Every rope scene needs a way to get the rope off in seconds. That is what safety shears are for. Knots can jam, a partner can faint, a hand can go numb. When that happens, you do not untie. You cut. Here is why shears are the right tool, where to keep them and how to cut safely.
Why not a knife or scissors?
- A knife has a point and an edge. Cutting rope that is pressed against skin, in a hurry, with shaking hands, is exactly how people get cut.
- Kitchen scissors have sharp points that can stab, and many cannot cut through 6 mm natural rope in one go.
Safety shears — the kind paramedics use, often called EMT shears — are designed for cutting things off people. They have a blunt, flattened tip that slides between rope and skin without cutting the skin, and blades that cut rope cleanly.
What good safety shears have
- A blunt, flattened tip that slides under rope without stabbing.
- Serrated blades that grip the rope instead of pushing it away.
- An angled head so you can cut close to the body without scraping.
- Non-slip handles that hold in sweaty hands.
Our safety shears are EMT shears with exactly these features. They cut jute, hemp and cotton in a single pull and are made from high-grade, autoclavable stainless steel.
Where to keep them
- Within arm's reach, always. Not in a drawer, not in the other room.
- In the same place every time, so you can find them without looking.
- One pair per rigger if more than one person is tying.
How to cut rope off safely
- Stay calm. Speed comes from a plan, not panic.
- Choose a wrap, not a knot. Cut a wrap that lies over soft tissue on the outside of the limb, where you can slide the blunt tip under it.
- Slide the blunt tip between rope and skin, blade side facing away from the body.
- Cut in one firm pull.
- Support the person as the rope releases, especially if they are unwell. Move them into a comfortable position on their side if needed.
Practise this before you need it. Cut an old rope off a chair leg or a practice doll a few times, so your hands know the movement.
Rope can be replaced
Never hesitate to cut a rope. Rope is cheap; nerves and circulation are not. If you have to ask yourself whether to cut, cut.
Read more in nerve safety in rope bondage and the red, yellow, green safety system.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you need safety shears for shibari?
To get rope off a person in seconds if something goes wrong, such as numbness, fainting or a jammed knot.
Can I use scissors instead of safety shears?
Ordinary scissors have sharp points that can stab, and many cannot cut 6 mm rope easily. Safety shears with a blunt tip are made for cutting things off people.
Where should you keep safety shears during a rope scene?
Within arm's reach, in the same place every time.
How do you cut rope off safely?
Slide the blunt tip under a wrap on the outside of a limb, blade facing away from the body, and cut in one pull.