Posted By Paul Birney Debbie We use knives made by Martor and these have a self retracting blade, http://www.martor.com/produktueber/1-1-0-2.html These work well and are available in left and right handed versions. They also make numerous other types of safety knife. They are available through Arco Paul

Posted By Martin Taylor Debbie - you do not say why you are using knives - waht is the process? I have experience of Martor knives also and they do do a good job - upto a point. We have had one serious cut accident using this knife due to the carelessness of the user - he was cutting cardboard and using his steadying hand too close to the cut - although the blade was retractable the human brain isn't always quick enough to release the handle. It also depends on the nature of cutting - for straight cutting - cardboard boxes - paper etc they are very effective but if you are using the knife for a serious of cuts in difficult materials - (for me it is trimming plastic flash but I am sure there are a number of other difficult processes) then the grip on the knife to keep the blade out can be a cause of strain to the forearm and wrist. (There are some safety blades that stay out whilst they are cutting without the need to retain the grip (and then automatically retract when the cut is finished) Finally I would still recommend selection of hand and arm protection for anybody using a knife - safety or not - there are several good quality - high dexterity gloves available now at cut level 3 resistance with some 4 and 5 levels now becoming available. For arm protection the choice is less but Kevlar is commonly available and gives good protection hope this helps - email me directly if you would like any further comments Martin