Author Topic: #11 blades?? (Read 8309 times)

Will Hinton · « **on:** April 15, 2012, 03:53:28 PM »

Hey, where is everyone buying their #11 blades these days? I use bunches for my inlay work and my second box of 100 I bought at the Toledo show a couple or so years ago is getting down close to the end. Those were 6 and a half bucks per 100, now it's 25 bucks per 100 at the Toledo show!!! Wow!
I went on line and found them for 16 bucks a hundred, but there's 13 bucks shipping! Ha! No way.
Anybody have a supplier better than that?

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2012, 04:41:08 PM »

Tower Hobbies has them $16/100 -- but I don't know what shipping is. I suspect if you have them shipped slow they won't be too bad.

MicroMark has 'em for $18/100 -- but after shipping, maybe they're cheaper than Tower.

Michaels carries #11 blades -- unfortunately, they're scattered around the store in several different places. The cheapest seem to be the Martha Stewart, in a 15-pack (they used to have 50, but...).

Probably any online graphics art place will have 'em.

Jim Thomerson · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:08:05 PM »

I have, somewhere, an old RC magazine, maybe around 1980, which has an absolutely hilarious review of the #11 blade. Anyone familiar with it? I bought the magazine for some classified ads.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:10:17 PM »

I always support my local Hobby Shop.

I would try there first.

Charles

Leester · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:36:25 PM »

Tower hobbies blades for 100 were 14.99, x-acto were 32.00 or 35.00 ?? standard shipping was 5.99 + tax but your location might be different.

Dennis Moritz · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2012, 05:45:58 PM »

Blick has #11 Excel blades. I like that brand best. 17.59, but less in a bulk order. If you have a Blick Arts store nearby they offer a discount for registering with them. I've purchase blades for under $15 dollars.

Douglas Ames · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2012, 06:32:53 PM »

eBay... $13.99 + free shipping

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-X-Acto-11-Blades-X811-X411-XC2270-xacto-Knife-Brand-NEW-1000-2000-3000-NIB-/150790382438?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231bcea366

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2012, 07:50:26 PM »

Charlie Reeves showed me something the other day while hanging out in Jim Lynch's shop.
He buys the old Schick Injector Blades and they fit right into a x-acto handle.
Granted not 100 blades, but might be cheaper then a small package of #11 blades.
Draw back would be no fine point.

Neat tip.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #8 on:** April 15, 2012, 08:18:49 PM »

Thanks All, I knew you guys could help me out! I had spent an hour on google with only one place under the $25.00, and they wanted $13.00 shipping!!
Paul, thanks, but I have to have the tiny tips of the 11 blade for my inlay work. I no longer have a local hobby shop, a very disconcerting situation for me. I wish I had one so I could support it! No, I will not start one!

I'll check all these out and order tomorrow, and thanks again for the tremendous help, you've all saved me a ton of time!
Blessings,
Will

keith varley · « **Reply #9 on:** April 15, 2012, 09:39:39 PM »

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=69326&cat=1,51222&ap=1

My favorite tool store---Lee Valley---22c each , but much better quality than Exacto.The handle is also super. Both items are precision. Check out all the fine quality woodworking tools.They design a lot of their own stuff. They are in Canada , but ship anywhere. Keith

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #10 on:** April 15, 2012, 11:37:04 PM »

Will,
I buy them locally at Hobby Barn here in Tucson. $14.00 per hundred. They do mail order. You can find them on line at hobbybarn.com

Randy Cuberly

Dick Byron · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2012, 08:17:04 AM »

Try a sign supply shop.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2012, 11:24:05 AM »

I ended up with Tower because they are the closest to me and I should get them sooner. They were half a buck higher than Randy's recommended Hobby Barn but I decided to go the quickest. I have a lot of ebony just screaming for work and that stuff is tough!
Thanks again guys!

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2012, 03:34:27 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on April 15, 2012, 04:41:08 PM

Michaels carries #11 blades -- unfortunately, they're scattered around the store in several different places. The cheapest seem to be the Martha Stewart, in a 15-pack (they used to have 50, but...).

I'm not sure if Martha Stewart is allowed to buy anything in quantity now, after her conviction and time in the Crowbar Hilton for insider trading. You might send her an email; she's always looking for young fellas.

Steve

PS: The place I retired from needed some special blades, and got a sample of German blades that were identical to #11 Xacto. They are Solingen Steel, which is the really good stuff. I posted a link a long time ago, but can't find it in my favorites. I think the name was something like Madox or Maxor or something of that sort. Maybe Google?

