Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Cutting polymer clay

I was reading a discussion on the Polymer Clay Central Message Board about which clay blades were rigid and shared my home made clay knife so I thought I ought to share it with those of you who don't read the forum (you should there's so much useful information there from such wonderful, friendly, talented people).

I do have an assortment of clay blades but more often than not use my own trusty blade. It's a snap off knife blade which I have made a polymer clay handle for. I have used several of these over the years (have only just stopped using the first one I made 20 years ago!) and find them very useful. The are sharp, rigid, cheap and easy to get hold of. The point makes it more versatile than a standard clay blade. I now make the handle with a flat bottom so they stand up on the table. I use the wider blades ( about 18mm across) as they are more rigid.

Although the blade is meant to snap off it won't unless you try to bend or curve the blade. For cutting and downward pressure there is no risk of snapping. As I say I've been using one for 20 years and never had any problem.

What do you use to cut your clay?

4 comments:

  1. Well, this is the best idea I've come across in a long time! I'm sure my husband has some of these somewhere. Is there a particular brand that you buy? Thank you for sharing!!

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  2. Thanks. No I have used a couple of brands including stores own and they all seem similar.

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  3. To cut clay I have always used a utility knife blade (same as yours). That and a tissue blade are my 2 favorite blades.

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  4. That's the blade I use too, but mine doesn't have a snazzy zebra handle! Hmm, maybe it will now!
    Kathy

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