The Complete Handbook of Craft Knives

From a precise scalpel cut in a leather hinge to a clean score on a sheet of polycarbonate, the craft knife is the quiet workhorse of the studio and the workshop. Yet most users know surprisingly little about the tool they hold: what makes a 30-degree blade different from a 45-degree one, why a particular handle reduces hand fatigue, or how to properly hone a blade that has seen too much use. This handbook changes that, offering a rigorous and practical look at the craft knife as a system of blade, handle, and technique.

Written for professionals, business owners, and serious hobbyists, this book discards the fluff of consumer reviews and manufacturer catalogs. It explains the metallurgy of blade steel in plain terms, details the geometry of cutting edges, and provides a process for matching the right blade to the material—from balsa wood to dense polymer. It goes beyond the cut itself, with chapters dedicated to proactive maintenance, troubleshooting common failures like edge rolling or handle slippage, and a clear-eyed assessment of the brands and market positions within the industry.

This is not a promotional pamphlet. It is a working reference, designed to be read cover-to-cover or consulted on the bench. It contains the kind of practical, hard-won knowledge that turns a novice cutter into a skilled operator and a skilled operator into a confident professional.