Why, we may find a valley of gold." "Or get a bad tumble." "We'll risk that." "Then let's set to and make our plans." The boys ceased speaking, and became very thoughtful; and, as if to sharpen their ideas, each took out his knife--a long-hafted jack knife such as a sailor uses, fastened by a lanyard to his waist.

There was rather a rivalry between them as to which had the biggest, longest-bladed and sharpest knife--a point that was never decided; and the blades had rather a hard time of it, for they were constantly being opened and whetted so as to maintain a razor edge.
But, probably from not being expert, these razor-like edges were not maintained, and this was partly due to the selection of the sharpener upon which they were whetted.

The sole of a boot is no doubt suitable, but not when it contains nails, which was the case with those worn by the lads.

The rail of a gate is harmless, while a smooth piece of slate makes a moderately good enough soft hone.

But when it comes to rubbing a blade upon a piece of gneiss, quartz crystal, or granite, the result is most unsatisfactory, the edge of the knife being prone to look like a very bad imitation of a miniature saw.
From force of habit each lad on opening his knife looked round for something upon which to give his knife a whet; but up there on the soft turf of a cliff slope whetstones were scarce.