Product Review: New-Skin Liquid Bandage (Knife-Related)

My thoughts and views on New-Skin's Liquid Bandage.

We've all been there: we're playing with our favorite new blade, perhaps absentmindedly flicking it open with one hand while watching television or reading. Possibly, we're even carefully using our knife in a safe and controlled manner, but manage to slip or fumble. Either way, the result is the same: an annoying nick or slice in one's skin followed by the gentle beading (or steady gush!) of blood.

Typically, most folks stop the leak and protect the cut with a traditional self-adhesive bandage. Some of you have no doubt heard of, seen, or used yourself, one of the myriad super strong liquid bonding agents (Krazy Glue, Super Glue, etc.) to pinch a cut closed and seal it off. While it will indeed perform this task, New-Skin offers a product that does the same but also disinfects the wound to a degree and is purposely designed to be safe and clean.

The stuff acts fast and dries quickly, typically within 30 seconds or so. With a fresh, open wound, it tends to sting a bit on contact, no doubt due to the alcohol it contains, but it's nothing we can't handle after having just lacerated ourselves with (hopefully!) sharpened steel. Just a light brush stroke or two will provide a thin layer of protection and will serve to make the cut fairly water-resistant. I do find that after a shower, I will occasionally have to re-apply a coat or two, but in dry circumstances, the product generally lasts several hours before requiring another application. For deeper or wider cuts, several coats can be added to thicken and strengthen the bond.

A small tip: the liquid bandage can also be applied to certain parts of your hands or feet that are prone to blistering, perhaps due to something like new sandals or certain gloves. This has the effect of adding a synthetic layer of skin to provide a bit more rash or abrasion protection.

Traditional adhesive bandages can often be bulky and uncomfortable, limiting range of motion or full flexibility. Depending on the situation, they can sometimes even be unsightly or embarassing. Being able to forgo them with a few discreet swipes is a huge plus in my book. The bottle is also small and easy to carry in a pocket, purse, bag or backpack making it convenient to take along at any time, including travel and hiking or camping trips where one is often prone to cuts and scrapes.

I don't really have anything bad to say about New-Skin Liquid Bandage. While some may consider it a bit pricey, a single bottle will last a very long time, and does exactly what it sets out to do. Whether you're a frequent knife user, novice balisong flipper, or just a total klutz, I highly recommend keeping some on hand.

(Please read all warnings and precautions before use!)


Specs on the product discussed herein:

Volume: 1 fl oz.
Active ingredient: 8-hydroxyquinoline 1%
Inactive ingredients: alcohol 6.7%, oil of cloves, pyroxylin solution



All content by ItsAWonderfulKnife, not to be used without permission