Craft Knives

Shari Rivera
12 min readJun 21, 2024

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Crafting has become a popular hobby for many people, and one of the essential tools needed for any crafting project is a good quality craft knife. In this article, we’ll be rounding up the top craft knives on the market, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect one for your next project.

The Top 8 Best Craft Knives

  1. Craft Knife with Comfortable Grip for Card Making, Scrapbooking, and Mixed Media — Experience precise cutting with the We R Memory Keepers Crafter’s Essentials 6.5'’x0.5'’ Craft Knife, a versatile tool perfect for various crafting projects.
  2. Walnut Hollow Professional Hot Knife for Crafting — Transform your crafting game with the Walnut Hollow Professional Hot Knife, perfect for model makers and designed to cut and carve materials effortlessly.
  3. Recollections Craft Knife Set — Perfect for Crafters — Versatile 16-piece craft knife set with 3 handles and 13 assorted blades, perfect for cutting various materials and including a magnetic case for easy storage.
  4. Slice Ceramic Craft Knife with Finger-Friendly Safety Edge for Hobbyists — Enjoy unparalleled control and safety with the versatile Slice 10548 Craft Knife, featuring a ceramic safety blade and ambidextrous weighted design for optimal balance and stability.
  5. Comfort Craft Ergonomic Precision Knife for Crafting — Experience the ultimate precision and comfort with the Comfort Craft Knife from We R Memory Keepers — crafting made simple and seamless!
  6. Precision Carving Craft Knife Upgrade Kit with 40 Spare Blades — Experience precision and versatility with the DIYSELF Exacto Knife Upgrade Kit, offering a 40-blade set and 2 ergonomic craft knives for endless art and crafting possibilities.
  7. DIYSELF Hobby Knife with Safety Cap, Ruler, and 20 Craft Knife Blades Set — Streamline your art projects with the DIYSELF Precision Knife Set, featuring a hobby knife with safety cap, 20PCS #11 steel blades, and a ruler for precise cutting and carving on various materials.
  8. Gordon Precision Hobby Knife Set — Aluminum Grips — Gordon Precision Hobby Knife Set 13 Pc combines precision blades with various handle sizes for precise control, impressing with a 4.6-star rating and a remarkable 572 reviews.

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Reviews

Craft Knife with Comfortable Grip for Card Making, Scrapbooking, and Mixed Media

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Introducing the We R Memory Keepers Crafter’s Essentials 6.5" Craft Knife, a versatile tool for all your crafting needs! This craft knife boasts a comfortable grip with sharp blades, allowing for precise and clean cuts in various projects. The knife even comes with a cover for safe storage — a great feature for keeping the worksurface clean.

Perfect for card making, scrapbooking, and mixed media, this craft knife is sure to become an essential in your arsenal. Although it is imported and made of plastic, the high-quality craftsmanship makes up for it.

Users praise the sharpness and ease of use, while the comfortable grip and protective cover are additional perks. Overall, the Crafter’s Essentials 6.5" Craft Knife is an invaluable addition to any crafter’s kit.

Walnut Hollow Professional Hot Knife for Crafting

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I recently stumbled upon Walnut Hollow’s Professional Hot Knife, and I must say, it has become my go-to tool for all sorts of arts and crafts projects. The comfort grip handle makes it easy to both hold and maneuver, while the 120-volt, 25-watt power source ensures that it efficiently cuts through materials like foamcore, candle wax, and soap.

One of my favorite highlights is the UL approval for both the USA and Canada, which gives me peace of mind that this tool meets safety standards. It’s great to see a product that cares about our well-being. Plus, it’s designed for ages 14 and up with adult supervision, making it a versatile and safe option for crafters of all ages.

But, like any other product, it isn’t without its drawbacks. The tool can get quite hot, especially when used for extended periods, and I’ve found myself taking breaks to let it cool down before continuing my project. Additionally, the heat adjustment dial can be a bit challenging to operate, as it requires a firm grip to change the settings.

Overall, Walnut Hollow’s Professional Hot Knife has proven to be a valuable addition to my crafting arsenal. Its precise cutting abilities and versatility have allowed me to create beautiful, personalized home decor and gifts with ease. Despite the minor drawbacks, this tool has earned its place in my daily routine and has become a staple in my arts and crafts adventures.

Recollections Craft Knife Set — Perfect for Crafters

I recently tried out the Recollections Craft Knife Set from Michaels and was impressed by the variety of blades it offers. As a frequent crafter, I appreciated the different sizes and shapes available to tackle various materials with ease.

One highlight of this set was the ergonomic handles, which provided a comfortable grip for longer projects. However, I also noticed that the set could be a bit flimsy at times, as some reviewers mentioned snapping tips or concerns about the case’s durability.

The inclusion of a case with a magnetic strip to store extra blades was a nice touch, but some users reported issues with the case’s sturdiness and the blades falling out.

