De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has become the first UK university to switch to rounded-tip knives in a bid to drive public safety.
The organisation is exchanging all its pointed blades for safer alternatives to inspire more widespread adoption and reduce knife crime nationwide.
Leisa Nichols-Drew (left) with Let's Be Blunt founder, Leanne Lucas, and Vice Chancellor Professor Katie Normington
And the move has been backed by Leicester organisations, including pubs and restaurants, which have agreed to make a similar switch themselves.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Katie Normington, launched the initiative on Friday 16 January at the Leicester Castle Business School.
She said: “We know, from leading research carried out here at DMU, that rounded-tip knives are far, far safer than pointed blades, while just as capable of doing the jobs required.
"So, we wanted to back this work and make this commitment, engaging partners across the city and beyond to do the same.
“This is not about addressing any issues here – we have a safe and peaceful campus. Instead, we want to take a lead and begin not only raising awareness of rounded-tip knives, but to normalise their use and, in doing so, promote safer communities across Leicester and Leicestershire.”
An example of a knife without a point (Viners Aspire range)
The declaration has been driven by the work of Leisa Nichols-Drew, DMU’s Associate Professor of Forensic Biology. She has carried out some of the most comprehensive research into the safety of round-tipped knives compared to pointed blades, finding that the safer alternatives prevented clothing damage, therefore, clearly reducing harm and the risk of injury.
Leisa said: “I am truly honoured to have the unbelievable support from colleagues from across the DMU community for this research.
“By being proactive and choosing to replace our pointed knives, we are reducing the risk of harm, one kitchen at a time, which will make our educational settings, workplaces, homes, and ultimately our communities safer.”
In the past year, Leisa has partnered with Leanne Lucas, the yoga teacher who was critically injured in July 2024 when she was stabbed during the Southport knife attack that claimed the lives of three children.
Since the attack, Leanne has founded the Let’s Be Blunt Campaign, which encourages organisations to make the switch to rounded-tip knives.
Leanne, who spoke about her campaign at the launch event at DMU, said: “By becoming the first Safer Knife Campus, this university has chosen to be proactive, not reactive. It has set a precedent.
“Universities influence behaviour - not just for students, but for communities and industries their graduates go on to shape. And when lived experience and research sit side by side, change becomes possible.
“I hope this is the beginning of a wider movement across higher education and beyond.”
Leanne Lucas speaking at the Safer Knife Campus launch
In making the switch, DMU is being joined by several other organisations across Leicester, including Curve theatre, Mattioli Woods and The Beautiful Pubs Collective, which runs Leicestershire pubs Knight and Garter, Rutland and Derby and The Forge. Dynamic Restaurants, which operates two Leicester branches of McDonald’s, in Highcross and Market Street, has also pledged to move to safer knives.
Iain McKenzie, Chief Operating Officer at Mattioli Woods, said: “DMU’s research into round-tipped knives shows that small, considered changes can have a meaningful impact in reducing the risk of fatal harm, particularly for young people.
“That is why we are pleased to support the safer knife pledge and the leadership DMU is showing in this area.”
To sign the Let’s Be Blunt pledge to switch to rounded-tip knives, visit: Make the pledge | Let's Be Blunt
Posted on Monday 19 January 2026