Blunt/Sharp Knife Myth.

[Taocat]

Yes to additional mindfulness and knowledge. I know that sharp knives are safer for those with a modicum of knowledge, but I have to wonder about the general public, or those who think they know a lot about knives but in fact don't know much. I handed my Opinel (thanks, Baryonyx!) to my idiot cousin, as he had just shown me his overpriced Chinese hunting knife. I warned him twice not to thumb the edge, as I had just stropped it. He thumbed the edge. It took a moment, and he seemed pretty surprised to see blood running down his hand. So it would be my guess that a sharp knife is safer for sharp people.

 

[muphasta]

We went by the adage, "Sharp knives cut, dull blades tear". Better to be cut than to be torn open.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

(thanks, Baryonyx!)

You're very welcome!

So it would be my guess that a sharp knife is safer for sharp people.

Amen to that. I'm, at times, reminded why table knives are as dull and rounded as they are.

I think nearly anyone can learn how to be safe with a sharp knife, but some definitely take more coaching than others and there has to be a willingness to learn. Far too often people will stubbornly cling to the convenience of ignorance, unfortunately.

 

[herisson]

Most people will never admit a very simple (but high performing) tool needs some learning. Who has never heard "Come on, it's just a knife/axe/prying bar/hammer/bicycle, don't make such a fuss about it !" Minutes later... accident. As far as knives are concerned, i'd just say "dull knives (or better, plastic spoons) to dumb people, sharp knives to clever (or at least, "knife smart") people". I love my knives to be sharp as ever and I'm careful to never fool around with them. An accident is unlikely as I need to apply only minimal force. And I never lend them : there are plenty of scissors, screwdrivers and plastic spoons around. Nobody needs my knife.