Do I really need a scribing tool?

I use a fine steel sewing needle, sometimes chucked into my pin vise, sometimes not.  I use Dymo tape as a straight edge.

I started with the back of a blade...same issue you have found. I switched to a sewing needle in a pin vice. Much better, but still have to clean out the line after sanding (naturally!). Now, for the most part, I use Tamiyas PE saws.

They leave a nice, fine line...and come in handy for more than just panel lines! They are also far easier to control than a needle or the back of a blade.

Thanks for the info guys. I have picked up the Tamiya scribing tool and have ordered the UMM tool as well.

In the case of a real aircraft, viewed from a few feet away, panel lines are virtually invisible. As you look at a model from a nominal distance, panel lines would be the same, pretty much unseen. To make panel lines really stand out, I think would be inconsistent with scale appearance.

Paint sprayed at proper thinning ratio really doesn't conceal much, in the way of finer details. I'd recommend you just try painting the model and see if you like the results. I only scribe if panel lines don't line up, from one side to the other.

I have several scribing tools, of them I consider the UMM the most useable and effective.

Patrick 

Tamiya p cutter, trumpeter scriber and umm scriber all in my arsenal and all for different applications. All are great.

if you build aircraft, yes, you need one. And the only on worth buying is the UMM one. 

No. A scribing tool is not a necessity. I don’t even have one. Someday I may get one if the need arises.

I have tried many different scribing tools ,some made by myself, and I've found the UMM scriber to be the best one for me. With practice it cuts clean lines even around curved surfaces. Highly recommended.

Thanks a lot for the advice. I will order the scribing tool.

Shipping isn't much a concern raelly, it was more spending the money and then finding it was all a waste of time and money.

Cheers

Graeme, if you have never used a purpose built scriber instead of the back of a knife, you'll find it to be a game changing addition to your tool kit. A sharp scriber is easier to control, leaves more even and defined lines, and pulls a curl of fine plastic out to ensure the cut is clean of debris. 

Since you're in New Zealand and shipping is a concern, look into local places like Hobby City (Mt Wellington in Auckland) or Hobby Station in Otara. Both are brick and mortar stores that offer services on the web. They may not carry UMM, but they normally stock similar tools from Tamiya, Gunze, and other Pacific based companies. And they will ship to you at a far more reasonable rate, sometimes even for free depending on how much you order.

Have you thought about the panel line on a 109? If they even exist?