wear yr glove

[rickm]

aug 9 of last year I was carving around and stuck a # 3 gouge in my right index finger severing the tendon. I have posted this before. Well I have had three surgeries as of now and the doc wants to do another. The process went from sewing the severed tendon together to removing it, taking a tendon from my leg and putting it in the finger.
And the finger works marginally.
So, I hate to be the doomsayer, but pls, dont pick up a razor sharp carving knife unless you have protection. Maybe even on both hands. And dont go the cheap route, get something great. No matter how much it cost, each of my surgeries cost about 17k apiece not to mention all the rehab and inconvenience and I am still stuck with a finger that barely operates.
I know Im dumb, and Im paying for it.

[pallin]

It's a pity you have gone through so much and still have marginal use of your index finger. Thanks for sharing your experience. It may prevent some other carvers from a similar tragedy.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Really sorry to hear about all the problems you're having with that diget. What a bummer! And while your excellent advice to other carvers should be welcomed there will be those who read of your experience and still continue to carve without any protection. Sad. Like leading a horse to water, you can tell some carvers what they SHOULD DO but it will be the Surgeon who will tell them what they SHOULD HAVE DONE! It would make a great survey if someone would go through all the posts of this kind over the years and compare the mishaps of carvers wearing protection to those who don't. ..... or didn't now that they know better.

[carlt]

Thanks for the posting, I cut my left thumb with a sloyd knife to the bone, needed a fair amount of stitches. After healing, was carving with a mere carving knife, and sliced it again. This entailed another trip to urgent care for more stitches. I may be hard headed, but now use a glove. When I see people carve barehanded, I tremble!

Carl

[Midnight Carver]

Sorry that you have had so much trouble, hopefully this next surgery is successful.
A few weeks ago, I slipped (badly) while wearing my carving glove. I looked at how big the cut in the glove was and really didn't want to see what my finger looked like. Pulled the glove off and...not a scratch on my finger. My wife and I have no idea how I put a 3/4 inch cut through the knuckle area on the index finger of the glove and didn't even scratch my skin? Either way, I went out the next day and got another glove, it was well worth the $22 to me.

Eric

[Gulf Coast Handyman]

Sorry to hear that Rick. I have always worn a glove and it has saved me many times. I have done other dumb things carving related and paid big. I hope others listen to your advice!! Hope everything works out well for your finger.

Dave

[Jschipcarving]

While I was working on the house last year, I cut my index finger down to the bone with my pocket knife. I was prying on something with it and squeezed it hard enough to unlock the blade, and closed it on my finger. I still have a little numbness in that finger. I was using the wrong tool for the job, dumb mistake, but I did learn. I know this is a little off topic, but thought it was worth mentioning. (SAFETY FIRST)

[Old Codger]

Sorry to hear about your carving accident Rick, hope you regain full control of your finger soon... I totally agree with you about being safe while carving... a carving glove and finger/thumb protectors are cheap compared to a trip to E.R. Also don't forget eye & ear protection too when you're using power tools/chain saws...it's difficult to carve if you can't see...and you certainly can listen to your favorite music when your deaf due to excessive noise (speaking from experience!)...
Kenn

[Kadiddle]

Thanks for the heads up reminder. We at times let our guard down, get to comfortable for our own britches, and it happens so very quick. Some are little knicks, others are life alterring as yours is. Lets all be safe and enjoy.
Carve On,
Kadiddle

[carvendive]

Sorry to hear this. I'm still carving without gloves and I may try one based on your experiences. I too don't have to worry tooooo much any more about the nerves in my left hand since running my thumb, index, middle and little finger throught the 10" table saw blade while doing a back saw cut in a piece of cherry that bound to the blade and drew my hand thru it before I could react. The skin and finger nails have remodled but I can now put out the fire in my pipe without feeling a thing.
I know - Stupid. But maybe my story will also help others think before acting.