The Pointless Scheme, a pioneering initiative in the Kent and Medway region, aims to reduce knife crime and prevent serious injuries within homes by replacing conventional kitchen knives with safer, rounded-tip alternatives. This innovative approach has gained significant attention, with discussions taking place between families and authorities prior to the offer of safer knives. The main referral reasons for this scheme are:

• Young people who have been arrested for weapon-related offences or have information suggesting they are carrying a weapon.
• The young person is involved in drug dealing or young street gang activities.
• High-risk domestic abuse.

 
The research behind the Pointless Scheme is based on a study conducted at De Montfort University, Leicester, which explored the damage caused by different types of kitchen knives. The results revealed that conventional pointed-tip knives can cause significant damage, while rounded-tip knives resulted in no damage to the fabrics used in the experiment.

 
As highlighted by Leisa Nichols-Drew, senior lecturer in forensic science, “Our research suggests that there is an opportunity for crime reduction by swapping pointed-tip knives for rounded blades in the kitchen. A knife that can be used safely and effectively at home without the possibility of accidental injury minimises the risk of it being used as a potential weapon.”
 
In Manchester, the equivalent of one in every 275 people was caught carrying a blade in the last three years, with the city ranking sixth in the country for highest knife-carrying offences per population. The police force has been actively seizing knives, which may contribute to the perceived high statistics. The Pointless Scheme has been welcomed by local authorities and campaigners, with Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit acknowledging the potential benefits of safer knife replacement. Councillor Sandra Walmsley stated, “Greater Manchester violence reduction unit is aware of the safer knife scheme. Specific evaluation of the scheme will be requested from Kent and Medway colleagues for consideration locally.”
 
Councillor Luis McBriar expressed strong support for the adoption of a Pointless scheme in Greater Manchester, emphasizing the need to reduce knife crime. He noted that meeting with people involved in the Pointless knife campaign to discuss further implementation could be beneficial. A recent meeting of Bury Council discussed the possibility of adopting the Pointless Scheme, with Councillor Walmsley confirming that authorities would be asking for details about the effectiveness of safer knife replacement for consideration in Greater Manchester. The Pointless Scheme serves as a significant example of the importance of addressing knife crime and promoting safer alternatives. By providing safer kitchen knives to eligible families, the scheme can help reduce the risk of knife-related injuries and crimes in homes. As the research demonstrates, rounded-tip knives can significantly minimize the risk of accidents and injuries, making this initiative a valuable tool in the fight against knife crime.