I picked up a pack of the “Z” series blades from x-acto a few weeks ago for use at work and I have to say they are quite impressive. I’ve been a graphic designer for over two decades and have gone through enough #11s to fill a 5 gallon bucket so when I saw these on “Richard” Blick’s website I figured I’d give them a try… In short, we won’t be going back to the X-Life series. Insanely sharp and the point is extremely strong and that’s about all I ask of a blade.
I also found them at Blick art supplies part number 57558-1105. I’d post a link but the nannybot doesn’t like Blick’s first name (alternative for Richard) lol
I first saw them at (drum roll, please) Wal-Mart. (At least I think we’re talking about the same blades.) They come in the usual little black box with the slot for old blades in it. As I remember, the logo reads “Gold Series,” or something like that. The steel has a slightly different look to it. And they’re VERY sharp, and seem to hold an edge longer than what we’re used to. Recommended.
Our local Wal-Mart keeps them in the craft department, near the sewing supplies. If the Wal-Mart in the great metropolis of Greenville, NC carries them, it’s a pretty safe bet that lots of Wal-Marts do.
I’ll have to stop by Office Depot. I really dig the idea of buying 100 at a time. Given the rate at which I work, and my age, 100 probably would literally last me the rest of my life. And the price works out to less than 50 cents per blade.
My father, a draftsman of the Olde School, used to say “an X-acto knife is not a knife. It’s a piece of cheap sheet metal.” But I’ve been using X-acto (and X-cel) blades for over 50 years - always accepting that they need to be thrown away when they get dull (or the tips break). This Z Series really is different - and still cheap enough that the blade can be brutalized with a clear conscience. I hope X-acto will broaden the range beyond the No. 11.
From what I’ve read regarding why they are so different, apparently the zirconium nitride (that gold stuff on fancy drill bits) is only applied to the honed part of the blade. This helps keep the edge sharper longer but by keeping it off of the rest of the blade it allows it bend reducing breaks.
The end result sounds something akin to a Japanese katana.
Boy, I go through them fast. A box of 100 only lasts me about two years. Of course, part of that is because they get dull so fast, or tip (especially on #11) breaks off. If they stay sharp longer, then maybe a box would last longer
Don, I bought a blade sharpener at the Lowe’s for less than $5, and use it to sharpen the edge when the tips break or they start getting dull. I’ve had one blade for the past six months, and still use it to cut tape and bare metal foil for projects with no issues.
I’ve been using the Z-series for awhile now. I have found the them at WalMart in the crafting section as well as at Hobby Lobby. They are truly some of the sharpest and strongest blades I’ve used. As a matter of fact I knocked my x-acto off of our counter height table the other day and it stuck into the floor and didnt even bend the tip. I’ve done similar things before from a regular table and the blade snapped in two.
They definitely are extremely sharp! I actually used one the other day for some impromptu minor surgery on one of the wife’s chickens feet. LOL I know, I know, the weird looks and thoughts going through everyones mind. LOL
