They're pretty sharp most of the time. However, there are enough instances when the leaves are fairly lax to get in there and work somewhat safely around them. Plus, I wear glasses so my eyes are pretty well protected.
These plants look half-dead for a year or so after transplanting, it seems they really don't care for it. How long has it been since you planted your elephantipes?
I don't know if they actually need it, but the ones in this photo are in one of my rose gardens, so they do get some compost. Not as much as I add directly around the rose plants, but they do get some.
I've begun transplanting youngsters in other places as well....I really like these "no care" plants. The hardest thing about growing these is trying to pull out all of the grass that wants to grow in the middle of it....luckily I've learned not to be overly fussy about it. I tell myself, "just enjoy the blooms, having the rest perfectly tidy isn't really all that important". 
