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So I got my RES out of her tank to clean her shell. I had one hand holding the bottom and the other holding the top. But my little niece was near by so I turned around to let her see Ivan. All of a sudden she pushes off with her back and front legs (turtles are freaking stong by the way). And she gets loose and starts to fall to the ground. Thankfully I reacted fast and caught her right before she hit the flore. I never really noticed how sharp the edge of their shells could be until it scrached the heck out of my hand. So just remember that there sneaky little boogers and to never let your guard down when handling them.

I'm glad that you caught him. That is a prime example for why we recommend that turtles not be held any more than possible. Glad he's not hurt!

I have onl yhad me RES for 3 months and they are about the size of a 50 cent piece. the first things I learned was a) they are fast regardless of what we have heard and b) there legs are really strong in comparison to there size

Good save! Here's a suggestion as to what I do with Gandalf when I have to take him out of his tank:
I have an empty 10 gallon tank right next to his tank (or a good size deep rubbermaid will work), which I line with soft towels. I have to hold him with both hands, he's 5" and those claws are long and sharp! I lift him out of the side of the tank next to the 10 gallon and immediately place him in the 10 gallon so there's no chance of him scrambling away or hurting himself or me. If I need to check his shell, skin, etc., I just move the 10 gallon onto the floor with him in it, and sit down to take him out, using towels to handle him.
Hope this idea helps!

To lessen the chances of getting sliced/scratched by my RES's claws, I have a towel ready to wrap him in when I pick him up. (I don't always do this, though, as my hands will attest. )

george stays in his shell untill i look destracted thwn he pops all 4 feet out at the same time and trys and runs so i kno how you feel