Craft Knives for Beginners: Cutting Paper, Card and Stencils Safely

Posted by

Haanz Team

2026-10-18

On 2026-10-18

Haanz Art GuideFree, practical advice from the team at Haanz Art & Craft Materials

Clean, straight cuts make school models, cards, stencils and paper craft look neat and professional. This guide to craft knives for beginners explains the main types, the cutting mat and blades that go with them, and, most importantly, how to cut safely.

Types of craft knives

Pen-style (detail) knives: held like a pen, with a small, very sharp blade for precise cuts, curves and stencils.
Snap-off blade knives: long blades scored into sections. When the tip gets blunt, you snap off one section to reveal a fresh, sharp edge. Useful for longer straight cuts and for sharpening pencils.
Rotary cutters: a round, rolling blade for cutting fabric and paper along a ruler.

Craft knives and accessories we stock

Detail Pen Knife Set: a pen-style knife with spare blades for paper cutting, stencils and models.
Blades for Pen Knives (10 pack): replacement blades, sold without a handle. Check they fit your knife.
Nyoni Crafting & Sharpening Knife: a folding knife that is also used for long pencil points, with Nyoni Sharpening Blades, 30-degree snap-off replacements.
Cutting Mat (45 × 30cm): protects your table, helps keep blades sharp and has grid lines for measuring.
Quilting Rotary Cutter (28mm): for cutting fabric and paper cleanly.

Prices change, so see each product page for today’s price. Browse all crafting materials and other artists’ materials.

Which craft knife should you choose?

For stencils, cards and detailed paper cutting, a pen-style detail knife gives the most control. For long, straight cuts in card and for sharpening pencils to a long point, a snap-off knife is handy. If you cut fabric or many sheets at once, a rotary cutter is quicker. Whatever you choose, buy a cutting mat at the same time.

Why use a cutting mat?

A cutting mat protects your table from scratches and gives the blade a surface that “grips” slightly, so the knife doesn’t slide. It also helps blades stay sharp for longer than cutting on wood, glass or a tiled floor. Grid lines make measuring and cutting square shapes easier.

How to cut safely

Work on a cutting mat on a firm, flat table.
Hold a metal ruler firmly along the line, with your fingers spread flat and well back from the edge.
Always cut away from your body and away from the hand holding the ruler.
Use light pressure and several passes rather than one hard cut. The blade is less likely to slip.
Turn the paper, not your wrist, when cutting curves.
Retract, cap or close the blade as soon as you finish.
Change blunt blades. A dull blade needs more force and is more likely to slip.

Changing and disposing of blades

Follow the knife’s directions to remove the blade, and never touch the sharp edge.
Snap off sections of snap-off blades with the snapping tool or pliers, not your fingers.
Wrap old blades in tape or put them in a small closed container before throwing them away.

Projects that need a craft knife

School models and architecture projects with card and board.
Stencils for fabric painting; see our fabric painting guide.
Greeting cards and paper cutting on ivory or Conqueror paper; see our drawing paper guide.
Trimming clay before baking, along with the tools in our clay tools guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are craft knives safe for children?

They are very sharp, so children should only use them with an adult watching. Younger children are safer with child-safe scissors.

Why does my knife tear the paper?

The blade is probably blunt, or you are pressing too hard. Change the blade and use several light passes.

Can I cut on a magazine instead of a mat?

A cutting mat is much safer. Paper and magazines let the blade sink and slip, and wear the blade quickly.

Do you deliver islandwide?

Yes. We deliver across Sri Lanka in 2–5 working days, with cash on delivery, card or bank transfer. You can also visit our shops in Boralesgamuwa and Horana, open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Not sure what to choose? WhatsApp the Haanz team on 0711 515 515 and we’ll help you choose a knife and mat for your project.

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