A knife can be an invaluable tool, from cutting vegetables, to repairing equipment, to making tinder for fire starting, and even first aid uses. For practical purposes, it should be made of quality steel and be able to hold a sharp edge.  A dull knife is dangerous; it will slide when you want it to cut, and then when it stops it will cut, which is usually somewhere you didn't want it to cut, like your hand. A dull knife also causes you to put more effort into cutting, and encourages unsafe cutting positions

Consequences of breaking the rules

1st suspension requires you to re-qualify after 1 month

Second offence in a year results in suspension for one year of privilege. Serious cases to be reviewed by leaders, parents and Court of honor. Badge/award loss is possible

When can I bring a knife

Sheath knives may be worn when appropriate and must not, by law, be concealed.

Your knife permit must be valid.

A knife is a tool and not a toy. Do not throw it into the ground or elsewhere

Use knife only in designated areas

Use knife only when sitting (exceptions are possible)

Do not wave it around, or point it at anyone.  Do not play sword fighting

Do not carry it around open.  If you fall down with an open knife you can do serious damage to yourself

Take proper care of the knife and sharpen it as required

Hold the knife firmly by the handle. Use the “bear claw” technique so your fingers are folded completely around the grip and facing your palm.  Never press on the blade when cutting.

Always cut in a motion away from your body and away from other people. 

Make sure nobody is within 1 meter in any direction

Don't hand an open pocket knife to another person, close your knife before passing it to others.  If you can't close it, lay it down to be picked up.

Don't ever try to catch a falling knife.  Step back and keep your hands and feet out of the way.

Keep pocketknife blades closed except when using them.  Only open ONE blade or instrument at a time

To open a pocketknife blade, use thumbnail in slot, pull out the blade until you can grip the sides, and pull it all the way open, keeping the hands away from the blade at all times.

To close a pocketknife blade, hold the handle in one hand, with the fingers safely on the sides. Push against back of blade with fingers of other hand to close blade.

Make small shavings and chips when using the knife. Do not try to make big shavings, or you will end up having to apply too much force and slip.  

Do not use it as a hammer (especially with the blade open) because the blade may slip and cut you or another person.

Do not pound on the knife with another tool - it may bend, break, or cut you!

Do not cut towards you.  If you cut the skin between thumb and hand, you may lose some functions of your thumb for life!

Do not pry with the point of the cutting blade - it can snap off.

Do not put a knife in a fire - the blades are tempered (hardened), and heating will ruin the temper, and weaken the knife.

When you're done using it, close it and put it away.  Clean up any shavings.

Cleaning a knife.

1. Open all the blades, being careful not to cut your fingers.

2. Twirl a small piece of cloth or paper towel onto the end of a toothpick. You can also use a Q-tip or other similar stick with a cleaning swab.

3. Moisten it with light oil and wipe the inside of the knife. Be sure to clean the joint at the base of each blade.

4. Remove excess oil with a clean cloth or stick.

5. If you have used your knife to cut or otherwise prepare food, you can clean it first with hot soapy water as with dishes (not dishwasher), rinse with hot water, and place on a cloth to dry. The hot water rinse will ensure that it dries quickly.