X-ACTO Z Series #1 Knife with Cap (XZ3601)

• #1 knife with Zirconium Nitride-coated blade
• Sharpest, most durable X-ACTO blade ever
• Lightweight aluminum handle
• Use with A style handles
• This is an aftermarket of generic part

X-ACTO knives are designed for maximum performance and precision. Always on the cutting edge, for decades X-ACTO has been the standard by which other cutting blades are measured. The X-Acto Z Series features our sharpest, most durable blade ever. Zirconium nitride coated blade provides an edge that is proven to be 5 times stronger and stays sharp 7-10 times longer than standard blades. Does an incredible job with delicate, precision cutting or trimming or stripping on paper, plastic, balsa, thin metal, cloth, acetate and other materials. A lightweight aluminum handle with easy-change blade. Includes #1 knife and cap. For more than 65 years, Elmer's Products, Inc. has been providing creative adhesive solutions that support success and turn ideas into reality.

                                   

By Inna Tysoe

The classic X-acto knife has been used for years and is pretty much the standard for light craft and modeling applications. It has been so successful that there are plenty of cheap reproductions of varying quality. I used one such recently and was disappointed with it because the part that held the blade was made of plastic and quickly broke.

This time I have the latest X-acto knife which stands out from the rest with its gold grip. It's only when you unpack it that you notice something different. The gold cutting edge of the blade which is made of a new alloy that is probably similar to the quality blades I see on gardening pruners and other tools these days. It's certainly sharp and cuts very well though I haven't used it enough to vouch for the claimed longevity.

One nice thing is the clear plastic protective cap. It really does grip the knife firmly but can be easily removed by squeezing in the right place. I can safely put it amongst my pens and pencils blade up without any risk of stabbing myself when reaching into the pot. And it has two little nubs that prevent it rolling on my desk when laid down flat.

All told, this is one of the best X-acto knives I have used in quite some time.

By J.F.

As a designer who deals with a lot of print based production, I go through a TON of xacto knives. #11 blades are your best friend as a designer.

On the regular #11 blades, I'd use them for a while before they'd go dull, and they lasted for a few days each. Usually it would all go downhill after the very tip of the blade would break off. $3-4 per pack of blades really add up over time if you calculate the costs.

I read online xacto themselves were giving out free Z series blades for anyone to try, and I got my hands on one a few days ago. I've been using it now, cutting 80lb cover stock, and 30lb text weight paper, and so far the tip hasnt broken off yet, while the old #11 blades would have by now with the same amount of usage.

The nice gold accents from the blade and knife themselves are nice. I had a few people ask me "Where did you get that cool gold xacto knife?"

My only complaint is the fact that the handle is still the same old xacto handle that's been in use for YEARS. The only thing they changed was adding the gold accent to the handle. I also have a more modern handle which is coated with rubber and more ergonomic, much more comfortable and easy to use when cutting. After using my new Z series knife and handle for a few days, I've finally decided that I'd just toss the blade itself onto my ergonomic xacto handle for a better grip and feel.

In the end, it's a xacto knife, we've had them for years. They've improved upon the design and quality of metal to make it better, so from now on I'll be using the Z series blades when I cut things by hand and design.

I highly recommend these blades to anyone who's a designer, student, or just into crafts and uses an xacto knife frequently.

By Microbus

The quality and consistency of these blades is outstanding. I use these blades to cut thick paper and love how sharp and durable they are. As a bonus, I am happy to buy a blade that is made in the USA.

By fe3

When they said this knife was sharp, they really meant it! I randomly purchased this item as an add-on because it was fairly cheap, but didn't imagine I would use it on many projects. I've used this knife on many DIY projects, even as a box cutter to open up packages and letters. I definitely have used it a lot but the blade hasn't gotten anywhere dull. The only downside is that using this to cut stuff for an extended amount of time will give you a sore shoulder because of the repeated amount of force you have to give to the knife to cut stuff repeatedly so be wary of that!

It has a convenient cap too for when you're not using it.

 

By Stix

Very sharp knife. I use it for plastic modeling purposes. I knocked it off my table and it landed on my chair between my legs, just barely missing my wedding tackle. The knife perfectly stuck the landing. My life flashed before my eyes. The chair was not OK, in more ways than one...

By Dutchrub

I bought this X-Acto knife on the recommendation of some bloggers who do Scherenschnitte and silhouette cutting because, for Christmas, I did two silhouettes--one of my son, the other of my niece--for my mother. I am by no means an expert at fussy-cutting, but I know having the right tools makes beginning efforts and learning technique a heck of a lot easier. Based on their recommendations, I purchased this knife for a very reasonable price, and when I received it, I was pleased to see how sharp it was. It's long enough to feel weighty in the hand but comfortable enough for pencil-like grip to hold it. It was indeed very sharp, and cutting out eyelashes, lips, and bangs--and especially "highlights" in the hair--was much easier with this blad. I have used other blades just picked up in stores without much research, and I did indeed get a much better, more precise cut out of these.

I'm still not an expert, but this novice came out with two silhouettes that clearly looked like the children I intended, so that's got to say something for this knife, right?

By benjamin bannister

I've been using X-Acto knives since the sixth grade when I discovered them. They have been immensely helpful in life and I have them at home, school, and work.

I already had two X-Acto knives at home, but I'm drawn to shiny new objects, so when I saw this gold handled knife with sharper blades, I had to have it. It looks like the regular #1 knife, but with a gold-colored grip area to indicate that this is a sharper version with a "Zirconium Nitride-coated blade." The blade cuts through things effortlessly, but it's a new blade so I'll update over time on how long the sharpness lasts. Included is a blade cover which goes on tight (and gives a screeching sound when you put it on).

As the sharper blades are the same size as the regular #1 blades, I may just upgrade all my blades to these. There is a #2 version of this knife with a bigger handle and bigger blade, but for some reason there are no sharper #2 refill blades.

This is a great crafts knife that is incredibly handy to have. Recommended.

By Alessa Arman

This is one of the better X-ACTO knives I have tried in the last ten years or so. It is precise and the blade holds well and tight. The precision is great. I also like the fact that the cap is very tight, so safe. The blade itself is made in USA while the rest in China.

By Sharon T.

I'm pretty sure this is the most useful tool known to man next to WD-40. I use it for just about everything including the once a month requirement of stabbing myself then bleeding for 5 minutes. I use it for scrapbooking, carving out awesome designs in tape, vinyl sign weeding and cutting and pretty much everything else that requires the use of a knife. Can't go wrong.

By pt222

I absolutely love this! I used it for making some letter stencils and they came out great. I then decided to experiment on my invisalign trays since they were past my gums the extra plastic was scrapping my toung/gums. It hurt and my orthodontist barely cut a fraction of what he was supposed to.
I came home, took out my Xacto and did it myself. They now feel right. Perfect fit only I could've done right. Super happy now. :)