I did...its "Martor". They're not cheap, but they're rilly good stuff.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #14 on:** April 16, 2012, 07:43:49 PM »

I had the same issue recently, needing replacement #11 blades. I bought a box last year but can't find them. I was in our local general store and happened upon a section of knives that were bright yellow. The brand was OFLA, which is a Japanese company. They didn't have any handles for a #11, but they had blades that looked identical. They were in a package of 5 for $2.99. They had two packs, so I bought both. They were nested in a foam liner and were lightly oiled to the point that the oil film made them stick together. Close examination revealed that they are the sharpest blade I have ever seen. I separated one from the set and held it carefully. I was bleeding a bit before I realized I was stuck.

I tried one in my Xacto handle and it wouldn't go in all the way. I held it against a used #11 blade and found it to be a tad taller on the shank end. A couple of strokes on the belt sander took care of that.

So, I like the new blades. I found their website and located the proper handle under Art Knives. The blades are also listed @ $4.49/5 retail. Pricey, for sure, but if they live up to the advertising as the "best made cutting tools in the world," they may be a bargain in the long haul.

http://www.olfa.com/

Bill Little · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2012, 09:01:27 PM »

Brother Will,

I have gone almost completely to scalpel blades. #11 and #25.. Infinitely sharper an much cheaper! I use them in X-Acto handles and I also have scalpel handles. The #25 are pointed and stronger than the #11. But for surgical razors, they work extremely well, much better cutting than any of the hobby blades........

Bill

Gene O'Keefe · « **Reply #16 on:** April 17, 2012, 12:12:19 PM »

Big Bear...where are you getting your scapel blades from ? & cost ?

Bill Little · « **Reply #17 on:** April 17, 2012, 01:26:37 PM »

Quote from: Gene O'Keefe on April 17, 2012, 12:12:19 PM

Big Bear...where are you getting your scapel blades from ? & cost ?

Hi Gene,

I get them basically on ebay. Less than $10 per 100 if you compare the different vendors.

The #25 can sometimes be found in "rib back" versions which are extremely strong. I also get the handles there, some less than $1 each. The #11 use a #1 handle, the #25 uses a #4 handle.

Bill

Will Hinton · « **Reply #18 on:** April 17, 2012, 08:49:14 PM »

Thanks Coach,
Maybe those are what I need for the ebony. I'll give them a try if I can hunt them down1
Blessings, HEAL!
Will

Dennis Moritz · « **Reply #19 on:** April 17, 2012, 09:10:05 PM »

I've tried scalpel blades. But stopped using them. Sharper, yes. But much more brittle. In my ham hands (carpal tunnel) they kept snapping. Especially when any heavy pressure was tried when handling harder bawsa.

Paul Wescott · « **Reply #20 on:** April 17, 2012, 09:31:52 PM »

Will - Have you posted any pictures of your inlay work?

Paul

Will Hinton · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2012, 08:53:45 AM »

I think there are a couple elsewhere, but I'll pop one on here. Thanks for asking.
This is the fret board of the latest acoustic guitar built for a local worship leader. The body is koa with a sitka spruce top, mahogany neck and ebony fret board. The koa gives a sweet, sweet sound!

Will Hinton · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2012, 08:54:37 AM »

The whole guitar.

decamara · « **Reply #23 on:** April 18, 2012, 09:03:30 AM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on April 18, 2012, 08:54:37 AM

The whole guitar.

Now that's just eye candy right there!

My Ramirez's won't be getting replaced anytime soon!

But a man just has to respect Will's luthier-ism!

Doc

decamara · « **Reply #24 on:** April 18, 2012, 09:08:27 AM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on April 15, 2012, 03:53:28 PM

Hey, where is everyone buying their #11 blades these days? I use bunches for my inlay work and my second box of 100 I bought at the Toledo show a couple or so years ago is getting down close to the end. Those were 6 and a half bucks per 100, now it's 25 bucks per 100 at the Toledo show!!! Wow!
I went on line and found them for 16 bucks a hundred, but there's 13 bucks shipping! Ha! No way.
Anybody have a supplier better than that?

Will,

I've always preferred the Excel #11 blades to the Exacto stuff

Used to be cheaper per 100
And sharper

Especially if u need clean edging on Rosewoods, or Ebony

Doc

Will Hinton · « **Reply #25 on:** April 18, 2012, 09:17:50 AM »

I agree, and the real advantage is the ability to flex the blade in curves. The Xacto's don't like being flexed very far.
They tend to snap much earlier than the Excel. I don't know what the Tower blades are like, but I'll soon find out!
Meanwhile, thanks so much for the kind compliment on my instrument! I certainly appreciate that.

