Many years ago on a hand tool forum (that used e-mail to consolidate the comments and still does), one of the members had a safety saying, "If it slips, where will it go?"

 

I said that to myself this morning while I was using a utility knife to cut the top off a plastic container.  I moved my left hand.  Two seconds later, the knife slipped and just missed my fingers.  Great advice.

 

 

FWIW, II believe the first use of "scary sharp" method of sharpening tools with sandpaper was also coined.

1 hour ago, kmealy said:

If it slips, where will it go?"

 

I said that to myself this morning while I was using a utility knife to cut the top off a plastic container.  I moved my left hand.  Two seconds later, the knife slipped and just missed my fingers.  Great advice.

You suppose surgeons ask that same question? Asking for a friend.

Well, i asked myself that when putting siding on my house. Moved my hand out of harms way but the knife had other ideas. Thank goodness the finger bone stopped it from going completely through.

I love my box cutters. When I got my little folding Gerber that takes those type blades, the Buck inherited from my dad, went in the drawer....to stay.

Hmmmmm..... I have a bunch of scars from times I didn't consider that question

 

Couple times the injury came from a newly honed and polished edge too!  Just like cutting butter.