X-Acto Knife

Information:

The X-Acto Knife is a handy tool to make cuts through thin materials, such as balsa wood or cardboard. It is very simple to use, and is commonly used in crafting.

Where to find:

The X-Acto Knife blades and handles are found in the small wooden box on the wall holding tools next to the craft station.

Safety:

• Always keep your fingers away from the blade while cutting, it's very easy to get sliced.

• Do not draw the blade towards any part of your body, and stay out of the path of the blade.

• Use a mat (like the one in the picture above) to prevent damage to the tables and surfaces around you.

• Do light repeated cuts instead of harsh cuts where you're fighting with your material and the blade.

• Hold the knife at an angle (do not slice horizontally or vertically) to prevent injury and damage to blade.

How to Use:

unscrew the textured band of metal around the prongs

• If necessary, insert a new blade into the top of the handle by unscrewing the tip till the prongs separate (shown above). Insert a new blade and tighten.

• Replace when the blade gets dull, chipped, or too covered in gunk.

• Cut at the material with the blade at an angle (shown above) with light, repeated slices till you're all the way through. Use one hand to hold down the material (keeping fingers away from the blade).

  • Use a mat!

• Clean up workspace and put the mat and X-acto Knife back where you found them.

Tips:

• It's always easier to cut with the grain of your material! If your material has a grain (like wood), align the longer cuts you need to make with the grain to make it easier.