How to Properly Sharpen X-Acto Hobby Knife Blades

Always use a sharp blade. Doug shares his preferred technique for sharpening X-Acto hobby knife blades. Make precision cuts easier and lengthen the life of your blades. Need materials? Check out these links:
If you choose to purchase from the following affiliate links we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
X-Acto hobby knives: amzn.to/40fnh3T
Arkansas sharpening stones: amzn.to/3TJh3Hi
Eye droppers: amzn.to/40j1TuD
Petri dish: amzn.to/3JG368c
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[@kreazea]

it worked. I didn't have a stone like in the video, but i found a river stone i had in the yard that has a flat side, and it worked. my blade is sharp again. it might not be evenly sharpened, but it does the job 😁

[@ModelCarMuse]

Well done!

[@philbrown8181]

Cute idea using the marker pen to give the blade good contrast! Thanks for making and posting.

[@bonequices141]

Thank you so much. It was a great explanation and the marker tip really helped me.

[@jdisdetermined]

Coastal Farm has a little Arkansas stone exactly like that for around $10 if anyone is looking for one.

[@davidwilliams1060]

Some people think it’s a waste of time to sharpen these blades but with fewer and fewer hobby shops around, I find myself too often without a new blade. I use diamond cards to sharpen. Haven’t quite got it down yet so I’ll try the marker technique. Thanks.

[@dougmulle2627]

The black on the tip of the blades especially helps these old aging eyes!

[@model-grail-kit-hunter]

thanks. now i can reuse my old blades

[@kevinsmith7697]

A leather strop will finish it. I had a whole coffee can full of blades, then started to resharpen my blades ! These blades get expensive! Cool reminder you don’t always have to buy new - re-use recycle! Thanks again,Doug! 😎✌️🫡🇺🇸

[@joso5554]

Exactly !! Stropping is extremely efficient on such blades. Especially with diamond polishing paste.

[@goforitpainting]

Cool as always. 👍

[@kenmorris2858]

Great tip, many thanks from Nova Scotia...

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Great tip!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!

[@TheModelingHermit]

You always have great insights and suggestions. I really appreciate your videos.

[@marsgarage8217]

Thanks for the tip.

[@alancyr3100]

Cool tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@petermerz2704]

Very cool tip! Thanks for sharing. 😎🇨🇦

[@stevesauve6866]

nice and straightforward technique. Thanks!

[@SJ-dl6uc]

v informative. ty

[@splitsandpens]

My #11 is about 40 years old. I use your method.

[@dragoonzen]

awesome!!

[@shawnrobinson7911]

This was amazing! I build Gundam kits primarily and am always looking for ways to get more mileage out of my tools. Instant Subscribe.

[@ModelCarMuse]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@hortonshotrodshop2003]

Nice how to

[@davevan8864]

THX

[@michaelreed9733]

Awesome Thank you . I have a couple style blades that are not made anymore an I'm down to my last 10 or so blades . Goin to give your method a try . Maybe can keep them going for a little longer .

[@Enigma-Sapiens]

Great video and technique, thank you! P.S. I use my Lansky diamond sharpener to sharpen my blades. I just clamp the butt end of the blade in the Lansky clamp and sharpen the blades off to the side of it. I use the fine diamond stone to sharpen and shape the blade, then finish it off with the ultra-fine sapphire stone. Afterward, I whet the blades on a piece of leather that has polishing compound rubbed into it.

[@RackwitzG]

Being familiar with sharpening straight razors, I don't see a problem with moving the blade back and forth instead of in one direction only. Have to try this.

[@thadrepairsitall1278]

I really love a leather strop for a super sharp edge.

[@Gator-357]

I use mini diamond stones from DMT that are 1"× 2 3/4" and come in 350, 600 and 1200 grits and follow that with a leather strop with diamond stropping spray in 1.5 then .5 micron grits or a super fine ceramic stone. The diamond stones work faster with less effort and provide a "toothy" edge wich is better fir cutting some materials such as leather or heavy canvas. I haven't bought hobby or utility knife blades in years.

[@gregmyers7669]

Great video I agree just because a blade is new does not mean it’s sharp

[@TowMan127]

Just subscribed

[@ModelCarMuse]

Welcome to the channel, Cesar!

[@TowMan127]

@@ModelCarMuse thanks! I’ll be sure to subscribe from my model channel as well. 🤜🤛

[@TowMansBuilds]

@@ModelCarMuse it’s TowMan127. Just subscribed from my model channel. 👍👍👍

[@ytwos1]

Thank you very much Doug. Right now I use the number 11 until it is way too blunt and then discard it. But I like it when the edge is super sharp, makes precision work go much better. Do you know what grade of stone you have (how much grit). There is a big price difference between the finer grades and the medium ones.

[@ModelCarMuse]

I don't know the grade; I've had it for around 40 years. But, for sharpening your hobby knife blade a finer grit stone would be a better choice.

[@yekomsfegley2796]

Is your stone fine or extra fine? Thanks for your videos.

[@ModelCarMuse]

I'm not sure, I bought it about 35 years ago and I don't think there was a choice at the time. Thanks for watching!

[@yekomsfegley2796]

@@ModelCarMuse Thanks and thanks what you do for the hobby. Will you be at NNL East?

[@coolruehle]

Nuthin wrong with a V8 rear wheel drive car. That is a proper drivetrain.