Lately I've been unsatified with the results I'm getting scoring with my blade. Its not that I have problems doing it, I'm not going through the whole page. Its 2 other issues.

The first is I notice the layers of paper are seperating alot. Its a big problem when I glue the tabs. If there is even a lttle bit of outward pressure the whole top layer of the tab comes off.

The other is ink bleeding when I edge my models. I notice that the bleed area is far larger on the scored lines then the edges that are cut all the way through.

So I been trying to score using tools that indent the paper, not cut into it. I've tried mechanical pencils without the ink, pins, the rounded corner of a metal ruler. But none of them are really the right tool. Its very common for them to lightly rip the paper. Which again gives me a fiberous line that absorbs too much ink. Although the tears don't go as deep as the blade lines, so it has reduced the bleed somewhat.

But I'm still looking for a better tool. I heard an empty ball point pen recommended. It sounds like a good idea, having no sharp edges it shouldn't rip the paper. And its comfortable to use along a ruler edge. But I don't have an empty one just yet.

Anyone got other ideas?

You can use what is called an embossing tool that has small diameter smooth balls at the ends that give a nice smooth indentation to the paper. I use those and a small crochet needle that I have stuck in a wood handle to make it easier to use.

Like DougT I have been using what is called a Boning Tool, it is used for what we need by bookbinders, leadlight glass makers etc.






Lord Abaddon of Wormwood

I finally got to the the store and picked up a scoring tool. I went with the embossing stylus. It had the finest tip and also the lowest price. I did find something that appeared similar to the pic you posted LA, but the tip wasn't as fine as I wanted, and it was twice the price.

The stylus is a definate improvement. It hasn't torn the page at all. But I noticed that when I score on my cutting mat, I need to make multiple passes inorder to make a deep enough crease. However, if I score on a softer surface, like foamcore, I score much deeper with each pass. But the foamcore gets scored as well when I do so. Anyone know a more sturdy soft surface I can use?

I use a regular X-acto knive to cut with and simply rotate it and score with the non-cutting edge of the blade. Works for me ... you might want to try it.

I don't use x-acto knives, I find the utility knife much more comfortable for prolonged use. And since on a fairly regular basis I work on WW stuff for more than 4 hours at a time, comfort is important.

But it was certainly worth a try. However, I didn't get any better results. I tried a standard wedge blade and found that even reversed the tip cut the page. Which is what I'm trying to avoid doing.

Now I also have a blade that looks like a scalpel, save that its the straight edge that sharp not the curved side. I thought that its worth trying because that curved edge shouldn't tear the page. Which it doesn't, however it doesn't create a deeper goove than the stylus. So it too requires multiple passes. On the other hand the blade is a little narrower so its a easier to line up the ruler. So I might continue using it.

Are you using a diifferent varient of blade?

But still a softer surface medium would be helpful.

What kind of mat are you using? I've found quite a variation in types of mats out there.

Look for one of the "self-healing" mats..they seem to be a bit softer than the other types I've seen.

I used to feel the same way LD2062, until I picked up the Xacto Gripster. It's really comfortable, and reliable. I'd had a mixed bag before that, but this one is working great for me.

Delta Ice... be careful if you are flipping the blade so the sharp edge is pointing upwards. I have some scary pictures in my head of hands slipping... which does happen to me from time to time... but with the sharp side up... *shiver* I use an older Xacto knife with a pretty blunt blade for me scoring, then go back to my nice Gripster for the cuts.

Arabin

I don't think the soft texture would help me. I think x-acto handles are too thin for the amount of pressure needed to cut the paper. Especially if its 2 or more layers thick. My hand cramps a lot when using them. The utility knife has a much wider area, and is much heavier and the blade is much bigger. So not only can I hold it much looser but it's wieght requires a lot less pressure when cutting.

Also its much cheaper for me. I get a 2 pack of fairly sturdy utility knives with snapoff blades at the dollar store. I also get 12 packs of replacement blades there.

It cost me a bit over a dollar to get 6 x-acto blades. And they don't snapoff. So utility knives are over 16 times cheaper. Which is good because I like really sharp blades. So I snap them pretty frequently.



Yeah, that upturned xacto blade makes me nervous too. Especially since I press hard to reduce the number of passes I need to make. I think its a bad sign that the one I'm considering using reminds me of a scalpel. Perhaps I'll cover the blade, or file it dull if I use it.