I haven't found them to be sharp. But you need to make sure you don't go to deep inside your ear canal nothing should be put deep inside your ear it could cause damage your ear drum. The best way to loosen up ear wax is use half distilled white vinegar and half water and mix together and put in your ear for 15 - 30 minutes NEVER PUT PEROXIDE IN YOUR EAR it could cause your ear drum to rupture I found that having a person help you with your ear using the tools is much better because they can see your into your ear and you cannot, it lowers the risk of accidental injury to your ear.If you don't feel safe doing it you could always bring the tools to an ear doctor & have them show you the best way to use them