Looking on eBay for some more blades, the ones available from China etc are a lot cheaper than blades available from nearer home. Does any one have experience of the cheaper blades? I realise that, in general, you get what you pay for but are they good value for money or a waste of money?
Short Answer Don't waste your money on cheap blades
Quote from: east anglian on October 25, 2019, 12:40:32 PM
Short Answer Don't waste your money on cheap blades
Any particular reason? I have noticed that even the 'proper' blades do not last that long when used for cutting card.
Quote from: dannyboy on October 25, 2019, 12:59:23 PM
Quote from: east anglian on October 25, 2019, 12:40:32 PM
Short Answer Don't waste your money on cheap blades
Any particular reason? I have noticed that even the 'proper' blades do not last that long when used for cutting card.
Have you tried put the edge back on with every paper?
Quote from: emjaybee on October 25, 2019, 01:36:35 PM
Have you tried put the edge back on with every paper?
Never tried that, I suppose I could try emery paper. ;)
TBH, I can see the point in buying cheap blades, and subsequently re-sharpening them, for heavy work, but for more precise cutting a new branded blade seems better every time.
I presume we're discussing knife blades rather than the X-Acto saw blades (I only use the latter)?
I use Swann Morton scalpel blades for precise cutting of plastic and card. You can buy a box of 100 for around a tenner if you shop around online. Also readily available on tool stands at exhibitions, art and graphics shops etc.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on October 25, 2019, 05:57:07 PM
I presume we're discussing knife blades
Yes
I use Swann Morton scalpel blade
Do the Swan Morton blades fit the X-Acto handle - can't quite tell from the pictures I have seen?
Quote from: dannyboy on October 25, 2019, 06:26:01 PM
Quote from: ntpntpntp on October 25, 2019, 05:57:07 PM
I presume we're discussing knife blades
I use Swann Morton scalpel blade
Do the Swan Morton blades fit the X-Acto handle - can't quite tell from the pictures I have seen?
Well, to be honest the X-Acto handle I have is the short stumpy one more suited to the saw blades. There is a slot in the "chuck" to take cutting blades but mine doesn't grip them tightly (might just be it's an old handle). I just use the scalpel blades in a cheap generic hobby knife handle (think I bought it from The Range) and they fit fine. Of course you could always get a proper scalpel handle.
Hi David. I use Swann Morton 10A scalpel blades and I have just tried fitting one into an X-Acto handle. The handle will grip the blade but it will not go far enough in to use it safely. Too much of the blade is unsupported and I imagine it would snap easily.
Thanks for the impromptu 'experiment' on my behalf @swisstrains (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=193) - appreciated. So, I either stick with X-Acto and get new blades when required, or buy a Swann Morton handle and blades. :hmmm:
Quote from: dannyboy on October 25, 2019, 09:03:08 PM
So, I either stick with X-Acto and get new blades when required, or buy a Swann Morton handle and blades. :hmmm:
Well, I've never found regular hobby knife blades to be anything special - they work of course until they go blunt, but scalpel blades seem sharper and more accurate (probably why surgeons used them instead of X-Actos :D ) It's amazing how quickly card blunts blades.
How much are X-Acto blades? As I mentioned earlier, you can pick up a box of 100 scalpel blades for £10 ish (smaller quantities are available of course). Invest maybe £5 for a couple of scalpel handles and you're off and running :D
@ntpntpntp (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5885) a quick look on eBay shows 20 for £3.07p with free postage from China. Looks like Swann Morton may have the edge, (sorry :)). I must admit, in all the medical shows on the television, (SWMBO is a big fan of Holby City, so that is on every Tuesday!), I have never heard a surgeon say "X-Acto" ;D.
Having said all that I have said, (and started this thread), I have used the cheap, 5 for a £1, 'snap off' bladed knifes and found them to be adequate. :hmmm:
I also use Swann Morton blades and handles. A no.3 handle and some 10A blades is very versatile. I have got a No.4 handle, but the blades aren't as suited to precision stuff.
As Nick says - I got 100 blades just this week from Amazon for about £10.