What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Hobby Knife?
Although 2020 was the dark cloud hovering over our heads, there is a silver lining. We’re seeing a beautiful resurgence of crafting! And we’re not talking about small numbers; we’re talking about a 221 percent increase in do-it-yourself craft searches on sites like Etsy. The world needs a hobby right now, and crafting has proven to be a popular choice for self-expression.
Are you getting inspired by all the crafting videos online? Are you ready to start your first (or next) craft project? You may be excited to start assembling your craft kit, but before you do, make sure to check out The Tool Scout first to find out which crafting knife would be the best fit for you and your needs! And if you’re a seasoned hobbyist who’s been crafting for years, you may be on the hunt for a higher-quality craft knife and are exploring all your options.
Whether you’re a beginner or an avid hobbyist, we’ve got some valuable tips to help you choose the best craft knife for your project.
All Hobby Knives Are Not Created Equal
Crafters may choose hobby knives for cutting vinyl, sculpting foam, sewing, stenciling, and even baking. The avid crafter may require more advanced tools such as the art scalpel, precision cutter, or craft knife for more detailed work. Razor blades are helpful at making straight cuts, but hobby knives are essential for more intricate patterns and angles. Before you invest in new craft ideas, be sure to research which one is best suited for your project and the one you’re most comfortable with.
Different Types of Hobby Knives
Because hobby knives vary by handle design, blade size, and type of blade, here’s a breakdown to help in your search:
- Art scalpel: This knife allows you to cut intricate stenciling and design collaging projects.
- Precision cutter: Sometimes referred to as a precision knife, it is intended for fine handling and detailed, free-form cuts.
- Craft knife: This knife is safe for all kinds of hobbies, and ideal for precision cutting, scraping, and handling.
An Important Feature
The handle plays a critical role in your hunt for the ideal craft knife. Ergonomic handles are a definite must when crafting for extended periods of time. Be sure the knife you’re considering imposes the least possible demand on your forearm and wrist. Manufacturers will usually label cutting tools that have passed rigorous ergonomic testing and safety standards.
Safety Comes First
When it comes to crafting, make sure your art project is free from all hazards. The top injuries in crafting come from cuts and lacerations. Learning proper use and selecting a tool that is as safe to use as possible is a wise choice. Consider whether the handle is made from a non-slip surface and can prevent dangerous movements like slippage.
Also, confirm how the blade is stored when the tool isn’t in use. Tools that don’t feature a retractable handle design should come with a protective cap to cover the blade when it’s not being used. An exposed blade is another major safety hazard!
Although metal blades are commonly used, metal dulls quickly, and metal blades out of the package are often overly sharpened. An overly sharp blade, which is a high percentage of traditional blades, may cut quickly but it can also cause a surprising amount of damage. Why? A dull blade can make you lean heavier into it, which will too often create careless injuries.
There is an alternative to metal-bladed tools: ceramic blades. These blades are finger friendly and designed to resist lacerating skin while effectively cutting. Ceramic blades last over 11 times longer than ordinary metal blades, resulting in fewer blade changes and decreasing the risk of excessive pressure, depending upon the person of course.
Trending New Craft Ideas
According to Dayna Isom Johnson, an Etsy expert featured on Martha Stewart’s site, “The more popular 2021 crafts will be those that can double as patio, garden, or stoop décor, like DIY lanterns and birdhouse-painting kits.”
No matter what you make with your craft knife, inspire yourself by posting your finished work on sites like Pinterest, Etsy, and Facebook. You never know who else you may inspire to get a hobby knife and join in.
In summary, when considering which is the best craft knife for you, think of this: The right craft knife will be a cherished tool, and each project may require a different knife type. While searching for your craft knife, think first about the project you want to use it for and next about what will achieve the best results. Before you know it, your crafting box will contain a surplus of tools, and you won’t want to pick a favorite. They will all be your favorites, depending on your next DIY project.