Overall, this craft knife set offers a nice assortment of blades for various cutting tasks, but make sure to inspect the case and the blades for any potential issues before use.

Slice Ceramic Craft Knife with Finger-Friendly Safety Edge for Hobbyists

Looking for a precision knife that offers superior control and safety features? Look no further than the Slice 10548 craft knife. This versatile tool is perfect for precise cutting, scraping, and handling, and features a ceramic safety blade that is non-sparking, chemically inert, and safe up to 1600 degrees Celsius.

Unlike traditional blades, the Slice blade never rusts and requires no oil coating. The textured grip ensures superior control for accurate, delicate cuts, and the ambidextrous no-roll design is weighted for optimal balance and stability. Plus, the 10548 comes with one 10518 straight-edge, rounded-tip ceramic safety blade featuring a patented finger-friendly edge, which lasts up to 11 times longer than traditional blades.

Trust the Slice 10548 Craft Knife for all your precision cutting needs.

Comfort Craft Ergonomic Precision Knife for Crafting

Sculpt your masterpiece without the stress on your hands with the Comfort Craft knife. Perfect for both small and intricate cuts, this knife’s ergonomic design fits comfortably on your finger, giving you the perfect amount of pressure for precision.

No more hand pain or discomfort; just pure crafting pleasure. And with this package, all you need to make your artistic dreams come true is one Comfort Craft knife. Don’t settle for anything less — make your creations stand out like never before.

Precision Carving Craft Knife Upgrade Kit with 40 Spare Blades

As an art enthusiast constantly seeking the perfect tool to bring my ideas to life, I recently stumbled upon the DIYSELF Exacto Knife. This set came as a breath of fresh air, offering 40 spare knife blades in three distinct shapes, two hobby knives with safety caps, and a handy steel ruler.

One of the many things that stood out for me was the lightweight metal handle, which made all the difference in terms of comfort and ease of use. The textured grip provided a much-needed steadiness that reduced hand fatigue when carving intricate designs. And the easy-change blade system? Simply fantastic! It allowed me to switch blades in a matter of seconds, enabling me to work more efficiently and with greater precision.

However, there were a few minor downsides to this otherwise excellent product. Firstly, the handle wasn’t retractable, which made storing the knives a bit more cumbersome than I would have liked. And while the blades were indeed sharp, they did seem to dull a bit more quickly than I had anticipated. Nevertheless, these minor issues were outweighed by the overall value and performance of the DIYSELF Exacto Knife.

DIYSELF Hobby Knife with Safety Cap, Ruler, and 20 Craft Knife Blades Set

This easy-to-use DIYSELF hobby knife set comes with a 1Pcs hobby knife, safety cap, 20pcs craft knife blades, and a 6-inch steel ruler, all enclosed in a valuable package. The lightweight metal handle provides a non-slip grip, reducing fatigue and enhancing precision.

The safety cap ensures safe storage and portability. Ideal for a wide range of materials like paper, plastic, fabric, thin metal, and wood, this versatile knife set is budget-friendly and perfect for crafting enthusiasts and artists of all levels.

Gordon Precision Hobby Knife Set — Aluminum Grips

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I love crafting, and I’m always on the lookout for affordable and high-quality tools to use for my projects. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Gordon Precision Knife Set, which offers a variety of blades and handles at a fraction of the price of some top-name brands.

This set comes with a total of 13 pieces, including different blade sizes and handle variants, providing ample options for any cutting task. The aluminum grip on the handles is a nice touch, providing a comfortable and secure hold. I found the blades to be quite sharp, and they made short work of the materials I was working with. Additionally, the set includes a magnetic strip inside the storage case, making it easy to keep track of the blades when not in use.

However, there were a few drawbacks to this product that I noticed. Firstly, the case itself is quite flimsy and doesn’t provide the best protection for the knives when not in use. I would have appreciated a sturdier construction for the storage of my precious crafting tools. Secondly, while the blades are sharp, they are also quite thin and can bend easily if applied too much pressure. This might not be ideal for more delicate materials such as thin leather or metal.

Overall, I think the Gordon Precision Knife Set is a great value for the price, offering a variety of blades and handles for a wide range of crafting projects. Just be mindful of the case’s flimsy construction and be careful not to apply too much pressure to the blades.

Buyer’s Guide

Craft knives are an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast, craftsperson, or crafter. They come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, making it crucial to understand the general features, considerations, and advice for selecting the right craft knife for your needs.

Blade Shape and Type

The blade shape and type can significantly impact the cutting performance of a craft knife. Common blade types include straight, serrated, and pointed tips. Straight blades are great for cutting materials like paper, cardstock, and leather, while serrated blades are ideal for cutting fabric and felt. Points are perfect for intricate work and poking holes.

Blade Material

Craft knife blades are typically made of either stainless steel or carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are more resistant to rust and corrosion but may not hold their edge as well as carbon steel blades. Carbon steel blades, on the other hand, are sharper and retain their edge for longer but require more maintenance to prevent rust.

