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!