Mastering the Pocket Knife: 5 Key Techniques for Closing and Maintaining Your Blade
Pocket knives are very useful tools, but users should know the right way to handle them to prevent injuries or damages. Knowing how to close a pocket knife can be particularly important not only for safety, but also to make sure it lasts longer. This article breaks down the different techniques and tips on how to close and maintain your knife involuntarily.
The Beginner’s Guide to Closing a Pocket Knife
Before getting to the more advanced techniques, it’s important that beginners know how to definitely close their pocket knives. There are different types of pocket knives – slip joints, lockbacks, and liner locks – and each has a particular way to be closed, so the first step is to make sure which type you own. Generally speaking, however, the key steps include:
- Stop using the blade and grip the handle firmly in your hand
- Push the blade down and out gently away from your body with your fingers
- Carefully fold the blade back towards the handle, keeping fingers clear
- Secure the blade inside the handle with the locking mechanism, if existent
Remember to keep fingers away from the blade until it’s completely closed to avoid accidental cuts.
5 Different Methods for Safely Closing a Pocket Knife
Some pocket knives are more difficult to close than others, and sometimes it can be a bit tricky finding one solitary method that works effectively every time. It’s always good to vary the way you close your knife according to the circumstance or how the particular knife functions. Here are five different safe techniques you can try:
- The two-handed method: the simplest method is to use both hands, putting one on the blade, and the other on the handle to close the blade.
- The pinch method: the pinch method consists of using the fingers to collapse the knife blade into the handle in one swift motion.
- The thumb method: this technique uses the thumb to safely fold the knife’s blade back into the handle. The thumb should be placed on the blade, right under the point where the edge meets the handle.
- The back method: the back method uses the back of a table, a desk, or any flat surface to push the blade back into the handle
- The momentum method: this technique requires a bit of skill and practice. It involves using a pendulum-like motion to fold the blade back into the handle in one quick movement.
Try out these methods and discover which ones you feel most comfortable with.
Proper Maintenance and Care for Pocket Knives
It’s essential to keep pocket knives clean and well-maintained to make sure they function correctly. Proper care also prevents rust and corrosion from setting in, which can damage the blade or even affect its safety. Here are some ways to maintain your pocket knife:
- Regularly wipe down your pocket knife with a soft cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate throughout the day
- Oil the blade a few times a year with a light machine oil or a specialist knife oil for lubrication and to prolong the life of the blade.
- Sharpen the blade with a sharpening stone every few months or when needed.
- Do not drop or throw the knife, as this could damage the blade or hinge
- Store your knife in a dry place that is cool and well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.
By following these tips, your pocket knife can last you for many years safe and effective use.
The Dangers of Misusing Pocket Knives and How to Avoid Them
While pocket knives are highly useful tools, they can be highly dangerous in the wrong hands or when misused. The following are some potential dangers you can encounter when using a pocket knife:
- Cuts: handling the blade carelessly or without proper coordination could slice through skin and muscles with relative ease.
- Bending the blade: applying excessive force or using the blade unnecessarily could result in bending or breaking the blade.
- Accidents: incorrect usage can cause accidental injuries like cuts or bruises to the person using the knife or to others around them.
To avoid these dangers, it is important to follow these safety tips:
- When you’re not using the knife, keep the blade closed and the knife in a protective case
- Do not use your pocket knife as a screwdriver, hammer, or prying tool
- Never direct the blade towards any body part
- Do not leave the knife lying around without any supervision, and keep it away from children or pets.
- Use a knife with a blade length less than 3 inches to minimize injury risks.
How to Sharpen and Close Your Pocket Knife
A sharp pocket knife is a safer pocket knife. A dull blade increases the risk of injury as it requires extra force to make clean cuts thus detracting from its functionality. Follow these steps to sharpen your pocket knife:
- Place the sharpening stone on a stable surface
- Grasp the knife and align the blade’s edge with the sharpening stone at a 20-degree angle
- Sliding motion: slide the blade back and forth against the stone in a 20-degree angle motion
- Circular motion: apply gentle pressure as you move the blade towards yourself in a circular motion
- Make sure the blade is sharp before using it
- Next, following the above steps, carefully close of your knife blade
By following these tips, you can keep your pocket knife sharp and safe
Conclusion
Among the most essential things you can learn as a pocket knife owner is how to properly close and maintain it as proper care prevents untoward accidents and prolongs the lifespan of the knife. This article has provided five different techniques for closing your pocket knife along with safety tips for maintaining it, sharpening it, and avoiding danger. Remember, a mindful attentiveness and proper knife handling technique results in many years of safe and effective use of your blade.
