KNIFE SAFETYPresented by:Mike Raynovic

ForAES at Milne Point

Cheesy Lesson on choice of tool

V.S.

Poor choices result in expensive lessons.

Knife Safety Tips

Cut away from your body, not toward it. (Have we emphasized this one enough yet??)

If you drop your knife, let it fall.  Don’t attempt to catch it.

Never run with a knife. Don’t throw a knife to anyone.

Hand it to them, handle first, sharp edge and point away from you and the other person.

Never point a knife at anyone.

Knife Safety Tips

Do not use a locking blade if the lock will not lock open. Mikey's note:  You can never get hurt by a

defective blade lock if you treat every folding knife as though it has a non-locking blade.

Make sure the lock is working before using it. Mikey's note:  Pocket lint is the most common

issue. Keep your knife folded or sheathed when

carrying or storing.

Knife Safety Tips Use a sharpening stone, not

a power grinder to sharpen your knife. A power grinder can make the

edge brittle and will void the warranty. 

Mikey's note:  Knife makers, professional sharpeners, and the like CAN get around this one, but usually only after numerous hours of metallurgical research, pragmatic experience, and for me anyways...a very large pile of broken and screwed up knives.

Knife Safety Tips

Use the right tool for the job. Don’t use a knife

for prying. It can cause the tip to break, possibly causing injury.

Mikes note:  A knife is the most expensive and least effective pry bar you'll ever use!!

Knife Safety Tips

Use in a well-lit area, so you can see what you’re doing.

Do not use a knife on “live” electrical items like appliances.

Keep your knife clean, particularly the locking mechanism.

Knife Safety Tips

Keep your knife oiled and sharp. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.

If you get cut, seek First-Aid immediately! Mikeys' final addendum:  If you have cut gloves available, use

them.  I have plenty in the tool room here at

work; and if you need to buy a pair at home, they're pretty darn cheap.

Choices

Knife selection Expense vs. Effectiveness Be an informed shopper. Ask Questions, Seek Answers Quality can often be clearly seen

1095 Carbon, Sandvik 12C27, Sandvik 13C28,420HC, 440A,B,C, AUS-6, AUS-8, ATS-34, ATS-55 154cm, VG-10, S30V, S60V, ZDP-189

Choices

Trendy and exotic Cost cutting and

competition between manufacturers

Aesthetics and novel design Clumsy Uncomfortable Unreliable and

unsafe

Choices

Intended Use Who is the user? For what purpose? Weigh the pro’s and cons

Size Edge

Thick / thin Smooth / serrated

For Your Entertainment