Crafting is bigger than ever. The global market has increased from $35 billion to $43 billion since 2017-and it’s projected to exceed $50 billion by 2024.
Why is crafting so popular? It’s fun, allows you to express your creativity, develop new skills, and can even help reduce stress levels. But equipping yourself with the right tools is one of the most important parts of crafting-and a quality hobby knife is a must.
Let’s find out why.
What Is a Hobby Knife?
Hobby knives are designed to cut, scrape, and shape various materials, such as paper, plastic, and vinyl.
They offer a reliable, accurate cutting solution that can help you get more out of your crafting activities. You can create smoother lines and shapes than if you usually rely on kitchen knives-they may be sharp and strong, but they’re designed for totally different applications. They handle and cut differently from hobby knives, so you may struggle to achieve the same delicate cutting.
Hobby knives are built for precision cutting, handling, and durability. One of the major benefits of craft knives like these is that they’re made for intricate shapes, especially the ones with rounded tips, which allow you to create complex designs and structures without feeling restricted. A textured anti-slip control grip keeps the knife stable and secure in your hand while you work. Anyone who’s seen a perfectly good piece of work ruined by a slippery handle knows just how important that is.
These knives (mentioned above) also accommodate high temperatures if you’re working with heated materials (up to 1600 degrees Celsius). That means you can still create the crafts you love without the fear of destroying your blade.
Pay attention to the labels. Some hobby knives are non-sparking, non-magnetic, and don’t conduct electricity. They’re also chemically inert and have no need for oil coating, so they’re safe and ready to use with little to no prep.
For the leftie craft designer, having an ambidextrous design makes handling the hobby knife easier, especially if you work with a group and all need to use the same knives.
Investing in a hobby knife will enable you to undertake different forms of crafting:
- Creating your own jewelry
- Stenciling
- Cutting fabrics to size for custom clothing
- Making models from plastics and rubber
- Sculpting foam
From these ideas above, are you feeling creative? Let’s explore more benefits.
Benefits of Using Hobby Knives for Crafting
Here are four of the top reasons to use a quality hobby knife in your crafting:
Stay Safe While Cutting and Shaping Materials
Safety is crucial in any form of crafting, whether you do it alone, with friends, or with your kids.
You could make crafting much safer by investing in a utility knife from safety cutters or other similar e-stores as this finger-friendly blade might help reduce the risk of injuries. Also, look for a knife with a textured grip to help you keep a tighter hold while cutting and prevent slippage.
Also, try hobby knives with rounded-tip blades. They’re safer than traditional pointed tips without compromising on performance. Rounded-tip blades cut materials effectively and won’t tear your paper-ideal when creating paper-based crafts.
Achieve Better Precision and Value for Money
Hobby knives will transform your crafting if you usually rely on standard household scissors or even kitchen knives to cut materials.
Firstly, you’ll create smoother, cleaner, more precise cuts with a hobby knife. This is essential in any form of crafting, whether you’re customizing clothes, creating greeting cards, or trimming bespoke candles.
Secondly, the best hobby knives are made from durable materials, such as zirconium oxide. These blades are harder than traditional metal blades and offer superior resistance to wear, so it stays sharper for longer.
Zirconium oxide blades’ durability and longer lifespan make them ideal if crafting is your full-time job or you do it multiple times a week. You won’t need to change blades as often as you would with metal blades, saving you money on replacements, creating less waste, and reducing the risk of injury. Make changing blades quicker, easier, and more convenient with snap-off blades. You don’t need a tool to replace these, so you can switch them and get back to crafting in less time.
It’s also highly recommended that you prioritize rust-free blades for longer-lasting, safer performance. Wash your blades and rinse paint away without the worry of causing rust over time.
Work More Effectively and Efficiently
You can achieve the perfect smooth edge or a rounded curve with fewer passes-making for a simpler, more enjoyable crafting experience.
Quality hobby knives designed for precision performance also reduce the likelihood of making mistakes due to poor cutting. You’ll have more time to do what you love, with better results.
So, what do hobby knives bring to your crafts?
The best knives can improve safety, create more precise cuts, reduce the need to replace blades frequently, and make your work look better than ever!
Keep these tips in mind when shopping for hobby knives for your crafting. Preparation will pay off when you find a cutting tool that helps you unleash your full creative potential.