EDC

Anonymous asked: Hey,

Big fan of this site. Lots of ideas and introductions to brands and products I've never heard of.

One question. Been thinking about getting a knife but I'm scared of accidentally hurting myself or someone else with it as I have little experience handling one.

What's a good book, resource or site that can teach someone like me on proper knife handling and safety?

Thanks.

Hmm, good question. I never really consulted any books or anything but generally just try to use some common sense. Here are just some things I can think of off the top of my head, from before cutting to after the job is done.

DISCLAIMER: This is just advice from a general EDC knife carrier, don’t blame me if you get hurt doing some extreme cutting. Be safe!

• Make sure the cutting area is clear and safe — don’t try to deploy blades too close to other people, especially if they are NKP.
• Similarly, choose a suitable cutting surface. Don’t try to pierce through blister packaging on your lap or something.
• If you’re not comfortable with opening your knife yet, don’t try to be fancy… Open slowly, smoothly and with control and conviction. Speed will come with muscle memory if you perfect the first three.
• Get a good grip on your knife and make sure the blade is properly deployed and locked correctly.
• Keep your blade sharp — this will make your job easier and lower chances of error and injury.
• Think twice, cut once. Think twice, cut once.
• Think twice, never pry.
• Cut away from your body and be especially careful if you have to exert a lot of force.
• Especially if in public, cut discretely and purposefully — there’s no real point in showing off that you have a knife or saved the day or whatever.
• As soon as you’re finished, close your knife. Be mindful of your fingers when disengaging the lock and folding the blade.
• Put the knife away — don’t leave it laying around for someone else to pick it up and play with it. If you do have to hand it off to someone, put it down and let them pick it up. If you can’t do that, hand it to them holding the blade and let them grab it from the handle — don’t let go until they’ve got a good grip.

Those are just some things that go through my head when I absolutely have to cut something in public. I’m sure my readers can chime in, so check the comments for additional advice. Also give a quick google search for knife safety a shot, there are probably much better resources out there…

Hope this helps!