How to Use the Cut and Care Kit

Knives are amazing tools—until they bite you back. Whether you’re field dressing game, slicing tomatoes at camp, or just tinkering at your workbench, accidents happen. The Cut and Care Kit from MPA is your go-to solution for the two most likely problems in the knife world: cuts and crud.

This compact kit is purpose-built for knife enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, EDC fans, and the kind of people who know the difference between a Scandi and a hollow grind. Below, we’ll walk through how to use each part of the kit—for your skin and your steel.

Knife Care

CLP Wipes (Ballistol)

Use for: Cleaning and protecting your blade
More info

Before you deal with your wound, take 30 seconds to wipe down your knife blade. Why?

Keeps blood and gunk from caking
Prevents corrosion
Reduces risk of contaminating the wound further

These wipes are non-toxic and safe around skin, which is exactly why we include them. Wipe down the blade edge, pivot, or handle if needed. It’s peace of mind in a packet.

Wound Cleaning

Antiseptic Wipes

Use for: Cleaning around the wound
Learn more

After bleeding is controlled, wipe around the wound with an antiseptic wipe to help reduce the risk of infection. Don’t dig into the wound—that’s not helpful and can make things worse.

Hand Sanitizer Packet

Use for: Cleaning your own hands before treating the cut
More info

No sink? No problem. Rub this on your hands before touching open skin. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid step toward infection prevention.

Antibiotic Ointment

Use for: Preventing infection in clean, minor wounds
Product info

Once the wound is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment before applying a bandage. It helps reduce the risk of infection and keeps the wound moist for better healing.

Bleeding Control & Dressing

Adhesive Fingertip Bandages

Use for: Cuts on fingertips or nails
Product page

These are shaped to hug the curve of your fingertip and stay on through more movement. Great for tip nicks and paper-slicer incidents.

Adhesive Knuckle Bandages

Use for: Cuts across knuckles or joints
Product page

Knuckles are annoying to bandage—these make it easy. The shape keeps them from peeling off every time you move your hand.

Adhesive Strip Bandages

Use for: Straightforward scrapes and cuts
Product page

Basic but reliable. Stick one over the wound once it’s clean and dry. Swap out if it gets wet or gross.

When to Worry

This kit is for minor injuries. If any of these apply, don’t tough it out:

Bleeding won’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure
You see exposed fat, tendon, or bone
The cut is deep and wide
The wound was made with a dirty or rusty blade and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in a while

Get professional help. Use the kit to control bleeding and protect the wound during transport.

Knife Safety Refresher

The best cut is the one that never happens. Here are a few quick reminders:

Cut away from yourself (yes, even if it feels awkward)
Keep your blade sharp—dull knives slip more easily
Stabilize what you’re cutting
Keep distractions low, especially around kids or pets

Final Thoughts

The Cut and Care Kit doesn’t try to do everything—it focuses on the two most common real-world needs for knife people: fixing little cuts and keeping your edge clean. It’s sized to fit in a glovebox, tool roll, backpack, or range bag without taking up space.

Fix your fingers. Wipe your steel. Keep moving.

For more great kits designed by people who actually use them, visit MPA Supply.