| Avid knife aficionados know the uses for a | | | | 4. Safety. Pocket knives also come in handy for a |
| pocket knife are endless, and an exhaustive list | | | | variety of first-aid uses like cutting bandages or |
| would quickly prove the knife is among the most | | | | dressing, fashioning slings or tourniquets, or even |
| useful and versatile tools on the planet. So, as we | | | | just digging out plain-old splinters. A stainless steel |
| find ourselves in the midst of summer, here are | | | | blade is also an excellent tool in case of |
| five of the best summertime uses for an | | | | emergency. For instance, a knife is an invaluable if |
| affordable pocket knife. | | | | you need to mark a path, leave a message |
| 1. Whittling. Whittling is the craft of deliberately | | | | etched in something, or cut someone free from a |
| carving or shaving off pieces of wood in order to | | | | seat belt or rope. In the worst case scenarios, a |
| fashion an instrument, design, or shape. Start with | | | | knife may used for self-defense against animals |
| simple projects, like whittling sticks into spears, | | | | or people. |
| arrows for makeshift bows and, of course, the | | | | 5. Food. Many people often overlook the fact |
| ever-needed marshmallow roasters. Then, once | | | | that, in addition to using a knife to eat with, you'll |
| you're ready for more of a challenge, try your | | | | need one to prepare your food. And let's face it, |
| hand at crafting more elaborate creations like | | | | if you're camping or hiking, you probably haven't |
| animals and people. | | | | packed along that block of knives in your kitchen. |
| 2. Fixing. Knives can be used for a variety of | | | | That's why carrying a high-quality blade is so |
| things when it comes to repairing or improving | | | | important. From peeling fruits and vegetables, to |
| objects. For instance, a knife can scrape away | | | | cutting pieces of meat or fish, to slicing other |
| rust, paint, glue, labels -- you name it. A good | | | | foods like cheeses or breads, a reliable pocket |
| blade can also remove burrs from metals. A knife | | | | knife will always improve the efficiency of your |
| can always shorten objects (but hardly ever | | | | food preparation. |
| lengthen them). And a pocket knife is a great | | | | These are five general and simple uses for an |
| substitute for any tools you might not have on | | | | affordable pocket knife this summer. If you're not |
| hand like a screwdriver or scissors. | | | | prone to or keen on carrying around a folding |
| 3. Building. One of my all-time favorite uses for a | | | | knife all the time (yet), you'll be surprised at how |
| knife is building contraptions. A knife often offers | | | | often a trusty blade will come in handy when you |
| everything you need to complete a project. | | | | do. The convenience of a pocket knife is in the |
| Whether you're cutting rope, sharpening sticks, | | | | name -- fitting comfortably into your pocket -- |
| smoothing wood, or even carving words or | | | | meaning you can take it just about anywhere |
| designs, a blade will certainly play a role in helping | | | | without extra hassle, and it's still ready for |
| you fashion just about anything. | | | | anything. |