The disappearance of Exacto

[12bridge]

Here is something I am surprised has not been reported more.  

Has anyone noticed that Exacto is virtually gone?  None of my LHS's stock it anymore (but have several flavors of "off brand" blades).  Even the bigger stores like hobby lobby have next to nothing but some of the basics.  I have heard some rumblings of them gutting the product line and making order minimums unrealistic for the small guys.  

I use razor blades for almost all of my modeling anymore, but the good old #11 still has its place, and I did like the #17 chisel blades for things.  I find the off brand ones are just not the same quality, especially the 17's.  

[Christian]

X-Acto has been a bit wonky since being bought by Bordon's a few years back. "Order minimums" sounds reasonable. "Joe's Local Hobbies and Stuff" can't compete with Amazon. If you are a glue company sales rep would you push Joes order ot five knives, or Amazons last thirty day sales of 1,000+?

[hudsonyard]

The only local place that stocks Xacto anymore is Micheals, its very strange. I took your suggestion and moved onto using USA made razor blades but sometimes you need to the dexterity that holding the pen-knife in your hand will give you.

[Gino Damen]

Try Olfa knifes and blades. They are as sharp or even sharper and hold their edge very long.

They have various blades and even a sample set with handle.

[drsvelte]

I stopped using X-acto blades some time ago and switched to Olfa and Excel blades for light duty cutting. For removing heavier material, I use the Mikisyo and Hasegawa chisels.

[riogrande]

I need some more Chesil blades for my Exacto knife handles. What do you recommend>

[Christian]

Jan 21, 2024 16:22:51 GMT -8 riogrande said:

I need some more Chesil blades for my Exacto knife handles. What do you recommend>

Olfa. Amazon and others. Olfa knows how to sharpen blades which X-Acto has forgotten. Note that they are a bit thicker which means less "chattering" when in use.

[12bridge]

I have yet to try that brand, I will order some up.

[richardthomasatal]

Good, maybe Micro-mark the overpriced and gouged pricing experts will go next.

[tillamook]

I switched to Braun aesculap surgical blades long ago, as I have never been happy with the vertical movement of hobby knife blades. And a 100 blade pack is only half the price of 100 exacto blades (No. 11).