Replace a frequently used cutter or keep spares of your favourite profile. These Essdee high-carbon steel blades are precision-ground for linocut. Choose one style and receive five matching cutters, rather than an assortment of five shapes.
Which style suits your cut?
Choose for your design and try the cut on a scrap of the same material. The resulting line also depends on the material, cutting angle and depth.
- Style 1: Fine lines and cross-hatching; particularly narrow lines are possible in SoftCut.
- Style 2: General-purpose profile with a low cutting angle, for lines up to about 1.5 mm.
- Style 3: Tight rounded profile for straight lines and, with practice, small circles.
- Style 4: Wide rounded V for lines around 3 mm with sloping walls.
- Style 5: Fine marking lines, outlines, curves and wavy lines.
- Style 6: Flat-radius profile for wide shallow cuts and trimming side walls.
- Style 7: Flat bottom for a trough around 3 mm wide and clearing areas.
- Style 8: Wide profile for bold lines up to about 6 mm.
- Style 9: Deep narrow V for narrow lines.
- Style 10: Wider V with a rounded base for lines up to about 3.5 mm.
Handle and technique
Use the blades with a suitable Essdee lino cutter handle. Loosen the aluminium collar without removing it completely, insert the cutter and tighten the collar. You can carve lino, SoftCut and MasterCut. The handle, carving sheet and printing materials are selected separately.
Working and storage
Secure the sheet, keep your free hand behind the cutting edge and carve away from your hands and body. Make small, controlled cuts without excessive force; do not push deeper than the sides of the point. A trial print shows whether fine lines remain clear when inked. Replace dull cutters instead of sharpening them and store them dry in a sturdy, closed container.
Matching materials
Pair your selected cutters with the separate Essdee handle and explore other materials for block printing.
