I recently had to get six stitches on my left index finger (since I'm right-handed), and I've ordered both a glove and some finger guards. I'm curious about the advantages of using one over the other. Can anyone share their thoughts on which might be better?
4 Answers
Also, remember that keeping your blade sharp is super important! Dull knives can make carving difficult and lead to more accidents since you end up using more force. Make sure to strop your blades regularly when working. You might even consider getting a Kevlar glove or a hand vice to protect yourself, so you could skip the glove altogether!
Honestly, a thumb guard wouldn't have helped your index finger at all. I use both a glove and a thumb guard. The thumb guards are usually made of leather, which gets a bit worn with time, but they don’t mark the wood as badly as the glove might. So it really depends on what you prefer.
It really boils down to personal preference. I usually wear a glove mainly for a better grip rather than cut resistance. The type of piece and tool you're using will make a huge difference too. Experiment a bit to see what feels right!
I personally prefer using gloves. There's a really scientific reason behind it, but honestly, it's mostly because I'm kinda clumsy and I tend to cut myself a lot! I've actually slipped and hit my knuckles before, so the glove provides me with a lot of comfort and confidence. Now, I usually wear it on my non-cutting hand, but for some tricky cuts, I glove up both hands for extra protection!
Good point! I was probably using a dull detail knife when I slipped. I've learned the hard way and invested in a solid roughing knife too.