How literal is this phrase?

Sample examples at http://tinyurl.com/is-it-lit

cutting edge:

Definitions:

  1. the position of greatest importance or advancement; the leading position in any movement or field
  2. the sharp cutting side of the blade of a knife

Examples:

  1. it is committed to it 's continued development of new products and the implementation of cutting edge online coaching educational services . Our company will be launching several new and exciting projects
  2. to create new work – and gives people in Shropshire a unique opportunity to see cutting edge art . " " Demand for exhibition venues outstrips available space in Shrewsbury , and
  3. vast industry contacts and knowledge , while creating successful film and TV productions , a cutting edge artworks collection and has a charming ease , that is rare in our competitive world
  4. . 5 . Teaching delivered by leading academics LSE ’ s academics are at the cutting edge of the social sciences , influencing opinion and helping shape society . They are frequently
  5. producing some of their best work , British science fiction ceased to appear like the cutting edge . The pendulum began to swing back Britain 's way as early as the 1980

Step 1: Select the definition of cutting edge which occurs most of the times in the above examples. Ignore other definitions.

Definition1 Definition2

Note: Please select the answers below carefully based on the definition which occurs frequently in the examples

Step 3: score of 0-5 for how literal is the use of "edge" in the phrase "cutting edge"
0 1 2 3 4 5

Please provide any comments in case you want to tell us about your judgement or any other queries/suggestions! Not Mandatory but helpful.