15 X-Acto blades in two weeks!

Whatever anyone does, I don't recommend getting this generic hobby knife set:

I bought one years ago at a woodworking show, from one of those dealers who sells tools from close-outs, bankruptcies, and auctions.  I have proper X-Acto brand knives and saws, but I figured I'd use it in my traveling tool kit.  Apparently Walmart sells them today.  They probably come from the PRC.

The problem I found with these knives is that the clamp, the part that holds the blade under the ferrule, is made of plastic on these generic knives.  On X-Actos, this piece is metal.  And eventually, the threaded plastic shaft that fits into the handle will snap, leaving the knife useless.

I thought about replacing the clamp with an X-Acto piece, but unfortunately, they aren't threaded the same, so the X-Acto piece won't fit.

The Nr 2 handle, with the red grip, also has a plastic clamp inside, but I've hardly used it, so it hasn't broken yet.

Fortunately, I only spent about seven bucks on it.  But it illustrates the lesson that I learned from the Frugal Gourmet, back in the day-"Frugal does not mean you're cheap, it means you don't waste anything. A tool that is more expensive but lasts a long time is a savings compared to buying cheap tools that wear out frequently and have to be replaced frequently."  Invest in good tools.

I buy my blades by the hundreds for pretty cheap off Amazon. for me they stay sharp enough, long enough and are cheap enough to change when they break or dull. 

Tanker-Builder

Thank You Boris;

 I thought it might be, but wasn't sure. That's the same stuff I used to use on my carving knives.

Yes, same stuff. Different colors are different 'grits'.  Most common are green and white.  Grit might very from manufacture to manufacture.

Peace-

Boris

Thank You Boris;

 I thought it might be, but wasn't sure. That's the same stuff I used to use on my carving knives.

Hey Gobears01;

      I, since writing that original post, have discovered some fine abrasive compound called Stropping compound. A friend gave it to me. he didn't like it! I tried it on my K-Bar and some old X-Acto blades. Brilliant.The blades are as sharp as they used to be.

    The biggest problem? Finding a leather Belt to do the stropping on. Finally found an old one that Circumference Wise, doesn't do the job any more. Rubbed the stuff into the rough leather surface on the back and WOW, did it ever bring these blades back to life.

      I cannot give you a name because there's no label on the jar. The jar is about the size of a Chewing Tobacco container.

Interesting thread. What I discovered this year, I decided to buy testor's disposable knives since, like everyone else, I discovered the Exel blades just didn't seem to last. The Testor's knives last me about 6,7 or more models. I use one for trimming and scraping, and one for trimming decals. That's twice as long as most other blades I've used.

I still use may old Xacto kit with various blades for cutting small masks. But the blades just don't last. I might resharpen some when doint masks, or use razor blades.

You know ,Don;

     You are probably right. I remember card models from years before the " Recycle Boom" hit the paper industry. I could use one blade for a whole 1/250 model. This is proof that recycling isn't necessarily perfect. It takes a very High Tech Setup for the machines to create better paper now.

 I have to agree on the Balsa. I carve too. Mainly Fish, but there is a definitive curve to carving Balsa. It might be light but it is Dense. I have to continually strop my knife when carving it!

I suspect the recycling process accumulates minerals.  Sort of like how animals near the bottom of the food chain do.

Related, when I made flying models and cut a lot of balsa, I was amazed to see how hard it was on knives and razor blades.  Then I read about how balsa trees had a relatively high mineral density, even though the wood itself was low density.

Ya Know:

    I used to understand why. But, the newer papers with what I am sure is some recycle product in there, seems coarser in the microscopic level. Typing paper for instance used to have a higher and finer " Rag" content.

Paper and card stock is tough on any kind of blade.

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"

Tanker-Builder

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.

 

Mister Tanker-Builder:

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

I tried them but they rust and that ruins them.

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!"

Don Stauffer

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.

 

 

Bill

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.

Tanker-Builder

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

Here's where I get mine:

https://cincinnatisurgical.com/

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!

Don Stauffer

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

+1, Same here.

Jon_a_its

I find sharp is less dangerous than blunt!

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

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.

Tanker-Builder

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 Mnd at least) Product, and expect us not to get wise.

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

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!

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?

steve5

I've been using swann morton scalpel blades for a while , no issues 

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!

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

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 .