Most outdoor enthusiasts consider pocket knives essential for camping and survival. From Swiss Army knives to less expensive brands a pocket knife can be a useful and practical tool when camping. The best knives are ones which can retain their sharp edge and are made of good quality steel.

The Schrade Uncle Henry LB3 has a single lockback blade and is 3″ long. Swiss Army knives are also excellent quality and are always popular. It’s a good idea to keep a small knife in the first-aid kit and a medium one for use in the kitchen. Swiss Army pocket knives contain many useful little gadgets like can openers and tweezers.

Caring for pocket knives is simple but important. You should always keep your knife clean and sharp. You should also learn about proper knife handling methods. If your knife is dull it can actually be very dangerous. Dull blades may slide while cutting and cause injury. Learning how to keep your knife sharp is not difficult.

Pocket knives can be sharpened by using a fine grit stone and a small bottle of honing oil. You can also use plain water. Simply place a few drops of oil or water onto the stone and draw the blade across it at 20°. Sharpen both sides lessening the pressure with each stroke until the knife is sharp. If you do this regularly it will not take too long.

Pocket knives should be sharpened as soon as you notice any dulling of the blade and poor cutting performance. You should also make sure you know how to handle your knife safely. A knife is a tool and like any tool there are rules for their proper use. There are right and wrong ways of working with your knife. Here are the basic safety handling rules for working with pocket knives:

1) Remember that pocket knives are tools not playthings. Your pocket knife should be held firmly by the handle and when cutting never press on the blade. You should never use a pocket knife to pry or as a screwdriver. The way in which you use your knife influences how long it will last as well as your safety and the safety of those around you.

2) When cutting with pocket knives always cut away from your body. Before passing the knife to others, close the blade. If you cannot close it lay the knife down and allow the person to pick it up. As soon as you are finished using the knife, close it and put it away. If you have children make sure they know how to handle the knife safely. Small children should never be allowed to handle sharp knives.

Pocket knives don’t have to be the most expensive but they should feel comfortable to use. Knives with many gadgets and features are not necessarily the best quality products. Buy the best quality steel blade you can afford. If you keep the knife clean and sharp it will last for many years of camping fun.