15 X-Acto blades in two weeks!

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This is important, So please read it:

We all use “X-Acto” Blades or for those lucky enough, can use #11 Scalpel blades. Well, this is specificially for the “X-Acto” users! As you all know if it’s a model I will build it! If it’s plastic all the better. Well, I got in a Funk where plastic was concerned. So I pulled some Paper( Card) models out of hibernation and decided to build them.

The Funk was caused by the loss of Model Master paints after years back, the loss of Pactra in the early seventies then Humbrol in the early nineties! Acrylics were crap for me. Then someone says Use a retarder! Phooey!

Now back to those blades. A company sold through Hobby Lobby comes to the fore(“Excel”). Well, folks I will tell you this, First disappointment with the H.L product was the Blunted tips. Now as to sharpness, they were and are right on par with “X-Acto!”

The “X-Acto” blades were and are still the Go to. Are They? I recently, On a paper Model, Used a whole 15 pack and it’s not finished yet! They got dull after four or five cuts through one layer of cardstock ( Thin Type). How do I know, Three sweeps of lengths of a six inch area they were dragging and making fuzz in the cut line. That says Dull !

The reason I shied away from “Excel” was that they are thinner overall than “X-Acto” blades and the Blunted angle tip. So somewhat less stable on the thick stuff! Now the “X-Acto” blades are the same. The Tips last about twelve cuts and no matter how gentle, break off in about five or six cuts on inside openings in the material!

Sure, Although, “Xcel” blades are Cheaper, readily available and fit the same handles, They do require further tightening of the Chuck in the Ferrule. This in turn starts to crack over time the Knurled ring( Tube?) on the blade end.

So, someone said ,“Well, why don’t you use a breakaway knife”? Well, We are all familiar with them. So we know Leetle Teensy Holes and openings in paper they are not designed for. Straight line cutting can be done in that case with a Good Ole Box Knife!

I have to wonder why folks in manufacturing think it’s acceptable for the bottom line to give us a cheaper, more inferior ( In My Mind at least) Product, and expect us not to get wise. Shamefully, I have to admit," Made in America " doesn’t mean Squat anymore!

So, That said I guess I will start using whatever fits my handles. If it says made in China or Hejo in Mexico, It will be okay. At this time it doesn’t seem to make any difference. I will close by saying this. I am glad I found my old stash of “X-Acto” -15 Blade packs. I found twenty of them in a file drawer. You do use a lot of them Building on Commission. Don’t have to worry about that anymore! When they are gone I WILL use “Excel”

I have to clarify this too. X-Cel blades are Not that bad. Just takes some adjustment. But I will Never use any X-Acto type knife with Plastic Chucks inside the Ferrule. They break off and are useless after that as has been mentioned. I will always keep using my X-Acto handles.Which are easy to repair. Usually the Ferrule gets worn. This is easy enough to remedy, either shortening it at least four times. or filling the top with Aluminum based epoxy and drilling a new opening and refiling the taper.( I have done this with much success.) So that said let’s face it, with practical and careful use, they will last for more years than you thought!

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I switched from hobby knives to scalpels and haven’t regretted it. For a while I used Model Master blades, as they seemed to last far longer, but they have gone the way of the dodo like other Model Master items.

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Maybe cheaper metallurgy? I have noticed my X-Acto #11 tips now curl like little elf shoes after a couple of uses. They used to just snap off, but wielding the blades with greater care gets you elf shoes. That tells me the metal hardness has gone down.

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I’ve been using swann morton scalpel blades for a while , no issues . it’s funny i just got an email from micro mark today , advertiseing their wondercutter s $400 US , I think I’ll stick to blades .

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I have several sets of older Xacto blades and I never change them. I use my fine sanding sticks and give them a few passes and they are sharper and straigter that new. I have been using the same blade now for over 4 years with no issues. Since I have the wets stones to sharpen just about any knife I can’t bring myself to buy new blades when all they need is sharpened. The fine sanding sticks work magic on those blades, even when new.

BK

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Ditto: Swann Morton blades & the flat & fat handles, and they don’t roll off the desk (don’t ask)

Dont buy the generic/fake/knockoff handles or blades, they don’t fit their own kit, let alone Swan Mortons

I find sharp is less dangerous than blunt!

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It was a rule:

In life and the Corps. A sharp K- Bar is less dangerous when used right than a dull one, Right? I think that also applies to the " Ordinary" type Knives and Knife types doesn’t it? LOL.LOL. I need to find where I can buy a Scalpel and Blades. I have used them before and really liked them.

So - That leaves me with this Question. Where does one old man find the Swan and Morton products you speak of?

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Yeah Steve5;

I have heard of that and I think one called " Gods Cutter" both very expensive. What fool would name a knife God’s anyway? I do have some Carving Knives that aren’t anything special, I may start using them. Some I have will NEVER see anything but wood. They were a Gift from the late Wifey and the man that made them is no longer with us. His Knives are now collectables in the carving community!

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Because US consumers aren’t too bright and the suppliers know it.

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I buy #11 blades in packages of 100. They get cheap at that number. Use mail order- check Amazon.

I do not use the #11 blade for tasks that put stress on tip. I also keep a handle with a blade with less-acute angle that does not break tips as easily.

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That was the first lesson my dad taught me about knives! Thanks for the memory. [Y]

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+1, Same here.

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Real G;

I like your Avatar ! I say “Bananas” LOL.LOL. No, really, I have noticed what you are referring to. It has happened just opening a small box with shrink wrap on it! Shrink Wrap stronger than an “X-Acto”, incredible!

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Here’s where I get mine:

https://cincinnatisurgical.com/

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Mister Space Ranger:

Dear Sir; This is to let you know that You have helped me solve one of the biggest problems I have had with Knives. My thanks to you for the Link. My Handles and Bulk Pack of blades is on the way. You are to be congratulated for an advisory Well Done.

Hey jus’ lettin ya know that the link was a really Big help.

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Me as well. I also use single edge razor blades quite a bit.

Bill

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I use Excel blades because they are made in the USA. That’s a no-brainer for me. I have never had any problems with them.

And y’all remember, as my butcher-uncle once told me, “Never try to catch a falling knife!”

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I tried them but they rust and that ruins them.

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Mister Tanker-Builder:

You are most welcome! Glad to know I was able to help.

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Can’t wait for the blades and handles to get here.

I have started a 1/250 Andrea Doria/Stockholm Dual kit. Man, whatta bunch of cardstock! Oh, and heavier detail set One and light detail set Two! The difference? Set one has a thicker frame and deck set-up. Set two is the lighter details you can see!

The nice part? they’re all Laser - Cut, with one distinct disappointment. The set is ONLY for the “Doria”