X-ACTO is the big name in small cutting tools! It’s so sharp that your mother didn’t let you use one until you could be trusted with a scarily powerful little knife. Oh, but when that glorious day came, life with an X-ACTO meant that you could slice through all kinds of media with ease. I tested out the latest and greatest in the X-ACTO family, the X-ACTO Z-Series Zirconium Nitride Coated Blade. Advertised as X-ACTO’s “sharpest and most durable blade ever,” this little thing didn’t disappoint.
Here’s what the package says about X-Acto Z Series Precision Instruments:
As the leader in precision cutting instruments, X-ACTO is setting a new standard for sharpness. Z-Series blades: our sharpest most durable blade ever. Incorporating over 100 years of engineering expertise, we’ve created a revolutionary cutting instrument with superior sharpness and strength. Try them for yourself. You’ll be amazed!
Perfect for hobby, paper crafting, and wood-working, or any other application that requires a #11 blade.
Because the holidays are here all of a sudden, I thought it would be fun to make some ornaments! I also had a nice big piece of Elmer’s Bi-Fold Foam Board, which I’ve never experimented with before, so I put it to use. After drawing my pattern on the board with a ball-point pen, I gently sliced through it with the X-Acto Z-Series. It cut through both layers very smoothly as long as I went slowly, making a wreath shape.
I then wrapped it with yarn and adorned with my new favorite retro supply, pompom ribon! I’m going to do this again as it’s much cheaper than using the pre-made styrofoam wreaths, and looks just as charming.
I did notice that occasionally the blade would become loose. It never fell out, but I did have to tighten it a few times during use. I’m not sure how this can be avoided, but I’d just be aware that the blade is fully screwed in at all times.
I also tested the Z-Series Blade on wool felt and cotton; it cut like a dream, which is handy for finishing embroidery hoops and any sort of detail cutting on fabric projects. As far as paper cutting goes, I got it to slice through four layers of cardstock before things started getting funky. Here’s a little tiki snowflake I made while testing!
I had a great time with this knife and if it stays sharp after continued use, as the package claims, I’ll be even more excited! I found it superior to other brands of craft knives I’ve used in the past (Martha’s was not sharp, although it was pretty to look at), and as every crafter needs a precision knife on the shelf, I’d recommend the X-Acto Z-Series.
Available from Amazon for $6.53.
Disclosure: Sample provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own!
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Rebecca Bodine says
I’ve used X-actos forever. They are absolutely indispensible. Becca
Pamela Jensen says
This was the first type of X-Acto I used in High School! It is the best for general crafting! I love this blade!