Not too bad. A 2-stroke (up to a .46cu.in. or so) will give you a little knick and stop. A 4-stroke however will give you that knick and come round for a second stab.

The secret is to swing the prop from the outside edge so that when you hit the compression you hand is moving away from the area of the prop.

Starter is safer yes but the sudden burst stresses out the engine. Chicken sticks I wouldnt agree with. They can chip the prop etc which isnt good. I prefer a rubber finger glove like the one Dubro do.