Using Multiple Blade Holders

I’ve heard from multiple people over the last few weeks that have purchased an extra blade holder so that one holder is dedicated to strictly paper, vinyl, fabric or chipboard. There’s been even more enquiries as to whether this is necessary.

I read a post on a forum that we should purchase an additional blade holder. Is that necessary?

Kelly C. Wallingburgh, PA

It’s not really necessary to purchase multiple blade holders, but having additional blades on hand is very important, especially if you’re going to be cutting a wide range of different mediums. You won’t ever want to use the same blade that you’ve been using to cut chipboard and then start cutting vinyl. Different materials will wear the blade out faster than others. Also, vinyl will always require a new, sharp blade to ensure that the blade cuts through such delicate material without tearing or lifting it up off the mat. The sharper the blade, the better results you’ll achieve. When it comes to cutting chipboard, you can always use your older blades for this material since it’s thick and will require several passes to ensure the cut. Using new blades to cut through chipboard only ruins them more quickly, and reduces the life of the blade a lot quicker. Use older dull blades for chipboard. Having a different blade holder isn’t really necessary, but keeping track of how long you’ve used a blade and which materials you’ve been cutting with that blade can be very beneficial. I keep all of my blades in the packaging that they come in and mark the date I started using the blade and if I’ve decided to dedicate that particular blade to a specific medium, I’ll mark that on the package also. That way there’s never a doubt as to how long I’ve been using the blade and the materials it’s been cutting. So keep these thoughts in mind the next time you buy new blades, or to help you decide whether purchasing a new blade holder is really necessary.