Hi Minda and welcome, Ouch yes the blades are sharp, i usually take them out over the sink with bowl upturned. i badly scolded my hand when I first got my TM from using the spatula to get the basket out, i find it too awkward [being left handed doesn't help} i also don't use my spatula except for occasionally to scrape down while blades spinning otherwise it is the cheap spatulas for me!! enjoy you cooking/