FAQ

X-ACTO Blades, Knives,
Sharpeners and Trimmers FAQ

For other questions, please email us or contact our Consumer Customer line toll-free at 1-800-879-4868.
Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST.

How frequently should I change my blade on my X-ACTO knife?

How often you should change your X-ACTO blade will vary depending on the type of material that you are cutting. If you are cutting cardboard or foam board, you may need to change your blade very frequently. Click here to watch one recommended method for cutting foamboard with an X-ACTO knife. If you are cutting paper, the blade life will be longer. We recommend changing your X-ACTO blade frequently to insure that you always get a precise cut.

How do I choose the right trimmer for me?

It can be confusing to know which type of trimmer is best for you. Here are definitions of rotary and guillotine trimmers to help.

Rotary
  • Uses a circular blade that is safely enclosed in the handle that slides along the metal rail
  • Safer cutting for lower sheet capacities
  • Perfect for craft and school projects
  • Safe blade changing system so that a sharp blade is always ready
  • Portability
Guillotine
  • High end solution that is designed for higher volume cutting
  • Handle is brought down in one motion to cut through paper with straight, clean cuts
  • Ideal for cutting thick stacks of paper into various sizes
  • Perfect for classroom and office use

It is also important to consider which type of environment you will be using your trimmer.

Home
  • Uses: Scrapbooking, card making and school projects
  • Sheet capacity: 1 to 3
  • Recommended trimmer: Razor
Small Office
  • Uses: Document and presentation trimming
  • Sheet capacity: up to 10 sheets
  • Recommended trimmer: Rotary
Large Office
  • Uses: High sheet capacity trimming to provide quick cutting solutions
  • Sheet capacity: up to 15 to 20 sheets
  • Recommended trimmer: Guillotine

How do you safely store and dispose of blades?

X-ACTO recommends using its 15 pack dispenser. This dispenser provides a new blade as well as a slit to insert used blades for easy disposal. It's also recommended to wrap the blade in tape prior to throwing it away.

What X-ACTO handles work with each X-ACTO blade?

View our Knife Matrix to see all compatible knife/blade combinations.