Why does the thought of cutting on the underside of my arms make me squeamish?

[Cauliflour]

Like I've been cutting on the tops of my arms for years, and still do, but I can't bring myself to cut on the underside. Maybe it's cause I have skinny arms and there's this big vein (or artery?) clearly noticeable so it triggers me into suicide mode or maybe the nerves are just funky there idk. Is this common? I see the underside is pretty common to cut because it's easier to hide (that's another reason I don't like to cut there, I like 'em visible!) but is there like some biology reason as to why this spot specifically makes me freak out a bit.

I'm also writing this out pretty late at night and I get a bit emotional around this time so take that into consideration.
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Also slightly unrelated but how can one tell if a blade has rust or just dried up blood? I'm not in a situation where I can easily replace my box cutter blades right now and I don't want to get tetanus as pus isn't cool...

 

[fallenscales]

I have the same thing. Also usually cut on the tops of my arms and they're thin and I can see the veins... idk it just feels really gross to me? I'm not at all squeamish about blood or injury so I'm not sure why. I guess because the texture of that skin is slightly different for me? No idea if there's a biological reason.

As for the blade I don't think rust would scrape off easily (tried to do that the other day with one of my knives and it wouldn't come off. But idk if it depends on the type of metal or anything). If it's blood it should flake off if you like scratch it with your nail. Or if you put it in water, dried blood will probably turn wet again and mix with the water?

 

[Cauliflour]

I have the same thing. Also usually cut on the tops of my arms and they're thin and I can see the veins... idk it just feels really gross to me? I'm not at all squeamish about blood or injury so I'm not sure why. I guess because the texture of that skin is slightly different for me? No idea if there's a biological reason.

As for the blade I don't think rust would scrape off easily (tried to do that the other day with one of my knives and it wouldn't come off. But idk if it depends on the type of metal or anything). If it's blood it should flake off if you like scratch it with your nail. Or if you put it in water, dried blood will probably turn wet again and mix with the water?

If I put it in water though, wouldn't it just rust quicker?

 

[fallenscales]

If I put it in water though, wouldn't it just rust quicker?

If it doesn't have any rust already and you dry it off thoroughly I don't think so. I rinse my blades with water and dry them off right after and haven't had any rust (only got some on one of my knives because I forgot to dry it).
And if it already has rust I really would not suggest using it. It's your call though ofc.
Either way hope it goes as safely as possible.

 

[Wolf Girl]

I felt that way sometimes. I think maybe because it hurts more and your body instinctively knows that whether you've tried or not.

 

[LackOfDetermination]

If it doesn't have any rust already and you dry it off thoroughly I don't think so. I rinse my blades with water and dry them off right after and haven't had any rust (only got some on one of my knives because I forgot to dry it).
And if it already has rust I really would not suggest using it. It's your call though ofc.
Either way hope it goes as safely as possible.

Depends on the blade. my DW ones rust even if I dry them immediately, but my others only rusted back when I used to take them in the bath with me for like 5 hours of fun.

If I put it in water though, wouldn't it just rust quicker?

You can always remove the rust, Well, at least I do with vinegar, or steel wool if it's too hard. Should probably look it up just to be safe.

View attachment 177816Like I've been cutting on the tops of my arms for years, and still do, but I can't bring myself to cut on the underside. Maybe it's cause I have skinny arms and there's this big vein (or artery?) clearly noticeable so it triggers me into suicide mode or maybe the nerves are just funky there idk. Is this common? I see the underside is pretty common to cut because it's easier to hide (that's another reason I don't like to cut there, I like 'em visible!) but is there like some biology reason as to why this spot specifically makes me freak out a bit.

I'm also writing this out pretty late at night and I get a bit emotional around this time so take that into consideration.
.
..
...
Also slightly unrelated but how can one tell if a blade has rust or just dried up blood? I'm not in a situation where I can easily replace my box cutter blades right now and I don't want to get tetanus as pus isn't cool...

I also usually cut on the upper side of my arms cuz the underside isn't as satisfying and can't I get myself to cut as deep. I think it might be because the nerves and tendons are more accessible there, so it's easier to cause permanent damage, since I didn't care much about where I cut (on my arm) until like a week after finding that out (even though it's probably common sense now that I think about it). Though it could also just be that I cut for fun now instead of, well other things after I found out the success rate of that lol.

 

[tapetum_lucidum]

Nah i feel you . Being able to see the veins is a big turn-off , and the skin on that side is much thinner too . I've only ever done really light and careful cuts on that side if at all . It seems way to easy to cut to deep and cause damage you didn't intend to and end up in the hospital and involuntarily committed .