Handle Material and Ergonomics

Handle comfort and ergonomics are essential factors to consider when selecting a craft knife. A comfortable handle will ensure a secure grip, preventing slipping and accidents. Handles come in various materials such as plastic, rubber, or even metal. Ergonomic designs provide a more comfortable and secure grip, making them ideal for extended use.

Sharpness and Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance, a craft knife must be sharp and well-maintained. Sharpening the blade frequently will guarantee smooth cuts. Additionally, proper storage and protection of the blade can prevent dulling and wear due to contact with other surfaces or materials. Storing the knife in a protective sheath or case is recommended.

FAQ

What is a craft knife, and how is it different from a regular pocket knife?

A craft knife is a specialized type of utility knife specifically designed for cutting delicate materials like cardboard, fabric, and foam. It typically has a finer, sharper blade that can be replaced when needed. On the other hand, a regular pocket knife usually has multiple tools attached to it, such as a screwdriver or a bottle opener, and its blade is generally thicker and not specifically designed for cutting fine materials.

Moreover, craft knives often come with a built-in blade guard or have a locking mechanism to ensure safety while handling. These features are absent in most regular pocket knives, making them less suitable for intricate crafting projects. In summary, craft knives are designed to provide precision and cutting accuracy for delicate materials, while regular pocket knives are more versatile but less finely tailored for specific tasks.

What are the different types of craft knives available?

There are several types of craft knives, each designed for various purposes. Some common types include the X-acto knife, the hobby knife, the rotary knife, the snap-off knife, and the utility knife. Each type has its unique features and is better suited for specific tasks. For example, X-acto knives have a thin and retractable blade, making them ideal for intricate cutting tasks such as model making or scrapbooking. Rotary knives, on the other hand, have an electric motor that rotates a blade, allowing for fast and efficient cutting of materials like foam, rubber, and plastic.

Snap-off knives are characterized by their interchangeable blades, which can be snapped off and replaced with new ones as needed. Utility knives are versatile tools that can have interchangeable blades, including ones specifically designed for cutting materials like wood, metal, or plastic. Hobby knives are generally multipurpose tools with various attachments that can be used for cutting, scraping, or carving materials such as leather, wood, fabric, or plastic.

How do I choose the right craft knife?

Choosing the right craft knife depends on the materials you plan to cut and the complexity of the tasks you will perform. Start by considering the type of material you’ll be cutting, such as cardboard, foam, fabric, or thicker materials. This will help you determine which type of craft knife is best suited for your needs. Next, consider the blade length and thickness, as well as the blade’s sharpness and replacement options.

If you need to cut multiple materials or don’t want to invest in multiple knives, look for a utility knife with interchangeable blades. For intricate tasks requiring precision, choose an X-acto or hobby knife that offers better control and accuracy. Remember to consider safety features such as blade guards or locking mechanisms, especially if you will be working with children or inexperienced users.

How should I store my craft knife to ensure its safety and longevity?

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the safety and longevity of your craft knife. When not in use, retract the blade completely and secure it with a locking mechanism if available. Store the knife in a protective sheath or case made specifically for your model to prevent damage and to provide additional safety features. Keep the storage area away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures to prevent corrosion and rust formation.

Additionally, ensure that the knife is kept out of reach of children or unauthorized users. Regularly inspect the condition of the blade and replace it if it becomes dull or damaged. By proper storage and maintenance, you can extend the life of your craft knife and ensure its safe usage when needed.

What are the common safety precautions to follow while using a craft knife?

Safety is paramount when using a craft knife. Always retract the blade when not in use and secure it with a locking mechanism if available. If the knife does not have a lock, use a separate blade guard to minimize the risk of accidental cuts. Handle the knife with care, using both hands to maintain better control, especially when cutting delicate materials or performing detailed tasks.

Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses. Be aware of your surroundings while cutting to avoid bumping into objects or people, and keep pets and children at a safe distance. Store used blades and sharp tools away from children and unauthorized users to prevent injuries. Finally, keep your cutting surface clean and dry to avoid any slips or accidents during use.

What are some common uses for a craft knife other than cutting?

While craft knives are primarily designed for cutting tasks, they can also be used for various other purposes. Some examples include carving, engraving, and scraping surfaces for clean edges. The sharp blades can also be used to create textures or patterns in materials like fabric, leather, or wood. By employing different techniques, you can transform a simple craft knife into a versatile tool for many creative projects.

For example, a craft knife can be utilized for creating delicate and intricate textures in clay, allowing for more intricate sculpting. Additionally, it can be used to trim and shape wicks in candlemaking, or to score and cut patterns on glass before breaking it for stained glass projects. By experimenting with different materials and techniques, you can discover new and creative ways to use your craft knife beyond simple cutting tasks.

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