Toolbox: Pocketknife

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-261 -- More Projects »
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Figure A

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Figure B
A good sharp pocketknife is a good tool to have when taking on almost any project around the house. You can use it for opening packages, sharpening a pencil or marking cuts on wood (figure A). Use a pocketknife and a straightedge to mark a precise line for your saw to follow. And if you use a knife you won't have to worry about erasing pencil marks later.

Use a sharpening stone or diamond hone to keep the edge of the blade sharp (figure B). Coat the blade in machine oil and place in a sock overnight to prevent rust.