Hobby knife safety for student bridge builders
Safe cutting habits for students and teachers: cut away from your body, use a mat, replace blades safely, and keep fingers clear of the blade path.
Updated · 1 min read
Short answer: cut away from your body on a cutting mat, keep your other hand behind the blade, use a sharp blade, and put the cap on when you stop. Most cuts happen when a dull blade slips.
Rules for the bench
- Use a cutting mat or a firm board, never your lap or the table.
- Cut away from yourself, and keep the other hand behind or beside the blade, never in front.
- Use a sharp blade. Dull blades need more force and slip. See cutting balsa.
- Make light passes, not one hard push.
- Put the cap or sheath on whenever you put the knife down.
- Pick up one blade at a time, and dispose of used blades in a closed container, such as a taped box or a bottle.
- Keep the bench tidy, with no blade hidden under paper.
For teachers
- Teach the cuts and the rules before handing out knives.
- Consider craft cutters or safer blades for younger students.
- Have a first-aid kit and a plan for cuts.
- Keep one adult in charge of blade handout and return.
Other safety
Safety glasses for testing, and a clear area under the load. See testing safely. Check your school's rules on blades.