Overview of the X-Acto knife

Overview of X-Acto Knives

X-Acto is a brand name for a variety of cutting tools and office products owned by Elmer’s Products, Inc. These include hobby and utility knives, saws, carving tools, and many small-scale precision knives used for crafts and other applications. The term “X-Acto knife” may also be referred to as an Exacto knife, utility knife, precision knife, or hobby knife.

History and Invention

The original X-Acto knife was invented in the 1930s by Sundel Doniger, a Jewish Polish immigrant to the United States. Doniger had previously started a medical supply company in 1917, producing medical syringes and scalpels with removable blades. His initial plan was to sell the knife as a scalpel to surgeons, but it was deemed unacceptable due to cleaning difficulties. Instead, Doniger’s brother-in-law, Daniel Glück (father of poet Louise Glück), suggested it might be suitable as a craft tool. In 1930, Doniger created what is now known as the X-Acto Knife for a house designer needing to crop advertisements.

Design and Features

An X-Acto knife consists of a blade mounted on a pen-like aluminum body. The handle features a knurled collar that loosens and tightens an aluminum collet with one slot to hold a replaceable blade. Blades are typically interchangeable between different brands.

X-Acto knives are used for precision cutting in crafting, model making, and detailed work. Before the advent of desktop publishing, these knives were crucial for preparing copy for printing, involving literal cut and paste techniques.

Safety Considerations

General Safety Tips

  1. Surface: Always rest the piece being cut on a firm, hard surface. Avoid cutting on your lap or in your hand.
  2. Protective Gear: If holding the piece in your hand, use a Kevlar fiber glove to protect against slashing and stabbing.
  3. Blade Maintenance: Use a sharp knife and keep the blade covered when not in use. Have extra blades on hand.
  4. Cutting Technique: Use multiple passes for thick materials or switch to a heavier-duty utility knife. Apply minimal force to maintain control.
  5. Guides and Straight Edges: Use a red safe cutting straight edge to guide your cuts and ensure the blade remains parallel to the edge.
  6. Discarding Blades: Dispose of used blades in designated blade disposal cans.

Classroom Safety

  1. Preparation: Check knives and use only sharp blades. Replace dull blades promptly and use gloves for blade changes. Inform the unit commander of X-Acto knife use.
  2. Briefing: Provide safety briefings, including wearing goggles and gloves, using appropriate cutting surfaces, and cutting away from the body.
  3. Storage: Store knives with protective caps or in containers. Dispose of blades in sharps containers.

Practical Tips for Using X-Acto Knives

Practice and Technique

  • Off-Hand Location: Keep your non-cutting hand away from the blade’s path.
  • Blade Sharpness: Use a sharp blade to avoid accidents. A dull blade requires more pressure and increases the risk of injury.

Tools and Contracts

  • Tools Contract: Consider implementing a sharp tools contract to hold students accountable for their use.
  • Demonstrations: Provide in-person or video demonstrations on proper tool use.

Reviews of X-Acto Knives

Preferred Knives

  1. Excel Blades Soft Grip: The most comfortable knife with symmetrical design and excellent blade performance.
  2. Recollections Craft Knife: Despite its appearance, it is highly durable and comfortable.

Less Favorable Knives

  1. Ergokiwi: Beautiful design but less practical for detailed work due to its fixed ergonomic grip.
  2. Xacto X3000: Comfortable but suffers from blade slipping issues.
  3. Fiskars Soft Grip: Ergonomic but less versatile for varied cutting grips and excessively bold color.
  4. Excel Blades Fit Grip: More comfortable than other ergonomic knives but still lacks grip versatility.