These two items are your new best friends. If you are like many people you are probably accustomed to cutting paper and cardboard with scissors.The unfortunate reality is that scissors are the worst way to cut paper in a straight line. Using the Knife and Ruler technique is not only more precise; it is a method that you will choose for the rest of your paper cutting life! Follow these simple steps for paper cutting bliss:
1. Place a model template on your cutting pad.
2. Take your metal ruler and place the edge along any of the black guides. IMPORTANT: Apply a strong downward pressure on the ruler. This will keep the template from moving around during cutting.
3. With your other hand place the hobby knife blade against the edge of the ruler.
4. IMPORTANT: Apply a small amount of pressure on the blade towards the ruler so that you have firm contact between the two tools. This will
ensure a very percise and straight cut.
5. With one smooth stroke pull the blade along the rulers edge while maintaining downward pressure on the ruler.
IMPORTANT: Hobby knives are very sharp; you do not need to apply a huge amount of pressure when cutting the paper itself.
A light touch is usually all it takes.
6. That’s it!
Scoring and Folding
It’s really easy to get a nice crisp edge on your folds. All that you have to do is repeat the above steps except this time DO NOT CUT. Once your ruler and knife are lined up to the fold line apply only as much pressure as your hand is heavy. That is to say, apply NO PRESSURE but instead use the weight of your hand to drag the blade across the fold. If done properly you should have just broken the top layer of the card stock enough for a crisp folding point.
