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15 X-Acto blades in two weeks!

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  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
15 X-Acto blades in two weeks!
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Saturday, November 14, 2020 3:19 PM

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!

  • Member since
    January 2020
Posted by Space Ranger on Saturday, November 14, 2020 4:12 PM

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.

 

  • Member since
    May 2011
  • From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Posted by Real G on Saturday, November 14, 2020 5:32 PM

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.

“Ya ya ya, unicorn papoi!”

  • Member since
    July 2013
Posted by steve5 on Saturday, November 14, 2020 5:59 PM

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 .

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Saturday, November 14, 2020 7:53 PM

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

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: UK
Posted by Jon_a_its on Sunday, November 15, 2020 1:55 AM

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!

 

East Mids Model Club 32nd Annual Show 2nd April 2023

 http://www.eastmidsmodelclub.co.uk/

Don't feed the CM!

 

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:41 AM

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?

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:44 AM

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!

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:46 AM

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.

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:49 AM

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.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:49 AM

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. Yes

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:51 AM

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

+1, Same here.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:52 AM

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!

  • Member since
    January 2020
Posted by Space Ranger on Sunday, November 15, 2020 9:26 PM

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/

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 8:18 AM

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.

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 11:28 AM

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.

 

 

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

 

Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Longmont, Colorado
Posted by Cadet Chuck on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 11:54 AM

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!"

Gimme a pigfoot, and a bottle of beer...

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 1:14 PM

I tried them but they rust and that ruins them.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    January 2020
Posted by Space Ranger on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 6:29 PM

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.

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Thursday, November 19, 2020 11:18 AM

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"

  • Member since
    August 2014
  • From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posted by goldhammer on Monday, November 23, 2020 7:47 PM

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

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 6:30 AM

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.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 8:36 AM

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.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 7:46 AM

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!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: SF
Posted by gobears01 on Saturday, December 5, 2020 8:35 AM

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.

Offagain-Onagain

  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Saturday, December 5, 2020 8:51 AM

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.

      

  • Member since
    January 2021
Posted by BorisBaddenov on Saturday, January 2, 2021 8:02 PM
Jewelers Rouge - you can get it from Amazon. Peace- Boris
  • Member since
    October 2019
  • From: New Braunfels, Texas
Posted by Tanker-Builder on Monday, January 4, 2021 1:30 PM

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.

  • Member since
    January 2021
Posted by BorisBaddenov on Monday, January 4, 2021 1:58 PM

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

  • Member since
    December 2020
  • From: Kansas
Posted by DM1975 on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 8:16 AM

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. 

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