International Scale Modeller

Can anyone tell me any benefits they have experienced using a scalpel over an X-acto knife? Perhaps weight or feel in hand over the traditional round barreled handles.

The quality of the blades are the same imo, but I can get a box (100) of swann blades off ebay for €10.

Hi Eightfoot

I have used both items 30 years ago and now coming back in to hobby. I have big hands and you would have thought an Xacto would be easier to wield....
I actually use the scalpel much more as it feels more precise. The blades are as cheap as chips so swapping blades never worries much cost wise. They are sharp as hell (as m fingers can testify and especially if I don't remeber to put cork on end and grab for item in pot
The only drawback is the blades do tend to bend on scalpels when placing pressure on them (tendency to dance and wobble as you cut harder items or put pressure down). But for clearing flash and trimming they are the tops.
Keep safe
John

Donkeywalloper wrote:Hi Eightfoot

I have used both items 30 years ago and now coming back in to hobby. I have big hands and you would have thought an Xacto would be easier to wield....
I actually use the scalpel much more as it feels more precise. The blades are as cheap as chips so swapping blades never worries much cost wise. They are sharp as hell (as m fingers can testify and especially if I don't remeber to put cork on end and grab for item in pot
The only drawback is the blades do tend to bend on scalpels when placing pressure on them (tendency to dance and wobble as you cut harder items or put pressure down). But for clearing flash and trimming they are the tops.
Keep safe
John

The S-M Retractaway handle does away with the need for the cork!

I too prefer the shape of the S-m type handles over the round xacto ones. Blades are easier to get in bulk too

Rob wrote:

Donkeywalloper wrote:Hi Eightfoot

I have used both items 30 years ago and now coming back in to hobby. I have big hands and you would have thought an Xacto would be easier to wield....
I actually use the scalpel much more as it feels more precise. The blades are as cheap as chips so swapping blades never worries much cost wise. They are sharp as hell (as m fingers can testify and especially if I don't remeber to put cork on end and grab for item in pot
The only drawback is the blades do tend to bend on scalpels when placing pressure on them (tendency to dance and wobble as you cut harder items or put pressure down). But for clearing flash and trimming they are the tops.
Keep safe
John

The S-M Retractaway handle does away with the need for the cork!

I too prefer the shape of the S-m type handles over the round xacto ones. Blades are easier to get in bulk too

Thanks Rob

The link for the retractable handle was great (ordered).

The bloodied cork can be binned