Your Guide to Hobby Knife Blade Types

Different projects call for different blades, and there are many to choose from. With our guide, you’ll be confident you have the right hobby knife for your task. Whether you're working on detailed paper cutting, model making, or carving tougher materials like wood or foam, selecting the right blade can make all the difference. Each type of blade is designed with a specific purpose in mind, offering unique shapes, edges, and sizes to suit various needs. From light-duty blades for precision work to heavy-duty blades for tougher projects, the right blade ensures your cuts are clean, controlled, and efficient, no matter the material or the complexity of the job.

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Types of Hobby Knife Blades and Their Uses

Light-duty blades are usually smaller and fit into a standard handle. They’re good for small projects that require precision and targeted cutting, carving or shaping. These thinner blades are essential for detailed work, often used by artists and hobbyists working with paper, vinyl, or other delicate materials.

Medium-duty blades are a bit larger and have a wider shank. This means they require a different handle meant for a larger blade; the Excel Blades K2 handle is a good example. Medium-duty blades are versatile and can handle thicker materials like foam board, balsa wood, or fabric, making them a great all-around option for a variety of crafting and DIY projects.

For tougher jobs, heavy-duty blades are the way to go. These thicker, more robust blades are designed to cut through materials like wood, leather, and carpet or drywall. Chisel blades and heavy-duty utility blades fall into this category, offering the strength needed for more demanding tasks while maintaining precision.

Be sure to check which handle is compatible with your blade, as not all handles fit every blade. Blade numbers, which are typically indicated on the packaging, correspond to specific handle sizes, so it’s important to match them correctly for a secure fit and optimal control. We’ve listed some of the most popular blades below, along with their corresponding uses, to help you find the perfect match for your project.

The most popular blade is the #11 – used by paper artists, paper illustrators, polymer clay artists, designers, cosplayers and more! You are sure to find this blade in every creative studio. To learn more about the #11 blade and other blades, keep reading!

Light-Duty Blades

#5 Angled Chisel Blade

• Used for shaping materials, light chiseling or removing layers in precise areas where detail is key
• Light-duty blade with angled sharp edge

#6 Stencil Edge Blade

• Used for cutting, trimming or scoring delicate materials
• Best used on projects where targeted precision is needed
• Light-duty blade

#10 Curved Edge Blade

• Curved edge adds maneuverability to larger-scale projects
• Light-duty blade

#11 Double Honed Blade

• Most popular blade – can be found in most workshops, artist spaces and tool boxes
• Used for paper cutting, polymer clay, clay, foam smithing and more
• Double honed has a strong tip and flex

#12 Mini Curved Edge Blade

• Added maneuverability of the curved edge for smaller-scale projects
• Light-duty blade

#13 Fine Saw Blade

• Used for sawing through small brass tubing and other soft metals, plastic, balsa, resin and more
• Light carving 
• Light-duty blade

#15 Narrow Saw Blade

• Precision sawing on softer materials
• Used in model making and foam smithing

#16 Stencil Edge Blade

• Double honed blade with a strong tip and flex
• Used on paper, model making, vinyl and polymer clay
• Every artist has their favorite. This blade is also very popular among paper artists as it gives them the required control.

#17 Small Chisel Blade

• Used to remove layers, to shape materials and for light chiseling
• Good for foam core, plastic, cardboard, balsa wood, rubber, wax, clay, plaster and more

#17A Narrow Chisel Blade

• Similar uses to the #17 Chisel Blade – narrow tip allows for more precise work

#21 Stainless Steel Blade

• Similar shape to the #11 – but in stainless steel
• Used for paper cutting, polymer clay, clay, foam smithing and more

Medium-Duty Blades

#2 Straight Edge Blade

• Medium-duty blade with a fine point
• All purpose blade used for precise and detailed cuts

#18 Large Chisel Blade

• Used to remove layers, to shape materials and for light chiseling
• Good for foam core, plastic, cardboard, balsa wood, rubber, wax, clay, plaster and more
• Medium-duty blade

#19 Sharp Edge Blade

• Good for angled chiseling, shaving, cutting and trimming
• Use with foam core, plastic, cardboard, balsa wood, rubber, wax, clay, plaster and more

#19B Bevel Edge Blade

• Similar to the #19
• Good for angled chiseling, shaving, cutting and trimming
• Use with foam core, plastic, cardboard, balsa wood, rubber, wax, clay, plaster and more

#22 Curved Edge Blade

• Medium-duty version of the #10 Curved Edge Blade

#23 Double Edge Blade

• For hobbyists, wood carvers, metal workers, contractors and stone masons, architects, designers and crafters
• Blade features a sharp edge on both sides

#24 Deburring Blade

• Used for deburring, cutting, shaping and stripping material
• Can be used with paper, card stock, foam core, foam, linoleum, soft metals and plastics, cork, balsa wood and other soft woods, clay, polymer clay and wax
• ¾” angled edge with a sharp tip

#25 Contoured Blade

• Great for heavier cutting, carving or trimming
• Medium-duty knife
  Can be used with paper, card stock, foam core, foam, linoleum, soft metals and plastics, cork, balsa wood and other soft woods, clay, polymer clay and wax

#26 Whittling Blade

• A whittling blade, as the name suggests, is for whittling – which means cutting and shaping a piece of wood
• 3” long
• Medium-Heavy duty Blade
• Used by hobbyists, wood carvers, model makers, architects, artists and cosplayers

Heavy-Duty Blades

#27 Saw Blade

• Light duty and precise sawing
• 3” long
• Heavy-duty blade
• Can be used on brass tubing and other soft metals, balsa wood and other soft woods, foam core and plastics as well as other cosplay materials

#28 Concave Carving Blade

• Used for shaping 
• Good for foam core, foam as well as other cosplay materials, linoleum, soft metals and plastics, cork, balsa wood and other soft woods, clay, polymer clay and wax

#92 2-Notch Utility Blade

• Used for general cutting
• Made from carbon steel
• Heavy-duty blade

These are just a few of the blades available to you. Other blade categories include carving blades, swivel blades, utility blades and rotary blades, each offering unique functionality for various projects. No matter the task, having the right blade ensures that your work is precise, clean, and efficient. Whether you're an artist, hobbyist, or DIY enthusiast, choosing the right blade can significantly impact the quality of your project.

With so many blade options at your disposal, it’s important to stock up on the ones that best fit your needs and ensure you always have replacements on hand. From intricate detail work to more demanding cutting tasks, there's a blade designed for every job. Explore our wide selection and find the perfect fit for your next project. Happy crafting!

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