Anti-tetanus before anything else!!

[SUP]

Since I started leatherworking, I have cut myself so many times!  After the first 3-4 times, when I went around with numerous band-aids on my hands, I went and got an anti-tetanus. My house is overflowing with band-aids and triple antibiotic creams! Currently I am waiting for deep cuts on my thumb and fore-finger to heal - pretty deep because I sliced it with a sharpening thingy for serrated knives, while trying on a sheath for it. 

Does everyone go through this or am I particularly clumsy? I suspect  the latter!

[Littlef]

13 minutes ago, SUP said:

Since I started leatherworking, I have cut myself so many times!  After the first 3-4 times, when I went around with numerous band-aids on my hands, I went and got an anti-tetanus. My house is overflowing with band-aids and triple antibiotic creams! Currently I am waiting for deep cuts on my thumb and fore-finger to heal - pretty deep because I sliced it with a sharpening thingy for serrated knives, while trying on a sheath for it. 

Does everyone go through this or am I particularly clumsy? I suspect  the latter!

Hmmm.  It sounds like you need to re-think your process on how you handle knives.  Statistically, if you work with sharp items long enough, you'll eventually cut or nick yourself.  BUT, when it keeps happening, that comes from improper handling.  I'd recommend re-thinking how you go about your process to cut away from you, and how to keep your fingers out of the path of the blades.   

[Handstitched]

In the very beginning, I cut the tips of my fingers cos my fingers were just over the edge of the ruler while cutting . I never did that again . The only injuries I occasionally get is from hand stitching. I've just learnt to be careful with anything that cuts, scrapes , slices ,  pokes, pierces  and any other sharp tool. I also keep my fingers away from the business end of sewing machines. I learnt that from Mum after she put sewing machine needle through her finger many years ago. 

Just learn to be more careful

HS

[SUP]

Thank you. You are both absolutely right! My husband keeps telling me the same thing each time he sees droplets of blood around the place. The thing is, I go in with  good intentions and then forget! I cut myself usually when hand sewing - poke myself with the awl or needle, or like I mentioned above, when trying sheaths on the tools. I have not cut myself when actually cutting leather yet! All those precautions I have read from all of you -  I  spend all my free time on this site to learn as much as I can - it is the unexpected where I cut myself. But I am learning. 

[Sheilajeanne]

People wear thimbles when hand sewing - have you thought of that? This thimble designed for quilting might work for leather too: https://www.amazon.ca/AIEX-Thimble-Protector-Quilting-Knitting/dp/B088BJYCB2/ref=asc_df_B088BJYCB2/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=320347773323&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10864780862965643511&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9104883&hvtargid=pla-914884391695&psc=1

 

[TomE]

Good thing when it bleeds to clean out the wound, but yes keeping up to date on your tetanus immunization is a very good idea.  I bled less on projects as my awling improved.  I have a collection of scars on both forearms from slipping with a hoof knife.  Doctors seem to notice these things.

[Tugadude]

Good technique and a sharp knife yield best results.  Funny this came up because just yesterday I was watching a YouTube video concerning how to open packaging safely.  Well, it wasn't about that, it just came up because the channel owner is frustrated by what he sees.  So he demonstrated some safe techniques.    I watch "unboxing" videos all the time and I cringe when I see how some people handle knives.  Mostly common sense, but there are some things that maybe aren't intuitive so they have to be learned. 

 

[Littlef]

Another suggestion.  You said "I cut myself usually when hand sewing - poke myself with the awl or needle."  Work on sharpening your awl and other tools.  A well sharpened awl with slice through leather with light pressure, that you can control.  When tools are dull, it takes much more pressure and effort.  When having to muscle your tools to work, there's a much higher likelihood that something slips, which causes an accident. 

[SUP]

Thimbles! Why didn't I think of that? First thing I am ordering those leather thimbles! It will be a relief. Thank you Sheilajeanne.

I strop my knives whenever I use them and sharpen as needed. That is another addictive thing about leatherworking - the knives and how many I am sorely tempted to buy! Not sure how to sharpen an awl though, Littlef. I am sure there will be a thread about it somewhere on this site. I will look it up. I might also need to improve my chiseling technique. I have been thinking about it and it is possible the chisel holes are not straight and therefore the problem with the awl as well.

Yes, TomeE. I try to let the cuts bleed - they do anyway! but if it is very deep, I have discovered that if I immediately hold it closed and bandage it up, it dries and heals very fast. Not much pain or swelling either. So healing time, even for a deep slice is down to about 3 days. Have such a cut now and I can barely see the scar.

 

And opening boxes Tugadude? I had no idea how to do it until I worked in an Amazon warehouse for 6 months some years ago. Now I do it like a pro and show anyone around too! 

Edited April 25, 2023 by SUP

[Sheilajeanne]

I used to break up boxes for recycling in the dumpster when I worked for a retail nursery. Great way to work out frustrations, and I kept my Swiss Army knife handy for slicing the tape!

Had it down to a fine art and never cut myself.