In this series of tool reviews we review Irwin knife blades and examines the statement that there are different blades for different applications when using a hobby knife. We needed an explanation for the number of different types and shapes of blade and assurance that they all have a use for the DIY enthusiast rather than just being a sales gimmick
A test and explanation of the different types of Irwin hobby, folding and utility knife blade.
Essentially Irwin produce two types of blade. The standard carbon steel blade which, although extremely strong, if not used properly can snap off and hold a potential danger depending on it's trajectory. Then there is the revolutionary Bi-Metal blade which simply bends under pressure and will not snap. We snapped a carbon blade in this demonstration video and it frightened the DIY Doctor dog, Bhodi, half to death!
The carbon blade has been around for years and is the standard blade for almost all make of utility and hobby knife. Used properly it is cheap, effective and does the job perfectly. If you are simply cutting in straight lines then the carbon blade is perfect in all it's shapes. Two great ideas utilised in the carbon range by Irwin are the carbon 4-point blade and the 4 notches used for extending the blade when the end has been snapped off.
Based on the old hobby knife blade idea of snapping off the end of the blade when it has gone blunt, the 4-point blade allows the last 5mm or so to be snapped off, at either end of the blade, to get 4 blades out of one. The additional 2 notches in the top of the blade allow the user to extend the blade out of the knife when the tip has been snapped off. What a great idea!.
The Bi Metal blade is a revolution. It is virtually unbreakable and stays sharp (on the same type of work) up to 3-times longer than a standard carbon blade.
A further feature on Irwin blades that we found really useful is the introduction of a snub-nosed blade. This is a great safety feature in that it makes injuries caused by the point of the blade a thing of the past.
We found great uses for all Irwin blades, as we had done with their utility and folding knives and our conclusion was that, with the range or Irwin blades, no leaf has been left unturned.
You can read more and buy Irwin blades here diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/hand-tools/knives/trimming-knife-blades.html
diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/hand-tools/knives/trimming-knife-blades.html
A test and explanation of the different types of Irwin hobby, folding and utility knife blade.
Essentially Irwin produce two types of blade. The standard carbon steel blade which, although extremely strong, if not used properly can snap off and hold a potential danger depending on it's trajectory. Then there is the revolutionary Bi-Metal blade which simply bends under pressure and will not snap. We snapped a carbon blade in this demonstration video and it frightened the DIY Doctor dog, Bhodi, half to death!
The carbon blade has been around for years and is the standard blade for almost all make of utility and hobby knife. Used properly it is cheap, effective and does the job perfectly. If you are simply cutting in straight lines then the carbon blade is perfect in all it's shapes. Two great ideas utilised in the carbon range by Irwin are the carbon 4-point blade and the 4 notches used for extending the blade when the end has been snapped off.
Based on the old hobby knife blade idea of snapping off the end of the blade when it has gone blunt, the 4-point blade allows the last 5mm or so to be snapped off, at either end of the blade, to get 4 blades out of one. The additional 2 notches in the top of the blade allow the user to extend the blade out of the knife when the tip has been snapped off. What a great idea!.
The Bi Metal blade is a revolution. It is virtually unbreakable and stays sharp (on the same type of work) up to 3-times longer than a standard carbon blade.
A further feature on Irwin blades that we found really useful is the introduction of a snub-nosed blade. This is a great safety feature in that it makes injuries caused by the point of the blade a thing of the past.
We found great uses for all Irwin blades, as we had done with their utility and folding knives and our conclusion was that, with the range or Irwin blades, no leaf has been left unturned.
You can read more and buy Irwin blades here diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/hand-tools/knives/trimming-knife-blades.html
diydoctor.org.uk/DIY-superstore/hand-tools/knives/trimming-knife-blades.html
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