To clean your knife blade, you should wash it in hot soapy water just as you would wash your dishes, and apply a small amount of light oil to lubricate the knife after it is dry. This will help prevent the knife blade from rusting.
To sharpen your pocketknife, use a whetstone. As you sharpen back and forth, hold the blade against the stone, forming a 25 degree angle. If the angle is any smaller, the knife will be sharper but less durable, and if you use a larger angle the blade will be more durable but not as sharp. Once you have formed the angle with the blade against the stone so that the blunt end of the blade is facing away from you, you should push the blade against the stone taking care to maintain the angle. You should then sharpen the other side of the blade edge in the same manner.
While using a knife, you should follow a few rules. These rules aren't to take the fun out of using knives, they are used to keep you safe.
Only have one blade open at a time.
Cut away from yourself and away from others.
Close the blade before passing it to others.
A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife.
Do not throw a knife.
Do not hit a knife with another tool.
Do not carry a knife with the blade exposed.
Do not use the knife to pry.
Do not use the knife as a screwdriver
If your saw came with a protective cover or sheath, it should be kept on the blade when not in use. Otherwise, you can make one out of other materials such as a used garden hose (cut to length and then cut along the length). Keeping the blade covered will not only help protect the blade, it will also protect you and others if the saw falls onto you accidentally.
It is possible to sharpen a saw blade, however, it is difficult because of the shape of the teeth. It also takes special tools to sharpen a saw blade. Generally, the easiest thing to do is to replace the saw blade when it becomes dull. It's a good idea to always have a replacement blade on hand, in case your saw becomes too dull to cut.
Much like using a knife, safety must always be kept in mind so that injuries are avoided:
Make sure to keep the blade covered when not using the saw
Protect your hands and eyes by wearing gloves (preferably leather) and safety glasses
Allowing the saw blade to cut into the ground will dull the teeth, so try to avoid this
Make sure you are allowed to cut any trees or limbs where you are visiting
Properly put away your saw when you are done using it.
Similar to a saw, if your ax came with a protective cover or sheath, it should be kept on the blade when not in use. Otherwise, you can make one out of other materials such as a used garden hose (cut to length and then cut along the length). Keeping the blade covered will not only help protect the blade, it will also protect you and others if the ax falls onto you or someone else accidentally. It is a good idea to keep the head of an ax covered in a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
You will need to use an 8-10 inch mill bastard file to keep the ax blade sharp. Make sure to wear leather gloves while sharpening the blade. Make sure to wear a knuckle guard while sharpening an ax; instructions can be found in your Scout book. To sharpen the ax, brace the ax against something sturdy, use the edge of the file and push it into the bit of the ax, make sure to use enough force so that you can feel the metal being cut. Lift the file up between strokes, the file only sharpens the ax when being pushed down the blade, dragging the file back across the ax can damage the ax and the file. Make sure to use the same number of strokes on both sides of the ax.
Before using an ax, first determine that it is in good condition and safe to use. Check to make sure the head is not loose, and the blade is sharp. Ask an adult to help before using an ax for the first time.
Once you determined the ax is safe to use, next put on your safety glasses, leather gloves, and sturdy boots.
Next, make sure you have a safe working area before swinging the ax. Other people must be at least ten feet away. Also make certain your ax will not get caught on anything else around you. If you will be at a camp site or other area for any length of time, you can use rope to create a safe zone specifically for ax use. Don't forget to clean up your ax area when done.
Once you're ready to use the ax, you will do your best when you are focused and pay close attention to where you are swinging the ax. By spreading your feet apart, it will be easier to stay balanced.
When done using the ax, there are several important things to remember:
Keep the sheath on the ax head when not in use
Carry the ax by the handle with the blade facing away from you.
It may seem natural to do, but never carry the ax resting on your shoulder. If you fall, it could cut you.
If handing the ax to someone else, release it only when the other person indicates they have it (by saying thank you for example)
While at camp, store the ax with the rest of your troop's gear, such as in a trailer, dining fly or in a tent