While I would not allow a child under 9 or 10 to use this, it's safe for the rest of us. I am terrified of Xacto knives because they are really sharp and have that point tip. I am not particularly clumsy, but I don't take chances when I can sense the impending bloodshed about to happen.So I got this lovely little safe thing. You will not cut yourself with it if you try, but it is great for opening envelopes, boxes, packages, and scoring paper. I also use it for details on sketches, knowing the sketch will survive, and so will I. Years ago I cut myself badly with an Xacto, accidentally, and that was enough!!!Then I found these. This is not my first purchase. It will not be my last. I try to have one in the carry-alls for each of my separate projects. These are safe. No ER visits with these, unless you do something waaaaay on the thin edge of the bell curve of potential accidents.EDIT: Uh, it will not cut your finger, but it will papercut the back of your hand. Thin skin can be cut, so keep that in mind. It is after all a type of knife.