KNIFE
Best for controlled carving, food prep, cordage and smaller cutting jobs. Keep the cutting path clear of your body and others.
← REWYLD FIELD GUIDEUSE THE RIGHT TOOL.
SKILL 05 / CUTTING TOOLS & SAFETY
USE THE RIGHT TOOL.
CREATE A SAFE ZONE.
CONTROL EVERY CUT.
Knives, saws and hatchets are incredibly useful outdoors, but efficiency starts with control. Good technique reduces effort and keeps sharp edges away from people and body parts.
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CUTTING TOOLS & SAFETYCONTROL • TECHNIQUE • RESPECTStart With The Fundamentals
BUILD THE SYSTEM
SAW
Often the efficient choice for processing branches and firewood. Stabilize the work and let the saw do the work.
HATCHET / AXE
Useful for appropriate chopping and splitting tasks. Establish a clear working area and understand where the tool can travel if it glances or misses.
Practical Field Skills
WHAT TO PRACTICE
SAFE WORK AREA
Create enough space that nobody can unexpectedly enter the path of the tool. Stop when people move too close.
STABLE MATERIAL
Secure what you are cutting. Awkward, rolling or unsupported material invites slips and loss of control.
SHARP & MAINTAINED
A maintained tool is easier to control. Inspect handles, edges, sheaths and moving parts before use.
🪓 SHAUN'S FIELD NOTE
Gear helps, but familiarity matters more. Practice this skill when conditions are easy so you aren't trying to learn it for the first time when conditions aren't.
Avoid The Usual Traps
COMMON MISTAKES
01
Cutting toward yourself.
02
Using the wrong tool for the job.
03
Working too close to another person.
04
Trying to overpower a dull or binding tool.
05
Leaving a sharp tool loose around camp.
06
Continuing when tired, rushed or distracted.
REWYLD FIELD CHALLENGE
TAKE THE SKILL OUTSIDE.
Practice one controlled task with each tool you actually carry. Focus on body position, the tool’s travel path, and putting it away safely after every use.
LEARNPRACTICEADAPT
REWYLD FIELD GUIDE / CUTTING TOOLS & SAFETYSHARP TOOLS DEMAND
SHARP TOOLS DEMAND
SHARP HABITS.
Learn the skill. Practice it safely. Then take it outside.
STAY WYLD.