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Posted

The general answer is still never but for me one thing that sure helped was proper cutting surfaces. When I was introduced to Aspen cutting boards, the blood loss went way down. That and glass like surfaces for skiving, etc. Years ago I got a large supply of Aspen and I hope it will last as long as I do. (I'm over 70 now) Part of it, too, was learning to use the round knife and cutting away instead of various pull towards types. Over time, some of the more vicious tools will end up gathering dust and you will probably live through it all. BTW there are also hammers, awls and machinery that will get you until you learn to look out or don't survive. In the end will come a period of relative peace and safety unless, of course, you are just an incurable klutz. If that's the case, embrace it and take up painting or some other pastime that doesn't employ sharp edges.

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Posted (edited)

I've been jinxed! Not a nick since I had a stem cell transplant 2 years ago; I read this post and took off the end of my bird finger, while cutting out a pattern, this AM. Shows to go ya! Never finger(sic), your out of the woods.

jr

Edited by JREESER1
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Posted

After growing up on a farm and working as a mechanic I've found that cuts are inevitable. I've got to the point where I rarely notice anymore unless its deep and I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. I don't know how but I've managed to not ruin any leather yet (now I will). My day job is sitting in front of a computer all day so the most I have to worry about there is paper cuts. But even paper is being used less and less. To prevent cutting myself I usually plan my cuts to keep my hands hands out of the way and be really careful. My round knife took a nice chunk of skin with it one day. Wouldn't have known if it wouldn't have embedded itself a good way into my fingernail.

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Posted (edited)

Its funny when you look at your finger and see a pretty big slice that would have been stitch worthy in someone with Madge Hands, yet due to the callous from the thousands of other cuts, you have no idea when you even did it. The downside to calloused hands is when a harness needle does find enough force and speed go through, it usually goes deep. and hurts way worse than a cut. If you manage to push the needle through the skin, there is no stopping it....

edit: i forgot about the cuts from thread on my baby fingers when pulling stitches tight.... I have leather baby finger socks but sometimes i forget to put then on. Tiger thread cuts like a knife....

Edited by TinkerTailor

"If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing."

"There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"

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Posted

edit: i forgot about the cuts from thread on my baby fingers when pulling stitches tight.... I have leather baby finger socks but sometimes i forget to put then on. Tiger thread cuts like a knife....

+2 - one for each hand, sting like mad and take forever to heal.

http://www.cgleathercraft.com

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Posted

I am a vascular surgeon by day...we say..

all bleeding stops..............................................................................PREGNANT .PAUSE..............................EVENTUALLY!

Greg Spitz MD,FACS Custom Watch Straps

922Leather

Gregspitz@922Leather.com

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Posted

No major project is complete until you've bled on it.

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Posted

I am proud to say that very few orders leave my workshop without that extra special little something.

Mainly my blood via a needle or awl.

Every time.......

 

“Equality?   Political correctness gone mad, I tell you, gone mad!!!!    Next they'll be wanting the vote!!!!! :crazy:“.

Anger and intolerance are the enemy of correct understanding

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Posted

I saw Bill mention them, but it's worth saying at least once more...

This sounds like a job for Kevlar, seriously.

Amazon has lots to choose from, Grainger has lots, and if you need proof, There's a pretty convincing video on the DuPont website of weighted gloves getting tumbled in their custom glove mincing, razor blade lined, tumbler for testing cut resistance. I'd argue that Kevlar has a lower cost, dexterity gain, and the reduction to damage of your knives over chain mail.

Posted

Any concerns about marks on the leather? I cut my nails before a carving job, I would think that Kevlar or chain mail could leave some serious marks on damp leather and I only cut leather while it's damp so that the edges are smooth.

I'm 65 and haven't bled to death yet, I'll just keep being as careful as possible and maintaining my 1st aid kit for when the occasional accident happens.

Chief

"Life's too short to carry ugly leather"

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