Use this SOP any time a knife is actively cutting material. The priority is controlled motion, stable setup, and a known safe slip direction. The knife should guide through material, not be forced. If control breaks at any time, stop immediately and reset before continuing.

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1. Setup Before Cutting
   1. Establish a stable stance with balanced footing.
   2. Anchor the material on a stable surface whenever possible.
   3. Identify the safe slip direction before the blade moves.
   4. Clear the off-hand completely from the cutting path.
   5. Confirm no body parts are in line with the blade's travel.
2. Grip and Blade Control
   1. Build a full, closed grip on the handle.
   2. Align wrist and forearm with the blade path.
   3. Select a cutting angle appropriate to the material.
   4. Do not twist the blade during cutting.
   5. Maintain constant awareness of edge position.
3. Cutting Motion
   1. Use short, controlled strokes.
   2. Guide the knife; do not force it through resistance.
   3. Pause briefly between strokes to confirm control.
   4. Maintain steady pressure, not sudden bursts of force.
   5. Stop immediately if motion becomes jerky or unstable.
4. Binding and Resistance
   1. Stop cutting if the blade binds.
   2. Remove the knife carefully without twisting.
   3. Reposition the material instead of forcing the cut.
   4. Adjust angle before attempting another cut.
   5. If resistance remains high, change tools or method.
5. End of Cut Protocol
   1. Stop blade movement completely after the cut.
   2. Move the knife to a safe carry position.
   3. Re-check hand placement and footing.
   4. Reset posture before the next cut.
   5. Do not rush consecutive cuts.

• Stop if excess force is required to continue cutting.
• Stop if the off-hand drifts into the cutting path.
• Stop if the blade tracks toward body or leg.
• Stop if footing becomes unstable.
• Stop if hands begin shaking from fatigue.
• Stop if grip becomes slick or weak.

Immediate correction rule: Stop movement. Reset stance. Re-establish safe slip direction. Restart the sequence.

• [ ] Blade never tracked toward body.
• [ ] Off-hand stayed clear.
• [ ] No forced cuts occurred.
• [ ] Slip direction was maintained.
• [ ] Knife was secured after cutting.

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