Safety Precautions While Using A Knife
A knife is a precious tool, whether in the home or out in the wilderness, but it is an instrument that can become a hazard to its user and others if the knife is used erroneously. Learning about the parts of the knife, how the parts interrelate to one another, and how to use the knife correctly are all-important factors in mastering how to utilize a knife safely.
You’ll want a knife with a durable blade, an ergonomically designed handle, and the materials used to craft the weapon should be of uncompromised quality to ensure the weapon is safe to use.
When you’re using a knife, conceivably to cut up an animal for food, if the grip isn’t made with some kind of guard, it is possible your hand can slip down the handle or tang of the knife and onto the lowermost part of the blade where the blade and tang meet. This can result in nasty, unwanted cuts, injuries, and later infections. You’ll also want a knife that definitely has chip defiant character, especially when you are removing the hide of an animal.
The ergonomics of the design of a knife is significant. It needs to be concrete when you hold it in your hand and the weapon should feel balanced. It’s a good idea to get a knife that has a handled with a textured surface: This way, if the handle gets wet for whatever reason, you’ll be able to maintain a grip on the handle a bit better.
You need a weapon that has blade locks that open smoothly and dependably lock when required. Of course, one of the best knife safety tips suggests you carry the knife in a case or sheath when it is not in use.
Experts offering knife safety tips suggest getting a hunting or tactical knife made with excellent craftsmanship and substance. The old proverb “you get what you pay for” really applies in this kind of circumstances. You’ll want to consider who designed the knife, the grade of the steel used to craft the blade, and the level of quality that the blade locks have.
If you find a knife that comes comprehensive with a warranty, that’s indicative of a manufacturer that has self-assurance in the quality of the knife being sold.
The most indispensable tip you will ever be given is to treat your knife acutely and with care. Your knife is a weapon, one that can prove quite dangerous, and it should never be treated like a plaything. Don’t ever point the weapon at another person, not even in joke.
If you are handing the weapon to another human being, do so by offering him or her grip, not the blade. To that end, you should never leave the knife out where children or animals can encounter it. When not in use, store the weapon in a safe place, preferably in a case or sheath.
When making use of a knife for cutting things, you should always cut in a direction that is away from the body. Never cut inward or away and upward, as the blade can quickly spring back and cut you. As an alternative, the blade should point away from you and you should cut in a direction that is straight and away from the body.
When cutting, make sure you have a seriously tight grip on the weapon. If your hands are wet, if possible, dry them off first before taking up the weapon. Dry hands will ensure a better grip.
Always use a knife only standing still. You don’t want to be in movement while you are trying to cut something. On the same note, walk with a knife when transporting it. You should not run as you run the risk of tripping and falling onto the weapon by accident.
Supplementary knife handling guidelines
A knife is not something to play with and this is something that needs repeating. While it may look amusing to throw knives when you see it on TV, it’s really not something that is harmless or recommended. Don’t fling knives whether you’re unaccompanied or when you are with another. You jeopardize injuring yourself and others.
If you have a knife in your hand, and it happens to fall, let it go. Never attempt to catch the weapon before it lands. You run the risk of catching the sharp end of the blade and cutting yourself when you do. Similarly, if you have a knife that locks but for some reason it is jammed, it refuses to open, or you don’t know how to unlock the blade, leave it be.
A faulty lock or a mishap when attempting to open the blade incorrectly can result in serious injury.
Likewise, once the blade is opened, make sure the knife locks into position before you make an attempt to cut anything: If the knife folds in your hands while you are in the middle of using it, you can actually end up losing your fingers!
When using any knife please make sure you are using the appropriate knife for the situation at hand. In other words, don’t use a large hunting knife to cut a stake in the kitchen (it’s not only excessive, but dangerous). Always use the appropriate knife for the task you are undertaking to reduce the potential for injury.
Knives are created for specific purposes, that of cutting. That means they are not tools one should use for prying or craving. When you use a knife to pry at something you run the risk of injury two ways:
The tip can slip out of what you are prying at and cut you or the tip can break off and you can get injured that way as well. In terms of prying, definitely do not ever stick a knife into a plugged in appliance. To do so runs the risk of electric shock.
When using any knife do so in a vicinity where the lighting is adequate. You should be able to witness clearly what you are cutting and how you are cutting it. If the lighting is insufficient increase the lighting immediately or wait until the light is sufficient before you cut anything.
Don’t use a knife with a rusty blade. A knife blade is far safer when it is in good condition and it’s sharp. If you do get cut, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date as well, and if you need a booster, get one. Don’t delay medical attention if a wound is major or if you believe there’s a possibility you’ll develop an infection from a knife cut.
If the wound cannot be treated with conventional measures like that derived from basic first aid care, head to a facility offering emergency medical services at once. While one of the most common knife safety tips is that of storing your knife with care, in a case or sheath, there are additional measures you’ll need to take when caring for your knife to ensure the knife remains in good condition and safe to use.
Usually, the warranty recommends the use of a sharpening stone, not a muscle grinder, the sharpened edge of the blade, and a stone is by far the safest method for doing so. If the warranty suggests a stone for sharpening and you use alternative means, you may avoid the warranty and run the risk of injury at the same time.
Always make sure you sanitize the weapon methodically once you are done using it. It will ensure the longevity of the blade and the overall condition of the knife over the course of long-term use. If the knife has locking features, make sure you clean them well to prevent rusting and/or seizure of the mechanisms.
A knife should be regularly oiled (if it is a folding knife) to ensure ease of operation. The blade must remain sharp, as a sharp blade is safer than a blade that is dulled. Sharper blades make for ease of cutting which means you won’t struggle with the knife when using it. Sharper blades also make cleaner cuts. See our piece on the best pocket knife sharpener that you can take anywhere for more options.
Before you make use of any knife, always look it over. Look for cracks, dull parts, or broken pieces. Make sure the blade fits tightly into the handle and that it doesn’t wiggle around. Always check to see the knife is sharpened. If you do get an injury and it is from a dull knife you actually end up with a greater amount of tissue damage than if the knife was sharp when it cuts you.
When you have the knife in use, make sure you are not aiming the blade near any arteries or veins. Take great care not to cut yourself – this is incredibly important when you are hunting or out in the field and not near a location where you can get immediate injury care in the event of an accident.
Also, always works with a knife in a clear workspace. This means you need to be ever aware of what is going on around you as well as in front of you. You never know when a child might enter the room and suddenly be too close to where you are working. To protect yourself and others, remain alert.
If you lack the experiencing in doing so, do not use the choil on a knife. The choil is a place on the knife you can put your index finger to have greater precision when you are making finer, closer cuts. It is better that you have experience handling a knife correctly before making use of it.