Herb Calvin · « **Reply #26 on:** April 18, 2012, 12:03:59 PM »

Got some at Wal-mart Will. Can't remember what they cost

Will Hinton · « **Reply #27 on:** April 18, 2012, 12:34:43 PM »

Whooaaaa Herb, never thought of that! Where have I been? I have a Wally World less than a mile from me. I'm embarrassed. I'll look today. Thanks.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #28 on:** April 18, 2012, 03:23:56 PM »

I was at Walmart today and I did check for them. They had packs of 5 in the crafts area. They also had self healing cutting mats. I think using a mat is a good idea because the point of the blade is usually the first part to get dull, probably from making cuts on a hard work bench.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #29 on:** April 19, 2012, 06:13:10 AM »

Dick, that's why I should be embarrassed - I've been using one of those cutting mats for several years now! Yes, they do save not only blade tips, but the bench!

Joseph Patterson · « **Reply #30 on:** April 19, 2012, 07:28:21 AM »

Will, what make are the black tuning keys?
Doug

Will Hinton · « **Reply #31 on:** April 19, 2012, 07:43:49 AM »

I normally use Grovers, and always locking type unless the customer requests otherwise, but WD was out of the Grover locking so those are WD's own brand. I don't like the way they operate as well as the Grovers, but it's a matter of personal taste, there's nothing wrong with them.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #32 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:00:46 AM »

Will, that is awesome work.

Bill Little · « **Reply #33 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:10:11 AM »

I'll say it once again, Will. You do absolutely beautiful work!

Bill

George · « **Reply #34 on:** April 19, 2012, 10:35:21 AM »

A few comments:

If I understand correctly, #11 is a blade SHAPE, made by various companies.

The harder the steel, the more brittle...so you choose more flexible vs longer lasting edge.

I haven't seen anything about SHARPENING blades. Am I the only person that sharpens them?

#11's forever!

George

Bill Little · « **Reply #35 on:** April 19, 2012, 10:52:00 AM »

Hi George,

You are correct, the number is the identifier for the blade shape.

I use a method similar to "Scary Sharp" to sharpen hobby blades when I need to, especially the long carving blade (can't remember number).

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Will Hinton · « **Reply #36 on:** April 19, 2012, 02:14:53 PM »

Thanks Doc and Bill, your praise is appreciated, as is your friendship.
I have tried sharpening blades, but as soon as I bite one into ebony or rosewood it goes south in three or four cuts, so now I simply discard them. I've tried it with most brands, suspect they are mainly case hardened, but wouldn't swear to it or bet on it.

George · « **Reply #37 on:** April 19, 2012, 06:33:32 PM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on April 19, 2012, 02:14:53 PM

Thanks Doc and Bill, your praise is appreciated, as is your friendship.
I have tried sharpening blades, but as soon as I bite one into ebony or rosewood it goes south in three or four cuts, so now I simply discard them. I've tried it with most brands, suspect they are mainly case hardened, but wouldn't swear to it or bet on it.

Will,

If you haven't already, you might want to check out Warren Cutlery in Rhinebeck, NY (warrencutlery.com). They have an online store.

I have used their blades and gouges for years for wood carving and like them. Their blades are made of tool steel and are hardened to a Rockwell hardness of 60. They also make handles that are very comfortable to use. They make tools for carvers as well as industry.

George

decamara · « **Reply #38 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:43:47 PM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on April 19, 2012, 02:14:53 PM

Thanks Doc and Bill, your praise is appreciated, as is your friendship.
I have tried sharpening blades, but as soon as I bite one into ebony or rosewood it goes south in three or four cuts, so now I simply discard them. I've tried it with most brands, suspect they are mainly case hardened, but wouldn't swear to it or bet on it.

I was checking out the Excel website, and the various types of light duty, medium duty, and heavy duty blades they offer as well as carving/gouging types.

Looks like the medium #11 variant, would be better towards fitting a standard knife handle assembly, and "possibly" withstand the hardwoods a bit better since we typically have to employ greater caution when laying the outlines in rosewoods, and ebonys with the standard light duty blade types that we commonly buy locally.

http://www.excelhobbyblades.com/index.php?cPath=46

Doc

Hoss Cain · « **Reply #39 on:** April 20, 2012, 01:00:00 AM »

Good discussion. First I do sometimes sharpen blades. Works if one has a fine stone and a tad of rather thick oil. I also use a couple cutting mats and a couple self-made cutting boards.

