208/220v lines for lighting or general use extension cords are usually small (1.5mm/2.5mm or 16g/14g). You can sometimes cut though without shorting the circuit and causing an arc.

The Res-c handles will protect you but the soldier was probably protected because the soles of his boots did the work. The best way to prevent shock is to wear insulated boots or stand on an insulator (fiberglass ladder, plastic stool, etc.).

I had an electrician working for me that was using a drill while standing in a puddle of water.

He pulled the trigger, got shocked and said it was the drill. He got a different drill, plugged it in and the same thing happened. I think that I bit a hole in my lip watching that guy.