Cutting to the core of things

I hate dull knives. I don't know why people don't keep their knives sharp.

My mom is scared of cutting herself, which isn't such an irrational fear. However, this fear has made her decide that a dull knife is a better knife. Then, because the knife isn't sharp enough to effectively cut things, she has to press harder and then the knife slips and she cuts herself.

I am currently helping at a bed and breakfast that also has a restaurant. You would expect the restaurant's knives to be sharp.

But they are not.

And it is annoying.

There is probably some sort of political metaphor in here somewhere, but I am too lazy to look for it.