Safecutters

As ancient as mankind itself, the knife is the earliest form of weaponry for which there has been no substitute. Essential for survival, the knife was developed out of necessity and has evolved through the ages. From knives made of flint, to copper, to iron, humans have a unique relationship to this tool, creating it out of the strongest material available and adorning them with patterns and decoration. A special knife is a personal possession that is valued for its craftsmanship and usefulness.

To avoid injury or damage to inventory, retailers should use caution when opening shipping and receiving freight. Perhaps one of the most often overlooked precautions is in the use of a utility knife. Retailers are constantly receiving shipments and orders that require careful opening to prevent injury as well as damage to the product. Use the following guidelines to safely open a carton with a box knife:

1. Always keep a box knife with a sharp blade handy when working with freight and opening boxes.
2. Set the carton on a flat, steady surface.
3. Position the carton at an angle to your body so that the utility knife will not be moving directly towards you.
4. Place one hand on the box and use the other hand to firmly hold the box knife.
5. Make a smooth cut, and then turn the carton a quarter revolution. Make another smooth cut, and turn the carton again.
6. Cut as close to the top of the box as possible with the box knife.
7. Check the condition of the box knife’s blade. Dull blades require more pressure and increase the risk of injuries.

To work well, a safety knife needs to be mistake-proof. In other words, its safety features must be so deeply built-in that a new, untrained employee can’t accidentally override them.

Putting together a household knife set with all the basic special knife set handy makes household projects and repairs a simple endeavor. These basic tools might be kept in a hall closet, kitchen drawer, or in a special knife box in the mudroom. Choose a space in your home for your knife set that is convenient and within reach.