I'd be nervous too but only because of the thorns.
I've learned over the years of rescuing overwatered succulents from 'box stores' (run by ignorant gardening center employees).
Succulents in general are the most forgiving and appreciative plants. I use a drywall saw on larger amputations and find on most that they can lay in open air and callous for a week or more before replanting.
I also found to get them started rooting to use a dry sand and not water for an extended time. When the plant is removed from the sand to check root growth, it is amazing to see the sand is moist around the roots even though not water has been added. Excess water will be wicked from the plant.
I let an Aloe aristata sit in this manner for over a year and its' foliage never dehydrated. It is now fine, recovered from rot and no resemblence of the bloated, overwatered, lush plant that I had purchased.
Whack away!! And please give us a tutorial...
