this is about the lightest background I use
keep the eye on the knife not background.
here is something from the handles thread (well, actually it has not been posted yet as I have not done the stag stuff) but this is good to look at
ok, now I'll post an image with the main background I use and keep in mind it is exactly the same background as what you see behind the cutout and the cutout is just part of the main background. all that has been done is some simple image manipulation to create a more interesting but related background.
I have various parts of the background that I use at different times but you get the general idea. It is an old painters concept that dark makes light.
now from looking at those images, you will also note that the composition is such that not much background is left over (cropping) and that the knives are on the diagonal to create leading lines whereas strong vertical and horizontals are quite static in nature.
check the thread as I believe I posted the type of lighting that will work very nicely as Daylight Flourescent.
I'm not familiar with your camera so don't know its closest focusing distance and that is something you may want to check out. Also check out is you have macro capability which is great on the Nikon 995 CoolPix.
good luck with your photo endeavors.