Knife Safety

The knife as a tool is one of the oldest and most basic implements man has ever created. Even today, the knife serves in the same invaluable capacity it did for our ancestors centuries ago.
Without doubt, another thing we have in common with those knifemen of yore is the accidental, self-inflicted injury with a knife. Cutting oneself by accident is an unavoidable experience by those who make regular use of knives. Nevertheless, there are ways we can minimize the occurrence and the severity of the injury when it does occur.

Although counter-intuitive, the first measure of safety that may be employed in the use of a knife is to be using a sharp knife. Yes, a sharp knife will cut deeper, however a sharp knife will eliminate the excessive use of pressure needed when using a dull knife. It is the amplification of hand force that is required when using a dull knife that presents the danger. When the hand force intensifies, the chances of slippage and loss of control do as well. Twisting and sawing motions that instinctively present themselves when using a dull knife are the very movements that increase the potential of a sudden slip. Once the slip occurs, the knife will naturally have greater unexpected and uncontrolled travel than a slip with a sharp knife, since the hand force with the sharp knife would not have been as profound. In essence, the dull knife slip represents a larger release of energy due to the increased hand force and is more difficult to bring under control in a short distance. If the knife was sharp, the hand force would have been less and any slip could more easily be "caught" and stopped before injury occurs.

Another common injury that occurs is using the knife with an improper cutting stroke. Any cut should be thought of as an a line beginning at the object to be cut and going in a single direction. That direction should always be away from the body. Many a knuckle has been knicked by making a cutting stroke inwardly or toward the body or hand instead of away from the body. Serious eye injuries are more prone when using an improper cutting stroke. Always attempt when possible to cut in a whittling style, holding the object in one hand and forcing the knife through it and away from the body with the other hand.

Using a knife for a job that it is not suited has also resulted in many regrets. A knife is not a crowbar. If you need to pry something, get a pry bar, don't use a knife. A knife is not a chisel either. Hammering on the butt of a knife is not recommended. Neither is a knife an axe. While some light chopping can safely be done with many knives, use the right tool to get a proper job done. In these scenarios it is possible for the knife blade to break or chip and send a piece of itself upward toward a face or eye. Additionally, the unexpected release of force can cause loss of control and slippage, resulting in yet further injury. Improper use of Hunting Knives is in view here.

Akin to using a knife improperly is the practice of failing to use the right knife for the job. Demanding too much of a small blade in a job that a larger, heftier blade would be suitable is a gamble with safety. Ensure that the knife you have selected is up to the task and has the necessary cutting power the job will require. Overdriving a knife in a task too big for it's size will increase the possibility of breakage, slippage or similar injury. Improper use of pocket Knives is in view here.

The environment in which a knife is used must also be considered in proper safety. Wet conditions will increase the likelihood of slippage and injury. A cold environment may decrease hand strength and sensitivity which can combine in a dangerous mix. Similarly, be certain there is sufficient light when working with a knife. A dimly lit environment can present a danger.

Unexpected fold up while using a knife is responsible for many stitches and ER visits. Although this is not as common as it once was with the great improvements made in lock design, some of the lesser knives on the market can still present this pitfall. The moral of the story is - Don't use a cheap knife.

Throwing a knife is almost always a bad idea. Although mumbley peg is fun, a thrown knife has the potential for bouncing or riccochet, not to mention the danger of simple inacccuracy in the throw. Throwing is not advised.

Treat knives and guns in a similar manner. Always as if loaded or potentially dangerous. When treated with respect and care, the knife will be a reliable and safe companion. Tactical Knives.

Cold Steel Knives, SOG Knives
Leatherman Tools, Emerson Knives