Before storing a utility knife, what should you ensure about the blade?

Retracting the blade of a utility knife before storing it is crucial for safety. Leaving a blade extended can pose significant risks, including accidental cuts or injuries to anyone who may come into contact with it while in storage. Retracting the blade ensures that the sharp edge is safely tucked away, minimizing the likelihood of accidents.

While having a sharpened blade or a brand new blade may be beneficial for cutting tasks, these conditions are not relevant to the proper and safe storage of the utility knife. Additionally, a rounded-off blade, while inherently safer than a sharp one, is not a standard practice related to the storage of utility knives, which should be stored with the blade retracted to maintain its intended function and ensure user safety.