5 Most Common Knife Injuries & How to Prevent Them | THE SHED KNIVES BLOG #91

Welcome back to The Shed Knives Blog for edition #91! If you’re new here, welcome! Whether you’re out in the field building shelters, processing wood, or just cleaning up gear at camp, one tool is always within arm’s reach…a knife, and while a fixed blade knife is one of the most essential tools for the outdoors, it’s also one that requires the most caution.

Knife injuries can happen fast and without warning, even to the most experienced outdoorsmen. In today’s blog, we’re covering the 5 most common knife injuries and how you can prevent them. Whether you’re new to knives or a seasoned blade enthusiast, this breakdown could save you from a painful (and avoidable) mistake.

1. Finger & Hand Lacerations

This is by far the most common knife injury. It happens when your hand or knife slips while cutting/carving, often resulting in minor to deep cuts across fingers, the palm, or the back of the hand.

How it Happens:

• Applying too much force
• Using a dull blade that requires more pressure
  
• Carving toward your hand or body
  
• Poor grip, especially with wet hands
  
  

How to Prevent It:

• Always cut away from your body, never toward yourself
  
• Keep your knife razor sharp: a sharp knife is safer than a dull one (helps with ease of cutting)
  
• Use a secure grip (preferably a knife with grippy handle scales like the knives here)
  
• Wear gloves when necessary, but make sure they’re fitted and don’t slip
  
  

2. Leg and Thigh Stabs

You’d be surprised how many people accidentally stab or slash their legs while sitting or standing. One quick slip while carving or batoning, and your leg is right in the line of fire.

How it Happens:

• Carving on your lap
  

• Dropping a knife
  

• Improper storage or carrying
  

• Pulling a knife from a sheath carelessly
  
  

How to Prevent It:

• Use a stable, safe working surface (like a log, stump, or flat ground)
  

• Keep your legs out of the cutting path
  

• Use a reliable sheath that holds your knife securely
  

• Practice safe drawing and re-sheathing techniques
  
  

3. Accidental Punctures

Puncture wounds are different from cuts. They tend to go deeper, are more prone to infection, and often result from trying to stab or pierce something with too much force.

How it Happens:

• Piercing wood, cans, or materials not meant to be stabbed
  

• Using the knife tip for prying
  

• Slipping while field dressing game
  
  

How to Prevent It:

• Use a controlled grip and don’t stab with full force
  

• Never use your knife as a pry bar as you could damage the blade and risk injury
  

• Use tools the way they’re designed to be used (especially when cleaning game)
  

• If you need to puncture, stabilize your work surface and go slow
  
  

4. Improper Baton Strikes

Batoning with a fixed blade knife is a great way to split wood, but it’s also a common cause of hand and knuckle injuries.

How it Happens:

• Missing the spine and hitting your hand or fingers
  

• Blade slipping out of alignment and cutting the opposite hand
  

• Weak grip or unstable work surface
  
  

How to Prevent It:

• Use a full tang knife with a thick spine, like the knives made by Shed Knives
  

• Make sure your baton (the striking stick) is thick, solid, and easy to grip
  

• Keep fingers away from the top of the blade
  

• Place the wood on a flat, stable surface before starting
  
  

5. Cuts While Cleaning or Sheathing

Cleaning your blade or putting it back in the sheath seems simple, but these are high-risk moments specifically when people let their guard down.

How it Happens:

• Wiping the blade along the edge
  

• Rushing to clean or sheath the knife
  

• Inserting the blade into a sheath with fingers too close
  
  

How to Prevent It:

• Clean from the spine toward the edge, never the other way
  

• Take your time when cleaning and avoid distractions
  

• Use a sheath designed for easy and safe re-entry
  

• Always dry your knife thoroughly before storing to prevent slips and rust
  
  

Bonus: What to Do If You Get Cut

Accidents happen, even when you’re careful. Here’s what to do if you do get cut:

1. Stop the bleeding: Elevate the wound and apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
2. Clean the wound: Use clean water or antiseptic wipes to prevent infection.
3. Protect it: Cover with sterile gauze or a bandage.
4. Monitor it: Keep an eye out for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
5. Seek help: For deep cuts or punctures, get medical attention ASAP.

That’s why a first-aid kit is always part of our essential outdoor gear list.

Final Thoughts

Knives are an essential part of survival and outdoor life, but they’re only as safe as the person holding them. Every cut, every strike, and every time you pull that knife from its sheath is a chance to make the right move - or the wrong one. Respect your blade, understand how it works, and practice proper technique.

To explore a wide range of high-quality knives, like the entire 2025 Shed Knives Collection, visit the Shed Knives website HERE. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next edition of The Shed Knives Blog.

Know another outdoor enthusiast who may find value in this blog? Feel free to share the link of this blog with them so we can continue to educate & encourage our fellow outdoor & knife enthusiasts. Thank you for your support. - WJB

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About The Author:

Jack Billings is the 20 year old CEO and Founder of Shed Knives, a rising manufacturer of high-quality fixed blade bushcraft knives. With over 5 years of experience as a knife maker, he has developed a reputation for crafting durable, reliable knives that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and bushcrafters alike. Jack started making knives at the age of 13 and has been refining his craft ever since.

In addition to his expertise in knife making, Jack has a High School Degree from POLYTECH High School, where he studied Automotive Technology and obtained his ASE Certification. He is also a content creator for Shed Knives and has reached the eyes of over 1,000,000 people on Shed Knives platforms across the world through his work.

When he's not working on knives, Jack enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a passion for bushcraft. He also has a passion for the automotive world and enjoys learning about new technologies and advancements. Additionally, he has a great interest in language and is studying Spanish, German, and Arabic.

Jack's personal mission is to constantly improve himself, his products, and his processes in order to stay ahead of the rapidly changing interests of the knife industry and to surpass the competition. He takes great pride in American manufacturing and is committed to contributing to the growth of the world knife industry through his work.

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