I cannot tell you which #11 blades to buy however I will tell you one to be scary of.

The blades are in a box of 100. They won't last long! Vendor is Techni Edge Mfg. Company, They say "Made in USA" and that is sad because it doesn't take but a few cuts in balsa and they are gone. They look great but that is as far as "Great" goes.

I just opened this box a week or so ago. Probably been in the blade container for a couple years, I don't remember as I pick up such things long before I really need them. Guess I better be out looking soon.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #40 on:** April 20, 2012, 03:34:40 AM »

Quote from: Hoss Cain on April 20, 2012, 01:00:00 AM

Good discussion. First I do sometimes sharpen blades. Works if one has a fine stone and a tad of rather thick oil. I also use a couple cutting mats and a couple self-made cutting boards.

I cannot tell you which #11 blades to buy however I will tell you one to be scary of.

The blades are in a box of 100. They won't last long! Vendor is Techni Edge Mfg. Company, They say "Made in USA" and that is sad because it doesn't take but a few cuts in balsa and they are gone. They look great but that is as far as "Great" goes.

I just opened this box a week or so ago. Probably been in the blade container for a couple years, I don't remember as I pick up such things long before I really need them. Guess I better be out looking soon.

Those are available in SS also.
http://techniedge.e-beans.net/products/hobby_blades/

Will Hinton · « **Reply #41 on:** April 20, 2012, 06:39:39 AM »

Duh on me! One of the best dealers for we modelers, etc. is Micro-Mark and I totally neglected to check them out! They have #11 blades for almost $18.00/100. The reason I finally woke up is that I need to replace my surgical chisel blades for my micro knife as well. These are great for those of us who mess around with hardwoods. (I suspect Doc is one of those guys)
The surgical chisel blades, in 1/8" and 1/16" widths can be sharpened very effectively. The ones I have are 10 years old and still viable tools. I just want more on hand so I don't have to stop and sharpen as often.
George, the site you mentioned looks good also, thanks. I never thought this would get to be such an informative discussion when I posted it, you guys are such a help. Thanks heaps!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #42 on:** April 20, 2012, 08:41:45 AM »

New Tower sales flyer has the pack of 100 #11 blades at $14.95.

Will Hinton · « **Reply #43 on:** April 20, 2012, 09:47:15 AM »

The Tower pack of 100 came yesterday and I just now carved a little on a scrap piece of ebony, they seem fine, it has shown no ill effects of extensive carving, so, now to replenish my chisel blades, cut some MOP, and look out!!

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #44 on:** April 20, 2012, 11:35:09 AM »

I don't buy them anymore, I bought a sharping stone and along with some "3 in 1" oil resharpen them to better than new sharpness. I really haven't bought a new set of blades in years. I even had a presentation at our club meeting to show others the simple and quick process of resharpening the #11 blade.

Andy

John Cralley · « **Reply #45 on:** April 20, 2012, 01:15:47 PM »

For what it is worth, I just scored 100 # 25 scalpel blades on Ebay for $4.99 and they are throwing in a handle for the blades. Course the shipping is $5.50 but still seem like a bargain.

Bill Little · « **Reply #46 on:** April 20, 2012, 01:24:05 PM »

Quote from: John Cralley on April 20, 2012, 01:15:47 PM

For what it is worth, I just scored 100 # 25 scalpel blades on Ebay for $4.99 and they are throwing in a handle for the blades. Course the shipping is $5.50 but still seem like a bargain.

Hi John,

I usually pay about that. I am still looking for some more "rib back" #25 blades. They are very strong. The scalpel blades are always sharper than the hobby blades.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Will Hinton · « **Reply #47 on:** April 20, 2012, 03:14:47 PM »

And the scalpel blades can be effectively sharpened for hardwoods. The #11's don't hold up to ebony very well after being sharpened a couple of times. At least not the brands I have tried.

John Leidle · « **Reply #48 on:** April 22, 2012, 08:35:01 AM »

Hey there Wil Buddy ,,, you planning to be in Muncie Mid July ?

Dwayne · « **Reply #49 on:** April 22, 2012, 08:57:44 AM »

Quote from: Will Hinton on April 18, 2012, 08:54:37 AM

The whole guitar.

That's very nice work, btw I buy from my LHS 5 blades for $1.99.

Author Topic: #11 blades?? (Read 8309 times)

John Leidle

Dwayne