Rank: New forum user 
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Hi all, first post so here goes....... Does anyone have any experience on using retracting blade knives in the construction industry? I currently have a requirement to only use retracting blade knives on a commercial flooring contract, however our operatives are struggling with the product suggested by the client as they only have experience (18+ years for some) of fixed blade "Dolphin" knives. The knives suggested are "Reakta" knives which lock out unless the knife is dropped, however in reality they behave erratically with the blade popping back in when knives are turned upside down etc which is essential to make some cuts. The blade also pops in after making every cut as pressure on blade is released. This is driving our guys nuts and giving them sore thumbs to boot. http://safetyknife.net/reakta.htmWe have trialled other similar products in past: - Sarrett "Hidden Edge" - Stanley Fat Max - Bahco Squeeze Grip but have found operatives reluctant to adopt either due to bulky nature, poor ergonomic design, weight or difficulty keeping pressure on blade mechanism during use etc Any other ideas we could try?
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Richard,
I would firstly suggest that a risk based assessment is carried out to why retracting knives must be used and does th use of these knives cause any issues to yopur operators in realtion to the tasks they are carrying out.
I have a similar issue on site where we banned the use of stanley knives on site and replaced them with the martor maxisafe knive. This cause a few issue to our maintenance team for carpet tile cutting etc. Should took a risk based approach as to the type of knives we would allow to be used. One knive you could look at is anothe martor prodcut coauld the profi.
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Rank: New forum user
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We have offered our own risk assessment and fixed-blade knife policy to strictly control use of knives (knives to be sheathed after every cut etc), however our client is not willing to deviate from the strict site rules on this occasion.
In our opinion (including the guys at the sharp end so to speak), the retracting blade knives are more dangerous due to their unpredictable operation. There is also the issue of repetitive movement required to keep sliding the blade out.
Thanks for the suggestion of the Martor products and I'll investigate whether these could help us comply with client requirements.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Never heard such a load of clap trap.
Competent persons being forced to use unsuitable equipment.
Rubbish.
If persons are competent then there is no need to push stupid useless equipment on to them.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I agree with Paul.
Whatever happened to the employer being responsible for the employee and their work equipment, risk assessments etc?
Is there a risk assessment that led to the blanket rule?
If so who carried it out?
Do they know the in's and out's of flooring ?
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Rank: New forum user
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Hello Richard,
many sites that I have worked have a no fixed blade policy, most likely common due to the damage a stanley can do with little effort, we had an incident where retractable stanley blades where being used and we still managed to have a hospital visit! You will no doubt go round the block trying to source a reasonable alternative when, with a bit of diplomacy, you could persuad your client that a risk assessment for specific parts of the task that require fixed blades is sufficent and practical.
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Rank: Forum user
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I had a problem with the 'Safety knives issue' after trialling just about every safety knife and assessing each one, we found them unsuitable, we ended up reiterating the safe practices and supplying the retractable Stanley knives. we also created a register for the ones handed out to restrict use to those trained individuals.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Never had a problem with the use of a '99E' in 40 years of stripping SWA etc. We'll be using vapour-resistant and fart proof pants before long due to the fire risk and/or possible explosive situations...What next? Invisible nails and screws, air guitar type-jig saws...Take the scalpel of the surgeon in case he/she cuts someone?
Knives cut things, if in doubt wear a butchers glove.
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