Utility Knife Safety

Two knife types

There are two main types of utility knives: retractable blade or fixed blade. In a retractable blade knife the blade slides in and out of the handle, and can be locked in different positions. The retractable blade utility knife has a blade-locking safety device.

In a fixed blade knife, the blade is locked into one position and is not retractable. For storage, you can store the blade inside the handle by unscrewing the handle, inserting the blade, and reattaching the handle, or place the knife in a utility knife holster.

Safety first

Utility knives are designed for safety, but no design can eliminate carelessness. The blades should be retracted all the way into the body when not in use. Sometimes the blade is accidentally or inadvertently exposed. This can lead to cuts and puncture wounds.

Self-retracting utility knives add an important safety feature to the design. Like standard utility knives, they can adjust quickly to different cutting depths and will let the blade retract completely into the handle when not in use.

Here are some tips that apply when using any utility knife:

Before starting, be sure that your blade is properly seated and the knife properly closed.

Always use a sharp blade. Change it when it starts to tear rather than cut.

Protect your eyes by wearing protective eyewear.

Always keep your free hand away from the line of cut.

When making cuts on a surface below you, stand or kneel to one side of the line.

Always pull the knife toward you when making a cut on a flat surface. Pulling motions are stronger than pushing motions and your knife is less likely to slip.

When using a straight edge to guide a cut, clamp it down or a keep your free hand away from the cutting path of the knife.Don’t bend the blades or apply side loads.

Remain patient when cutting thick materials. Make several passes, cutting a little deeper into the material with each pass.

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