Hi. Over my many weeks surfing the armorama website i have come across something called a X-Acto blade. I belive it is a hobby knife where you can change the blades. Well my question is: WHERE CAN I GET ONE IN THE UK?
Thanks in advance!

cheers

Philip

You would be better off getting a Swann-Morton scalpel blade handle, if you buy blades from a laboratory supplier they work out a LOT cheaper.

Vinnie

Hi Philip

X-acto are pretty widely available in the UK (I'll try and find a link), but Vinnie's right - we pay import prices for them, so Swann-Morton scalpels are my standard tools too.

The one X-acto tool I wouldn't be without is actually the very first razor saw I bought... about 25 years ago! It's a #34 - finer than most other brands and still going strong.

All the best

Rowan

I buy X-acto compatible blades from my local art shop. They may be more expensive than scalpels & blades, but they are more robust and the round, knurled alumnium handles give me a better grip.

Hi again

If you can't find X-acto tools locally, try:

http://www.themodelmakersresource.co.uk/catpages/page103.html

Hope that helps

Rowan

There seem to be dffrent knifes. No.1, No.2 and No.5. Which is best?

cheers

Philip

Hi Philip

The numbers refer to the handles - #1 is the lightest and #5 is for heavy-duty work. The blades are interchangeable between the handles, so which one to use really depends on the job. I've got all three and they're all useful.

All the best

Rowan

But can you use all the blades on all the handels?

cheers

Philip

Hi Philip

X-acto® is the trademark for the hobby/utility knife that uses interchangeable blades, much like hoovering- as opposed to vacuuming the carpet. See: http://www.x-actoblades.com/xacto/xindex.htm




Yes and No, the blades in some of the sets (with No.1, 2 & 5 handles) are compatible. The ‘better quality’ sets/blades are not compatible; the blades for No1 fit only No1 handles etc.

When buying an X-acto® hobby/utility knife set, I suggest not buying the ‘cheapies’ out there i.e. 13 / 15 /16 piece sets for £3.95 etc. These sets use plastic (instead of aluminium) inserts to hold the blade in place.

I agree with what most people here have said about the inflated prices of X-acto® and compatibles here in the UK against a Comfy Grip (No3) Swann-Morton scalpel handle and blades, for everyday use. An X-acto® (not compatible) set will cost upwards of £20-00; a decent compatible set will cost upward of £10-00. A Comfy Grip (No3) Swann-Morton scalpel handle ±£2-50 + blades @ ±£1 for 5, you do the maths!

And if you use a laboratory supply company, the blades work out at approx. £6 per 100. Even easier math!

Vinnie

Hi Philip, almost forgot to show the photos and more.

Cheapie 51(?) piece set (from ebay) with blue plastic inserts to hold the blade in place.




Better quality compatible set (also from ebay) with aluminium inserts to hold the blade in place.



As regards owning X-acto® or compatible sets, neither I (nor do I believe anyone else here) am trying to discourage you from buying one, just showing the economics of owning one versus other alternatives. I (as a tool freak) own more sets (both X-acto® and compatible) than I care to admit to, they are a positive addition to any model building toolkit and do make life a lot easier.

Hope this helps

PS: Vinnie, we shall be chatting about that 'laboratory supply company' you use.

thanks for all the help guys!

cheers

Philip

have you checked www.shesto.co.uk?

Try micromark in the USA, picked up all i needed including 100 blades for around $20 which worked out at £12. took just over a week to arrive.

I prefere the x-acto to the scaple blade as i feel it holds the blade more secure and hence is safer.

HTH

keith forsyth

hi docdios,

thanks for the micromark link, this is the sort of shop I been looking for to buy tools from.

I

Are those proedge blades good. Is that what i am looking for (on shesto).

cheers

Philip

no idea, I ordered some shesto and some from ebay. should be with me before x'mas. will let you know once I have it.

Procrazzy & lkoky,… PROEDGE produces a good product, I use their saw blades constantly, with no complaints as well as the No.1 handle also @ £1.50 it is cheap!

KN2301 : PROEDGE CLASSIC PRECISION DUTY KNIFE #1



Procrazzy remember that for rigid backed saw blades you will need a No.5 handle.

Got my ProEdge knife set via eBay.
They are excellent stuffs, very handy.

try pound shops and car boot sales/markets you can find cheap scalpel sets there for blades try cpc
100 blades for £8 inc vat this shop is ace you can also get cheap sable hair paint brushes as well for about £1.50 it's one of these places if we dont stock it no body makes it

I got a proedge set for christmas. It has been very useful and i am sure it shall be in the future!

cheers

Philip

I started off using X-Acto, but switched to Swann-Morton scalpels when I had to buy some when I was a science student. Still got the handles after (omigod!) over 24 years. I usually use No 15 blades (small and curvy ) which cost me about £10 for a box of 100 from an art shop and that lasts me for years. Of course they don't do heavy cutting - side cutters are much better for that.