Young Marines Knife Safety Policy (Page 2 of 4) in pdf

Push the blade along the stone as though you were slicing a layer off the top.

The stone’s gritty surface will sharpen, or hone, the blade much the same way as

sandpaper smooths wood. To sharpen the other side, turn the blade over and pull it

along the stone toward you. Clean tiny bits of metal off the stone by slapping it on your

hand or pants leg.

Work the blade back and forth across the stone several more times. Wipe the

knife with a clean cloth and look directly down at the edge of the blade in the sun or

under a bright light. A dull cutting edge reflects light and looks shiny. A sharp edge is so

thin that it has no shine at all.

Types of Knives Authorized:

Lockable blades

Lockable blades are good to bring on a campout assuming they are not too big. A

3” knife is recommended and a 4" knife is the largest knife of any kind a Young Marine

may carry. Anything beyond 4" can be more of a hazard than serving a useful purpose.

Many Young Marines prefer using blades that lock because there is no chance of the

blade folding back during use.

Serrated edges

Serrated edges have the benefit of usually staying sharp longer than straight

blades. Having a sharp blade is important because if someone does get cut it is a

cleaner cut, which heals faster. The downside is serrated edges are harder to sharpen

and need to be sharpened by someone who is experienced at sharpening knives. It is

recommended that Young Marines do not carry serrated edge knives.

Maximum blade length

There is no official NHQ maximum blade length. A knife with a blade of not to

exceed 4" will be able to handle most needs a Young Marine will have for a knife. In

many states a knife with a blade over 4" can be considered a concealed weapon so

many units set a blade length of 4" as the max a Young Marine should have. A 3” knife

blade is recommended.

Double-edged blades - Prohibited

Spring-loaded blades - Prohibited

Sheath knives/ fixed blade knives

The official NHQ policy regarding sheath knives is 'Avoid large sheath knives'.

Young Marines Knife Safety Policy Page 2