Yep, I use the kent blades from amazon for the gryphon, a lot cheaper. And they last just as long
As for fingers, I always toucf the blade. I can push on it fairly hard for 2-3 seconds and it never broke skin. I'm sure pushing as hard as you would a rock it will do damage, but more of a burn on its way through, its not gonna shred you up. I do it pretty much daily lol. What it will cut is your finger nail, that cuts grooves in there quick!