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301 Utility Knife Safety Skip to main content

Safe Handling Techniques

Grip and Cutting Methods

Handling a utility knife with skill is key to preventing accidents. Here are the essentials of what you need to know:

How to Safely Use a Box Cutter
  • Stable Grip: Always hold the knife firmly with your dominant hand. Make sure your grip is comfortable but secure, reducing the risk of the knife slipping.
  • Cutting Direction: Cut away from your body, not towards it. This reduces the chance of an injury if the knife slips.
  • Controlled Movements: Use smooth, steady motions. Avoid jerky or forceful movements that could cause the knife to slip or jump.
  • Blade Exposure: Only expose as much blade as needed for the cut. Overextending the blade can make the knife unstable and dangerous.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-1. What is the recommended way to hold a utility knife to reduce the risk of it slipping?