This is what Sheffield's young people think about a blunt knife that manufacturer hopes will help to reduce stabbings

Sheffield cutlery makers, Viners have designed a new kitchen knife that could help in the fight against knife crime.

Featuring rounded off tips, the knives have all been repeatedly tested to ensure the end does not pierce the skin intentionally or otherwise and are said to deliver the same functionality as a standard knife when cooking or cutting up food.

Many feel the knife is a good idea. Ellie Smith, student, 18 said: “I think it’s a good idea because you can easily see that there’s no point so you can see it’s not dangerous. It’s a new invention and I’ve never really seen that before.”

Her fellow student, Hayden Senior, aged 19 said: “I feel like it prevents that type of stigma attached to knives now. You can see it doesn’t look dangerous.”

Dan Smith, aged 20, disagreed. He said: “I think it’s a good idea, but it’s not going to stop knife crime is it? People can still get normal, pointed knives anywhere they want.

“Unless everyone started selling these types of knives I don’t think I’ll see a difference.”

James Willson, aged 21 said: “I think it’s worth trialing it. It’s a good idea but it will take a long time to integrate. It’s a step in the right direction. Getting rid of the sharp point is a good idea.”

Twenty year old Alice Maher said: “I suppose none of the other companies are doing anything to contribute to the issue.

“It’s an innovative idea and it will help people feel safer and more comfortable.”

Founder of anti-knife crime organisation Knife Life and chef Karim Maoui said: “I’ve had samples from another knife manufacturer based in Sheffield last September with the same general idea.

“Now, where these knives are great is for teaching kids in school the basic skills with the fear of them cutting themselves with the point but in regards to tackling knife crime it is not even worth the time it takes to produce them as the problem is the limitless amount of knives that are available from supermarkets and shops and the biggest problem online retail.

“Once again people are addressing the problem the wrong way round - they are trimming the leaves instead of attacking roots and by that I mean if someone has hold of a knife the intention to use is probably already there.

“What we should be doing is getting to these young people before they even get caught up in any sort of life that would mean they need to carry and showing them there are alternative paths they can take.

“Great marketing and PR but if people start being stabbed with screw drivers are we going to put flat ends on those?”

The knives are on sale in Dunelm stores and will be available on the Viners website from February 16.