In any case, I'm glad to hear the damage to your hand wasn't worse.
I try to have as much respect for power equipment as I can, and yes I do dumb things too. Like you I realize that my actions could have nasty consequences and I weigh the risks carefully before doing so (e.g. disabling PTO Lawyer Switches on my tractors).
However, when I bring out the gas trimmer, I have a hunch the neighbors think I'm overly paranoid because I wear jeans, a long sleeve shirt, ear and protection, a hardhat with a clear Lexan face shield, and leather tennis shoes. If I can find leather safety shoes that aren't boots, I'll probably get a pair. I've seen people in my neighborhood wear no head, eye and ear protection; they wear short sleeve shirts and shorts and sandals. I think they're nuts because even with what I wear, an errant piece of gravel stings when it hits the legs and tumbleweeds make a heck of a racket when they hit a hard hat. I've had my face shield look like I stood in front of a salad shooter. I use a brush cutter style head on my trimmer.
I'd rather look like a dork and make every effort to be safe than be a cool dude wearing shorts and sandals while weed whacking.
