cutting with the thumb. Do not use your thigh as a cutting board. You can choose any position except cutting on yourself. These cutting methods have their own characteristics. You can choose an appropriate position for cutting operations according to the actual situation to ensure safety and efficiency.
(H) Comply with laws and regulations
Using a knife must comply with the laws and regulations of the place where you are. This is an extremely important point. Many countries and regions have different definition standards for the legality of knives. When using an outdoor knife, be sure to remember not to violate local laws. Otherwise, you may face serious legal consequences.
Using a knife must comply with the laws and regulations of the place where you are. This is an extremely important point. Many countries and regions have different definition standards for the legality of knives. When using an outdoor knife, be sure to remember not to violate local laws. Otherwise, you may face serious legal consequences.
IV. Safety of Using Special Knives
(A) Safety habits of Swiss Army knives
Handing over the knife: When handing over a knife, at the very least, the blade should face oneself so that others can easily pick up the handle. Many times when camping people are using a knife and a fellow camper asks to borrow it, we often habitually point the blade directly at the person and let them take it. This is a very dangerous action. Especially when cooking at night, with insufficient light and unstable firelight interfering with vision, it is easy to make a wrong judgment and touch a position that is easy to cut. The best practice is to close the blade first and then hand it over. If you are cutting raw meat at the time and it is inconvenient to close it first, at the very least, the blade should face oneself, hold the blade with the palm, and let others easily pick up the handle. This can effectively reduce the chance of cuts.
Putting away the knife: Putting away the knife also has certain dangers because the force of the sharp blade springing back into the knife body is far beyond imagination. Although most Swiss Army knives now have safety lock components and there is less chance of springing back when under pressure, even if it doesn't cut all the way, cutting half is also painful enough. Therefore, it is recommended that when camping people put away the knife, change the habit of directly using the knife body to cover the blade. Use your finger to hold the blade as the cutting point and then move the knife body towards the blade. Even if there is an accidental springback during the process, it will not cause serious injury like cutting a finger.
Tying a rope to the knife body: Generally, the colors of Swiss Army knives are relatively deep and do not seem out of place in the natural environment, but they are easily overlooked. There have been cases where a Swiss Army knife was mixed with garbage and thrown away. Wasting is a small matter. If it is lost and the blade is not closed and is mixed in a pile of other items, it can easily become a hidden danger for accidents. Therefore, camping people should tie a bright rope to their Swiss Army knives. It can be used as a personal mark and also has a practical purpose of attracting attention.
Handing over the knife: When handing over a knife, at the very least, the blade should face oneself so that others can easily pick up the handle. Many times when camping people are using a knife and a fellow camper asks to borrow it, we often habitually point the blade directly at the person and let them take it. This is a very dangerous action. Especially when cooking at night, with insufficient light and unstable firelight interfering with vision, it is easy to make a wrong judgment and touch a position that is easy to cut. The best practice is to close the blade first and then hand it over. If you are cutting raw meat at the time and it is inconvenient to close it first, at the very least, the blade should face oneself, hold the blade with the palm, and let others easily pick up the handle. This can effectively reduce the chance of cuts.
Putting away the knife: Putting away the knife also has certain dangers because the force of the sharp blade springing back into the knife body is far beyond imagination. Although most Swiss Army knives now have safety lock components and there is less chance of springing back when under pressure, even if it doesn't cut all the way, cutting half is also painful enough. Therefore, it is recommended that when camping people put away the knife, change the habit of directly using the knife body to cover the blade. Use your finger to hold the blade as the cutting point and then move the knife body towards the blade. Even if there is an accidental springback during the process, it will not cause serious injury like cutting a finger.
Tying a rope to the knife body: Generally, the colors of Swiss Army knives are relatively deep and do not seem out of place in the natural environment, but they are easily overlooked. There have been cases where a Swiss Army knife was mixed with garbage and thrown away. Wasting is a small matter. If it is lost and the blade is not closed and is mixed in a pile of other items, it can easily become a hidden danger for accidents. Therefore, camping people should tie a bright rope to their Swiss Army knives. It can be used as a personal mark and also has a practical purpose of attracting attention.
(B) Importance of daily cleaning
Camping people should pay more attention to the cleaning of Swiss Army knives in their spare time. Do not rub it in the sand like a barbecue fork, as this will only greatly increase the wear and tear of the Swiss Army knife. After each use, thoroughly wash off all dirt, oil stains, etc. on the knife with clean water. If it is difficult to wash, you can add detergent. In short, it must be cleaned thoroughly. After washing, wipe it dry with a cotton cloth and then let it air dry naturally. Especially for folding knives, the blade needs more attention to cleaning. Wipe it with cooking oil regularly to keep it sharp and also pay attention to whether there are any food residues left. Otherwise, when the joints of the Swiss Army knife rust, it is as good as being scrapped.
Camping people should pay more attention to the cleaning of Swiss Army knives in their spare time. Do not rub it in the sand like a barbecue fork, as this will only greatly increase the wear and tear of the Swiss Army knife. After each use, thoroughly wash off all dirt, oil stains, etc. on the knife with clean water. If it is difficult to wash, you can add detergent. In short, it must be cleaned thoroughly. After washing, wipe it dry with a cotton cloth and then let it air dry naturally. Especially for folding knives, the blade needs more attention to cleaning. Wipe it with cooking oil regularly to keep it sharp and also pay attention to whether there are any food residues left. Otherwise, when the joints of the Swiss Army knife rust, it is as good as being scrapped.
V. Summary and Reminders
Outdoor knives play an important role in outdoor activities but also have certain dangers. Only by using outdoor knives correctly can we ensure a safer and more enjoyable outdoor experience.
When choosing an outdoor knife, we should select according to personal factors, knife characteristics, and material advantages to ensure that the knife suits our needs and usage scenarios. Before use, keep the blade sharp and check the knife's condition to prepare for safe use. During use, pay attention to correct knife-using postures, the surrounding environment, staying away from dangerous areas, safely storing the knife, being careful when drawing the knife, firmly grasping the knife, choosing the appropriate cutting position, and also comply with laws and regulations. For special knives such as Swiss Army knives, develop safe usage habits and pay attention to daily cleaning.
In short, the safety of using outdoor knives is extremely important. We must always be vigilant and strictly follow the safety usage guide to make outdoor knives a powerful helper for our outdoor activities rather than a safety hazard. Only in this way can we enjoy nature while ensuring our own safety and health.
When choosing an outdoor knife, we should select according to personal factors, knife characteristics, and material advantages to ensure that the knife suits our needs and usage scenarios. Before use, keep the blade sharp and check the knife's condition to prepare for safe use. During use, pay attention to correct knife-using postures, the surrounding environment, staying away from dangerous areas, safely storing the knife, being careful when drawing the knife, firmly grasping the knife, choosing the appropriate cutting position, and also comply with laws and regulations. For special knives such as Swiss Army knives, develop safe usage habits and pay attention to daily cleaning.
In short, the safety of using outdoor knives is extremely important. We must always be vigilant and strictly follow the safety usage guide to make outdoor knives a powerful helper for our outdoor activities rather than a safety hazard. Only in this way can we enjoy nature while ensuring our own safety and health.
