Translations:AY Honors/Outdoor Leadership/Answer Key/63/en

Keep your blades sharp. A dull knife is difficult to push through wood, requiring additional force. When the wood finally gives, the blade keeps going.
Always push the blade away from you, and constantly consider where the blade will go.
Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
When splitting wood with a knife, do not hammer on the back of the blade. This weakens the attachment to the handle and deforms the blade.
Close a pocket knife when it's not in use or when you are carrying it.
Keep all blades away from heat. Heat will remove the temper, softening the blade. A soft blade will not hold an edge, making it nearly impossible to keep it sharp.

Before chopping any wood, take a gentle practice swing to check that the axe will not catch on anything (such as an overhead branch).
Consider what will happen if you miss whatever you are chopping at - will you accidentally hit a finger? A foot? A bystander? Leave plenty of margin for error.
Make sure the axe head is firmly attached to the axe handle. If it is loose, you may tighten it by wetting the handle, by driving a hardwood wedge into the handle through the eye of the blade, or by rapping the axe handle vertically on a hard surface.
Keep bystanders away by one arms length plus two axe-lengths.
When handing someone an axe, present the handle to them rather than the blade.
Walk with the blade facing away from you.
Sheathe the axe when it is not in use.
Always maintain firm footing when using or carrying an axe.
Stop when you are tired and rest. Tired people are more prone to accidents and mistakes.