Seems an experienced guy used to cutting those things -with cold hands- ought to know a bit better and exercise better judgement. Use snips- amen.
Snips would be a better tool.
What folks may be missing in this "story" is that guys running in the Iditarod are severely sleep deprived. Guys that win this race are the one who take the fewest breaks and sleep the least. With sleep depravation comes impaired motor skills and judgement. I'm sure the defense will point this out.
