New and returning students at De Montfort University, Leicester (DMU) are being encouraged to choose safer, rounded-tip kitchen knives as the university continues its pioneering Safer Knife Campus campaign.
DMU launched its Safer Knife Campus campaign in January, becoming the UK’s first university to introduce rounded-tip knives across campus as part of its commitment to improving knife safety.
The campaign is based on research by Associate Professor of Forensic Science Dr Leisa Nichols-Drew into the differences between traditional pointed knives and rounded-tip alternatives. Her research has examined how different knife designs behave when used against clothing and forensic materials, with testing finding that rounded-tip knives were less likely to penetrate the materials tested.
The research is now being brought to a new generation of students at this week’s Welcome Fair, where Dr Nichols-Drew has been speaking to students about safer knife choices and the research behind the initiative.
Students have been able to see and learn more about Dr Nichols-Drew’s research and find out how they can make a safer choice for their own kitchens.
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First-year student Leia Jenner already had a set of the safer knives, which her Nan bought for her before she started university.
She said: “It’s great to have a knife with no sharp tip and not have to worry about stabbing yourself accidentally. It makes it so much safer in houses too.”
Additionally, second-year student Arwenn Purcell has been using the knives since last year and is encouraging other students to consider making the switch.
She said: “They are such great knives. I bought mine last year and it’s been great. I would recommend them to literally everyone from a practical and safety point of view.”
Dr Nichols-Drew said the Welcome Fair was an important opportunity to engage with students about the campaign and a really humbling experience.
She said: “Having a stall at Welcome Week was a great opportunity to speak to students about the campaign, raise awareness of DMU’s Safer Knife Campus status and encourage them to think about keeping their kitchen areas safe.
“The whole experience has been amazing and it was great to see students engaging with the campaign so positively.”
The research has also attracted national attention this year, with Dr Nichols-Drew demonstrating her findings on BBC Morning Live. She has also been appointed to a Home Office expert committee concerned with public safety.
The campaign is also encouraging organisations beyond DMU to consider safer knife options.
Angus Fraser, McDonald’s Franchisee & Managing Director in Leicester who manages nine McDonald’s franchises across the city, attended the Welcome Fair to speak with Dr Nichols-Drew and students about knife safety.
He has already pledged to introduce rounded-tip knives at the McDonald’s restaurants at Highcross and Market Street locations in Leicester.
Speaking to Dr Nichols-Drew, Angus said: “From a McDonald’s perspective we are keen to work with institutions such as DMU to help make our neighbourhoods as safe as possible for both the community and the institutions.
“The Safer Knives Campaign is a great example of this.”
Since launching in January, DMU’s Safer Knife Campus campaign has aimed to raise awareness of safer knife design and encourage people to consider rounded-tip alternatives in everyday settings.
Posted on Monday 5 October 2026