Cutting-edge knife safety transforms the design and technology classroom

Published 5th November 2025

Safety is a top priority in every design and technology classroom. Craft knives are essential tools for cutting card, foam, and thin wood, but even with supervision, accidents can happen, particularly when students are still developing confidence and handling skills.

Automatically retracting blade knives are helping to change that. These innovative tools extend only when pressure is applied and retract instantly when released, dramatically reducing the risk of accidental cuts. For teachers, this means greater confidence in letting students work independently and safely.

Key benefits for the classroom:

• Reduced risk of injury: Blades are only exposed during active use, making shared tools safer and reducing the chance of accidents.
• Improved control and precision: Pressure-activated designs allow students to focus on accurate cutting, improving project quality while preventing mishaps caused by awkward angles or dull blades.
• Simplified storage and handling: Automatic retraction removes the need for extra caps or covers, making tools easier to pass between students and safer to store.
• Durability and practicality: With reinforced handles, rust-resistant blades, and easy, tool-free blade changes, these knives are built to withstand heavy classroom use while staying cost-effective.

Beyond enhancing safety, these knives also offer an educational benefit. They show students how thoughtful product design can solve real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and an understanding of user-focused engineering.

While standard risk assessments and control measures remain essential, automatically retracting knives give teachers a practical tool for safer, more confident hands-on learning. They allow students to explore, create, and refine their ideas with reduced risk, making every practical session both safer and more productive.

Teachers can also download the PDF article below, featured in DT Practice 1 2025 and written by Matt Sedgley, Director at Maker Safety and Senior Health and Safety Consultant. It provides a practical classroom resource, serving as a handy reference for students and colleagues while supporting ongoing learning about safe tool use.