[Woodcarver] a dull sharpening question

[Ivan Whillock]

Joe's comments are right on.  Always work "fail-safe."  If the tool were to
slip, where would it go?  Would any part of your body be in the way?  That
goes for carving or sharpening.  Most injuries happen because we don't
"plan" for the eventuality of a slip.  An experienced carver in Marv's class
this week was supporting the carving against his leg, something he had done
many times.  This one time the knife slipped.  It gave the folks in the
emergency room something to do.  It also gave his blue jeans a stylish hole
above the knee.

       Slips happen, plan for them in order to minimize the damage.