I once was rolling rounds of black locust about 18" diameter up onto a pickup truck with a ramp when the bark slipped off, letting the log escape my grip, whereby it rolled down the ramp and knocked my legs out from under me, resulting in a faceplant and a busted lip.
I think we are using different terminology. To me, releasing the brake means to unlock it so the chain is free to move. This can be done with either hand. I would say "activate the brake" to describe the action which causes the brake to stop the chain. This is normally done with the back of the left hand in the event of a kickback, though it can be done deliberately by either hand, such as when sharpening a chain in the field.
Kinda sucked. Drove myself 30 miles to get there but to be honest didn't hurt as no nerves. Much less suck than getting shot.
In my view activation by the back of the left hand is exactly what you want with a brake. In a kickback the saw suddenly rotates straight back braking your grip. The rotation snaps it into the back of your hand stopping the chain. You might get a nasty smack and cut but nothing like a chain rotating into your body parts
Shop tools operate in a much more controlled environment than chainsaw work. Still, there are thousands of people injured with shop tools, especially table saws and radial arm saws, every year. Use all your guards when possible, and be especially careful when you cannot.
I got hit in the face by a piece of wood I was splitting with an axe not long ago. First time that’s ever happened but just goes to show, expect the unexpected.
Lots of things covered in this thread.
The protective fibers can be knit, woven, felted, in a batt, etc. The important thing is how it works in a performance test.
