Here is some basic pocketknife safety:
Do:
Keep the blade closed except when you are using the pocketknife.
Keep your knife sharp and clean. A sharp blade is easier to control than a dull one.
Always cut away from yourself.
Close the blades before you pass a knife to someone else.
Don't:
Throw a knife.
Cut toward yourself because you can get injured.
Carry a knife with the blade open.
Pry with the point of a knife.
Put a knife in a fire.
Sharpening:
To sharpen your knife you should use a whetstone. Most whetstone are made from materials that are harder than the knife. To sharpen with a stone put a few drops of water or oil on the stone and sharpen the blade against the stone at an angle about 30 degrees.