KNIFE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Remember, all knives are potentially dangerous, so take care when using them!

You can use scissors for most of the cutting jobs in making scenery if you're using thin cardboard as your main material. The best kind of scissors are ones that are big enough to cut cardboard but not so big as to make it difficult to cut detailed shapes. For more detailed work, it is best to use a modeling knife. The best kind of knife is the sort that has a retractable blade so it can be stored safely when not in use. When using a knife, remember to make all cuts away from yourself, so if the knife slips, you don't cut your fingers. When you're cutting, make sure your work surface is well protected to prevent it getting scratched. We recommend the use of a cutting mat – a thick, rubberized mat that is strong enough to cut into and has a special matt surface so your knife won't slip. Cut by scoring several times, pressing lightly until the material is cut through. Do not press too hard on the blade or it may snap, slip, or cut through into the table. Blunt blades are more dangerous than sharp ones, so change your blade regularly and dispose of old blades carefully.

Storage

If you use modeling knives or any other potentially dangerous modeling equipment, store it safely somewhere when you're not using it to prevent younger children playing with it and hurting themselves. 

The blade extended for use. In this knife, spare blades are stored in the handle.	The blade is retracted, and the end covered with a cap.