SlicKnives Knife Handling Safety Tips

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I recently had a brand-new customer reach out with questions about general safe knife handling after they received their blade. After answering his questions, I thought that this would be a good topic for all to consider when getting started with a knife and is good for all of us experienced blade users that can easily take good knife handling for granted to review.

Here’s how I was taught years ago and how most good blade users respect this most important tool:

1. Start with a Sharp Knife - a sharp knife makes smooth cuts. It is much safer to avoid over-cutting using a sharp blade than it is with a damaged edge. Make sure that every cutting task begins with a sharp edge and if your knife is dull, it should not be used until you take time to improve the edge before cutting with it again.
2. Keep Safe Distance from Others - prior to performing any cutting task, keep more than a full arm’s length between you and anyone nearby to avoid injuring others in the vicinity of the cutting task. And hold those around you to this same safety perimeter and expectation.
3. Plan Your Cutting Task - take time to think about how you’re going to perform your cutting task.
4. Cut Away from Yourself - always move the blade away from your fingers, your arms and legs, and your entire body when executing your cutting task.
5. Check Your Edge - a sharp knife makes smooth cuts. Pay close attention to your blade’s edge while performing any cutting tasks to ensure that it’s still in good condition before storing it. If the edge has been damaged, remove the blade from use until it can be properly sharpened.
6. Store Your Knife - safely close or sheath your blade when the cutting task is completed. Prior to storing your blade, ensure that the edge is properly sharp for the next cutting task and apply a thin layer of mineral oil to the steel to help avoid corrosion during storage, so that you can Start with a Sharp Knife.

Hopefully, this helps illustrate a safe way to use and handle knives, so that you can take care of the cutting task at hand and move on safely.

Thank you,

Brendon