10 knife safety tips for your health and others

When working with sharp tools it's always smart to be mindful of safety concerns. Even every day knife users can become inattentive, and that usually leads to accidents. So here are 10 commonplace guidelines that every knife wielder should practice.

1. Keep your knives sharp. Dull blades frequently cause accidents because they are harder to work with and require more pressure. Sharp knives do not slip as easily and cut smoothly.
2. Keep knife handles free of grease or other slippery substances. Clean knives are safer to use and last longer.
3. Keep knives away from table edges to lessen the chance of being knocked off. Step out of the way if a knife is dropped. Never try to catch a falling knife or blade.
4. Use knives for their intended purpose. Do not use knives as pry bars, screwdrivers, staple removers, or toothpicks.
5. Cut away from your body, not toward it.
6. Do not use a knife on “live” electrical items like appliances.
7. Don’t throw a knife to anyone. Hand it to them, handle first.
8. Carry knives with the cutting edge angled slightly away from your body, with the tip pointed down to your side.
9. As with scissors, don't run with open knives.
10. Concentrate on what you’re doing when using a knife. Pay attention to the task at hand.