Consumer reports has a feature reviewing pumpkin carving kits for safety, and compares them with regular knives.
The pumpkin-carving kits we evaluated–which ran from about $6 to $15–eased some of those concerns. They contained tools that can saw through rind, poke holes, or scoop out the innards. One advantage of the sawlike tools is that they’re not razor-sharp, unlike many knives. Although various tools broke in our tests, the sawlike ones were judged less likely than regular knives to cause serious cuts to your hand.
The tools were generally small, which made them easier to control than a knife, and easier to use when making intricate cuts. Their small size may make it tempting to let children use them. But while safer than knives, they’re still potentially dangerous, particularly if you’re sawing or poking with lots of force. So pumpkin carving is probably best left to adults.
Instead, kids can draw a face on a pumpkin and clean out the innards. Work in a clean, well-lit area, and wash and thoroughly dry everything you use, including tools, the cutting surface, and hands. Any moisture can cause slipping that can lead to injuries. Cut away from yourself using small strokes. And if you’d rather not carve at all, pumpkin painting is a safe alternative.
ADVERTISEMENT
