PT-DK Precision Hobby Knife

The DSPIAE PT-DK precision hobby knife

A knife intended for fine modeling work, supplied as a whole with replacement blades and a case the blades are kept in. That case is more practical than it seems: used blades are sharp waste and loose in a drawer they are a real hazard, whereas new ones have to be to hand, because they get changed often.

What it is suited to

A precision knife is a tool for small cuts: separating a part from the sprue, removing a sprue nub, cleaning up a mold seam, cutting a mask out of tape, opening a blind hole or restoring an engraved line. It is not a tool for thick material; for cutting sheet and working along a ruler the version with a broad blade is suitable.

How to work with it

• Cut with a drawing movement rather than pressure from above, as plastic otherwise snaps and tears.
• Change the blade at the first sign that a cut needs force.
• Always guide the knife away from yourself and away from the hand holding the part.
• Put used blades into the case rather than loose on the bench.

Who it is for

The knife is a suitable first choice if you are only now getting a precision knife and do not want to deal with buying blades separately. Replacement blades in the narrow version are sold on their own too, so the tool has its consumable supply secured.

With a precision knife it also pays to watch how you hold it. The finest cuts come from the fingers rather than from the whole hand, so hold the knife close to the point like a pencil. The blades are very sharp; keep the knife and the stock of blades out of the reach of children.