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.
