Use this SOP any time a knife transitions between sheath/pocket and hand. The priority is control: a safe grip, a deliberate draw, a stable carry position, and a disciplined return to secure storage. If anything breaks control (crowding, slippery hands, fatigue, low light), stop, reset, and slow down.

1. Basic Handling Safety
   1. Announce intent if others are within arm’s reach: “Knife out.”
   2. Establish a clear working bubble: step back, square stance, stable footing.
   3. Cutting edge stays oriented away from your body and away from others.
   4. Index fingers stay off the edge; no “finger over spine near edge” tricks when stressed.
   5. Before any cut: identify the safe direction for a slip (where the blade will go if it fails).
2. Safe Passing
   1. Default rule: do not pass an unsheathed knife. Sheath it first.
   2. If sheath is unavailable: pass handle-first with edge oriented down and away; receiver confirms “Got it.”
   3. One person moves at a time. The giver holds still; the receiver takes.
   4. No passing across bodies, over laps, or through crowds. Reposition first.
3. Grip / Draw / Carry
   1. Grip: build a full, closed grip on the handle before the blade clears storage.
   2. Draw: draw slowly on a straight line. Do not “flick” or snap the blade free.
   3. Carry position: blade low, tip down/forward, edge away from legs/torso; keep elbow close.
   4. Movement: when walking, pause cutting, secure the blade position, and watch footing.
   5. Re-sheath: stop moving, look the blade into the sheath/pocket, and re-seat fully.
4. Controlled Cutting
   1. Cut away from your body and off-hand. Keep off-hand behind the cutting line.
   2. Anchor the work, not your hand: brace material on a stable surface when possible.
   3. Use short, controlled strokes. Do not use excessive force to “power through.”
   4. If the cut is binding, stop and change the setup (angle, support, tool choice).
   5. After each cut sequence: blade goes to a safe carry position or back to storage.
5. Adverse Conditions
   1. Wet/cold/numb hands: slow down; re-grip; consider gloves; reduce force.
   2. Low light: add light or stop. Do not cut blind or “by feel.”
   3. Fatigue/stress: shorten tasks, take a knee, reset posture, and re-check safe direction.
   4. Crowded space: stop, create space, or secure the knife before repositioning.
6. Post-Use Securing
   1. Wipe the blade dry and clear of debris before storage when feasible.
   2. Confirm sheath retention/closure and that the knife is fully seated.
   3. Return the knife to its designated carry location (same place every time).
   4. Quick check: no exposed edge, no loose retention, no blood or contamination.
7. Injury Response
   1. Stop work immediately. Secure the knife (sheath/put down safely).
   2. Apply direct pressure to bleeding. Elevate if possible.
   3. If bleeding is severe or does not stop: apply a tourniquet above the wound per your medical training and call for help.
   4. Clean and dress minor cuts; stop work if grip/control is compromised.

• Stop immediately if you cannot name a safe direction for a slip.
• Stop if anyone enters your working bubble (arm’s reach) without acknowledgment.
• Stop if hands are numb, slick, or shaking and you cannot maintain a full closed grip.
• Stop if lighting is insufficient to see the edge and the sheath opening clearly.
• Stop if you feel rushed. Reset posture, slow down, and re-run the draw and carry discipline.

• [ ] Knife transitions were deliberate: full grip before draw, controlled carry, and looked-into re-sheath.
• [ ] No cuts were made toward the body or off-hand; safe direction was maintained throughout.
• [ ] Passing rule was followed: sheathed by default; no uncontrolled handoffs.
• [ ] After use, knife was wiped, fully seated, and secured in its designated carry location.
• [ ] If an injury occurred, the knife was secured first and bleeding control was applied immediately.