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Hi Christine, Anne mentioned a Swan Morton Scalpel. There are in fact two size of handles. Large and small. I use the small handle but both take different blades. The blade I use is a 10A which is pointed and not rounded. I find the pointed much easier to use. When you are doing intricate work you must keep your finger on the work you are cutting to stop it from moving then you will not have any tears in it. I use mostly 300 gsm for everything and use a scalpel most of the time. If you cut any curves you might find it easier to cut around it in straight lines as near to the line as possible then you only have small curves to cut away or you could use a pair of scissors, curved ones are good for this.
When printing out my Helter Skelter cards to make up for photographing I did find that certain paper was not great when cut, even in a straight line. It looked like it had been torn, really odd and this was using a scalpel and a metal ruler. So the paper does make a difference. It will be trial and error.
If you are using a scalpel and a metal ruler make sure your ruler had either cork on the back and if not, put some masking tape on it otherwise it will slip when you are working. If you decide to use a clear metal edged ruler, again, put masking tape on the back. I prefer the cork on the back it does not move as much as the masking tape. I always use a self-healing mat but some of them you can buy now are not good. I always look for the very thin ones. They are the best but it has to say it is self-healing.
Another thing some of the others have said is to change your blade every time you are to start a new project but if you think the blade is not cutting well whether you are in the middle of the project or not, change it.
By the way when you use a scalpel or craft knife you always cut towards yourself and never away. Some people might not know this.
Hope some of this has helped.
Annelies
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