It is one of the most helpful devices ever created for the hobbyist, manufacturer, or artist is the original X-ACTO knife. A traditional knife is a pen-size tool made of an aluminum handle with a replaceable, short, pointed, incredibly sharp blade that can be used for precision cutting and nice carving. In this article we at BestDamascusKnife will shows you how to use an Exacto knife and the basics of the X-ACTO knife construction and precise handling for optimum protection and efficiency.
Things You Will Need
- Safety glasses
- Cutting board
- Wood or a similar material to practice cutting techniques
- Lubricating oil or WD-40 it is optional
- Clean, dry cloth or rag it is also optional
- Pliers (optional)
Step By Step: How To Use An Exacto Knife
Step By Step How To Use An Exacto Knife
1st Step
Familiarize yourself with the components of the knife. The firm aluminum handle has two joined pieces that lock mutually to keep the blade in place. The round collar, which has a rough, knurled surface, can be released by rotating it counterclockwise. Turning the collar counterclockwise frees pressure on the slotted collet. The collet grips the blade securely when the collar is tightened. Do not forget to wear protection glasses or goggles when working with X-ACTO knives — the sharp blades are brittle and can chip or break under high stress.
2nd Step
Exchange the blade that has become rusty, cracked, or broken by holding the handle tightly with the blade pointing away from you. Hold the collar with your thumb and index finger, and rotate it counterclockwise. If the collar is stuck and you cannot turn it, grease the collet and collar with oil or WD-40, and let it dry for at least 30 minutes before trying again. A firmly stuck collar can be turned by utilizing a pair of pliers. Spread the jaws of the pliers with a rag to prevent from breaking the collar.
3rd StepÂ
Raise the blade by rolling the cutting edge away from you, clutching the blade in your thumb and index finger, and pushing the blade out of the collet. A blade that sticks in place may require lubrication and the use of pliers to remove it. Slide the new blade into the collet, and stretch the collar by rotating it clockwise. Carefully clear away any oil or grease with a dry cloth. Examine the collar to assure it is tightened properly and that the blade has not become loose in the collet before cutting or carving.
4th StepÂ
You can use a cutting board or cutting mat, put on a steady counter, table, or working surface, whenever you cut through light material or slice strips. For accurate cutting works, such as working with paper models, cloth pieces, or leather, a “self-healing” cutting mat is recommended. The self-healing mat has a soft gel surface over a tough plastic base. Cuts on the surface will gradually close and re-fuse as if the surface is healing itself. Cutting thin material on this sort of mat is extremely easier, and the blade will stay sharper for a long time.
5th StepÂ
Hold the handle of the X-ACTO knife with all four fingers, and put your thumb on the collar when cutting material by hand. Always point the blade’s cutting edge away from your body, and push the blade aside from you. Always grip the material behind the cutting edge of the blade, and never cut toward the fingers or the hand that is holding the material. Whenever possible, adjust the material in a clamp or holder before cutting.
Last StepÂ
To slice or chop pieces of material, hold the handle with three fingers of the hand while putting the index finger on the collar. Slice the material by pulling the blade back diagonally, while implementing pressure with the index finger. Chopping material can be performed by a firm, even pressure, or by rocking the blade as you push it downwards. Use the equivalent grip when cutting paper, cloth, leather, or alike flat sheets of material.
Caution
Always wear protection glasses when using X-ACTO knives. Put a first-aid kit nearby. Keep all sharp knives, blades, and accessories out of the range of children.