Use The “Knife Tool” To Cut Out/Subdivide Models In Blender

Cluster Creators Guide

You can split any face into segments or cut out part of a model using the “Knife Tool.”

For example, you can use this function by splitting a face and distorting it or cutting out part and chipping the model.

💡 In this article, we will be using Blender 4.1.1. There may be differences in operations and features with the different versions.

Basic use

To use the knife tool, you must press the “K” key in edit mode.

The mouse cursor will turn into a knife icon, and by clicking from point A to point B, you can ‘slice’ the mesh.

By clicking, you can add snapping points, which can be confirmed by pressing the spacebar or the “Enter” key.

Snap at the center of the edges

If you press the Shift key while adding a start or end point, the cut will snap at the midpoint of the edges.

Cut through occluded faces

While using the Knife tool, press the C key to cut through faces — visible AND hidden. While using cut through, you will be able to make a cut that snaps through all models. If you want to turn cut through off, press the C key once more!

Check all features of the knife tool in Blender

All the tools, their shortcuts, and their statuses are displayed on the lower bar of the screen while using the knife tool. If you are stuck, please look at the bottom of the screen!

• LMG: Left Mouse Button
  RMB: Right Mouse Button
  MMB: Middle Mouse Button

Utilize this tool to create subdivisions or cutouts in models — from rough to detailed.

You can create complex shapes by combining ‘move’ or ‘extrude’ with the knife tool. Why not challenge yourself if you’ve gotten familiar with the controls?