Best Exacto-Style Knives: Complete Guide to Precision Craft Knives

Exacto-style knives are essential tools for anyone working in crafting, paper art, hobby projects, model making, cosplay, woodworking, and vinyl cutting. Whether you’re trimming delicate cardstock or cutting through dense chipboard, the right precision knife makes all the difference.

And while there are many craft knife brands on the market, Excel Blades stands out as the premium exacto-style knife alternative trusted by artists, makers, students, and professionals. With U.S.-made blades, ergonomic handles, and unmatched edge retention, Excel Blades delivers the sharpness, reliabil ity, and comfort needed for precision work.

This guide covers everything you need to know—including the best exacto-style knives, different knife types, blade sizes, which Excel Blades tools work best for crafts, and where to buy high-quality craft knives online.

What Are Exacto-Style Knives?

An “exacto-style knife” is actually a commonly used misnomer for precision craft knives. Many people use “exacto knife” as a general moniker for any hobby, art, or craft knife — even though it originally refers to a single brand. The correct terms are craft knife, hobby knife, or precision knife, and today’s best-performing versions come from modern manufacturers like Excel Blades, which produces U.S.-made knives engineered for superior sharpness, durability, and high-quality steel. These knives typically feature:

• A slim, lightweight handle
• A replaceable sharp blade (usually #11 or similar)
• Excellent control for detailed cuts
• Compatibility with a variety of specialty blades

These knives are widely used for:

• Paper crafts
• Scrapbooking
• Stencils & templates
• Vinyl decals
• Leatherwork
• Chip carving
• Model kits
• 3D printing cleanup
• Cosplay foam cutting
• Bookbinding
• Graphic design

What Are the Different Types of Exacto-Style Knives?

Knowing the knife types helps you choose the best cutting tool for your craft.

1. Standard Precision Knife (#11 Blade Compatible). This is the most common exacto-style knife, ideal for paper, thin plastic, cardstock, light wood, vinyl. 

Alternative: Excel Blades K1 Aluminum Knife – lightweight, comfortable, compatible with #11 blades.

2. Heavy-Duty Precision Knife (Thicker Handle & Blade Options). Made for tougher materials such as chipboard, leather, foam board, thick cardboard.

Alternative: Excel Blades K2 Medium Duty Knife – perfect for higher-pressure cuts.

3. Ergonomic Soft-Grip Craft Knife. A comfort-focused knife with better control during long sessions.

Alternative: Excel Blades K26 Fit Grip Knife – professional comfort with anti-fatigue grip.

4. Swivel / Rotating Craft Knife. The blade rotates, enabling you to cut smooth curves effortlessly.

Alternative: Excel Blades Swivel Knife – ideal for stencils, vinyl, and decorative paper crafts.

5. Snap Knife (for utility & crafting). Designed for precision utility cutting with snap-off blades for continuous sharpness.

Alternative: Excel Blades 9mm Snap Knife – great for fabric, cardboard, and dense materials.

6. Chisel Tip Craft Knives. Great for sculpting, carving, cleaning seams on models.

Alternative: Excel Blades Chisel Knife 

7. Basic Knife Set. Comes with all the essential knife handles and blades for general cutting use cases. 

Alternative: Excel Blades Hobby Knife Set - Comprehensive cutting kit for light duty to heavy duty materials.

What Is the Difference Between #1 and #2 Exacto-Style Knives?

Both knife sizes are popular, and each excels at different tasks.

#1 Exacto-Style Knife

• Slim, light handle
• Uses #11 blades
• Best for intricate crafting
• Ideal for paper, vinyl, thin materials

#2 Exacto-Style Knife

• Larger, heavier handle
• Uses thicker, medium-duty blades
• Best for tougher materials
• Ideal for chipboard, foam, leather

Quick Tip:
If you’re doing delicate design work, choose the #1.
If you're cutting denser materials or need more force, choose the #2.

Excel Blades offers both options with superior U.S.-made blades and ergonomic handles.

Exacto-Style Knives Website (Where to Buy Online)

Here are the best places to buy high-quality exacto-style knives:

1. Excel Blades Official Website (Best Choice): https://excelblades.com

• Largest selection of precision knives
• U.S.-made blades
• Fast shipping
• Craft kits, replacement blades, cutting mats
• Exclusive products not sold elsewhere

2. Michaels

3. Amazon

4. Walmart

5. Lowes

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Craft Knife & Blades

If you’re looking for a top-tier exacto-style knife alternative, Excel Blades is the industry leader. Here’s why:

✔ Superior Quality Blades. Many craft knife brands outsource their blade production—but Excel Blades manufactures in the USA, producing cleaner, sharper edge geometry and adherent to US standards.

✔ High Compatibility. Pick a knife that accepts the same blade styles crafters expect from standard precision knives, including #11, #10, chisel blades, scoring blades, and more.

✔ Better Ergonomics. Handles are engineered for comfort, anti-slip grip, and reduced hand fatigue.

✔ More Specialized Blade Options. Excel Blades offers hundreds of blade shapes, giving you more choices for your exact craft.

✔ Affordable but Premium. Get professional quality without the high price tag other brands charge.

Why Excel Blades Is the Best Choice for Exacto-Style Knives

Excel Blades was built around providing makers with the best cutting tools possible. Their advantages include:

✔ Stronger, Sharper Blades. Made from carbon steel ensures long-lasting edge sharpness.

✔ Industry-Leading Ergonomics. Precision design handles help prevent fatigue during long sessions.

✔ Wide Specialty Blade Catalog. More blade shapes = more control and creativity.

✔ Trusted by Crafters & Professionals. Artists, hobbyists, engineers, and students rely on Excel Blades for clean, precise cuts.

✔ Excellent Value. Premium quality without the exorbitant cost.

Final Thoughts: The Best Exacto-Style Knives for 2025

If you’re searching for the best exacto-style knives for crafting or professional use, Excel Blades consistently outperforms competitors thanks to:

• Sharper American-made steel
• Superior ergonomics
• Large blade variety
• Great pricing
• Proven reliability

Whether you're crafting ornaments, precision-cutting vinyl, building models, trimming paper, or shaping foam, Excel Blades offers the best precision knives for any project.

WATCH NOW: What is a #11 Hobby Blade?