Compiled by Ed Santarosa and Andy Hiroshima from various sources

GENERAL

• A knife is a tool, not a toy
• Always handle a knife with care
• Know how to properly operate (open and close) the knife
• Always keep the knife blade under control when cutting
• A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife
• Never run with a knife blade exposed
• If you must walk with an exposed blade do it very carefully
• Never throw a knife for any reason
• Always close the blade of a pocket knife before handing it to someone else
• Always hand a fixed blade knife to someone else handle first
• Always close the blade of a pocket knife when you are through using it
• Always place a fixed blade knife in a sheath or the blade in a blade cover when you are through using it
• Do not leave knives laying around when you are not using them
• Do not use a knife unsupervised.  Be sure a responsible person is present in case you cut yourself.
• Always treat a cut properly.  Stop the bleeding.  Apply an antiseptic.  Cover the wound to keep it clean.  Receive proper emergency treatment if the cut is severe.
• Stop using your knife if you are tired
• Do not use your knife if you are taking medications that might affect your motor skills

SPECIFIC

• Never cut towards another person
• Never cut towards your own body
• Always keep the hand holding the carving behind the cutting direction
• Always have both hands touching the carving
• Always hold the carving away from your body
• For difficult cuts place the carving on a firm wooden surface, not your body
• Visualize the travel path of the cutting edge if it were to slip or if the wood were to chip or break and make sure nothing is in the travel path
• If the knife slips out of your hand DO NOT try to catch it
• Do not use a knife to pry things open or to do other things that might break or damage the blade
• Learn to properly sharpen your knife and keep it sharp

SUGGESTIONS

Use a knife with a handle that is comfortable and easy to grasp.  A knife with a large diameter handle is harder to control.

• Use a blade that is not too long.  Knives with long blades are harder to control   A maximum blade length of 1 ½” (or shorter) is suggested for beginners.
• Use soft carving materials for beginners.  Some suggestions (in order of softness) are:

Soap (Ivory) – squeeze before you buy.  If it is soft it is good for carving.  If it is hard it will not carve well)

Balsa wood

Foam blocks – used by flower arrangers, generally green

Basswood

Pine

Practice and repetition will improve skills