I agree about the comments on painting the tips. However, stupidity or brain freezes know nothing about paint. In my case the whole prop could have been orange, white or any other color. I just wasn't paying attention to anything but my left hand. I consider myself one lucky person.

Although I did have some funny moments. One cut was right accross the underside of my first finger under the knuckle. In those days, I wore only winding watches (yes you can make me feel old if you want) and I had no feeling in the side and tip of my finger that you use to wind it. I sure was great when they came out with the windless watches and even greater still when battery powered ones were avialable. I reality most of the neat stuff we have now hasn't been around all that long.