7 Best Exacto Knives of 2025

Don’t let its modest price fool you—this snap-off blade system delivers surprising precision and durability for everyday cutting tasks. The 9mm high-carbon steel blade stays sharp through multiple snaps, offering up to 12 fresh edges per blade, while the retractable safety mechanism ensures controlled exposure and secure storage. Designed with lightweight ABS construction, it’s comfortable for extended use and ideal for opening packages, trimming cardboard, or slicing through plastic wrap without tearing or jagged edges.

In real-world testing, the TIFICAL box cutter handled stacks of shipping cartons and thick vinyl sheets with ease, thanks to its rigid blade-to-handle alignment and smooth slider action. It excels in home and office environments where quick, reliable cuts are needed—though it’s less suited for intricate craft work due to its broader blade profile. While it lacks the finesse of precision hobby knives, it reliably performs on packaging, film, and lightweight materials. However, users should be cautious during blade snapping, as the tail-cap method, while convenient, can be awkward for beginners.

Compared to dedicated precision exacto knives like the X-ACTO Z-Series, the TIFICAL model trades fine control for utility and value. It’s not designed for artists or model makers, but for general household or office use, it’s a no-fuss, functional solution that outperforms many disposable alternatives. If you need a dependable, low-cost cutter for daily chores and don’t require surgical-level accuracy, this pack offers unmatched practicality for the price—especially when you need spares on hand.

When razor-sharp accuracy meets professional-grade durability, you get the X-ACTO Z-Series #1—a standout that redefines what an entry-level precision knife should be. Its zirconium nitride-coated #11 blade resists wear far longer than standard steel, maintaining a clean edge through layers of paper, thin plastic, and even light metal foils. The lightweight aluminum handle delivers superior balance and control, making it a favorite for users who demand steady hands and exact lines, whether trimming photos or detailing stencils.

During hands-on testing, this exacto knife sliced effortlessly through cardstock and adhesive-backed vinyl without fraying or deflection. The fine-point tip allowed for intricate curves and tight corners, outperforming bulkier utility models in detail work. It held up well over repeated use, though the blade eventually dulled after prolonged cutting of abrasive materials like sandpaper or layered balsa wood. The safety cap is a thoughtful addition, protecting both the blade and user during storage—though it doesn’t lock the blade in place during use, which could concern some.

Against budget models like the JETMORE 3-pack, the X-ACTO Z-Series justifies its higher cost with superior blade technology and build refinement. It’s not the most ergonomic or feature-rich, but for artists, educators, and crafters who prioritize cutting precision and blade longevity, it strikes an excellent balance. Among all-purpose precision knives, it offers better performance and consistency than most, making it the go-to choice when accuracy matters most.

For creatives on a tight budget, the JETMORE 3-pack delivers an impressive mix of performance, comfort, and blade abundance without sacrificing quality. Each knife features an SK-5 high-carbon steel #11 blade—known for its edge retention and rust resistance—ensuring clean cuts across paper, vinyl, and thin cardboard. The anti-slip diamond-textured handle provides excellent grip, reducing hand fatigue during long crafting sessions, which is rare at this price point.

Real-world use confirms its strength in scrapbooking, stencil cutting, and model trimming, where control and consistency matter. The blades remain sharp over multiple uses, and the included 30 spares mean you’ll rarely run out mid-project. While it doesn’t match the refined blade coating of the X-ACTO Z-Series, it holds its own in everyday precision tasks. However, the blade change mechanism feels slightly looser than premium models, occasionally leading to minor wobble under heavy pressure.

Compared to the DIYSELF dual-knife set, this JETMORE version offers better grip design and more ergonomic comfort, though it includes fewer total blades. It’s the clear winner for those seeking affordable reliability without compromising on usability. If you need a budget-friendly yet capable set for school projects or casual crafting, this kit provides more value and control than most rivals under $5.

Style meets substance in the DIYSELF 2-knife set, where gold-and-blue aluminum bodies aren’t just eye-catching—they signal a step up in build quality. What truly sets it apart is the 40 included spare blades across #11, #16, and #17 types, making it the most versatile starter kit for artists who switch between fine-point piercing, scooping, and broad cutting. The high-carbon steel blades maintain sharpness impressively well, especially when slicing foam board or layered paper.

In practice, the ergonomic handles provide a secure, fatigue-reducing grip, crucial for detailed work like model building or stencil carving. The blades install snugly and stay stable during angled cuts, though the lack of a locking mechanism means extra care is needed when applying pressure. It handles paper, cardboard, and thin plastics with confidence, but struggles slightly on denser materials like cured clay or thick leather. Still, the variety of blade types gives it an edge over single-blade competitors.

Against the JETMORE 3-pack, this set trades quantity of knives for greater blade diversity and aesthetic appeal. It’s ideal for hobbyists who want one knife for multiple jobs and appreciate having specialty blades on hand. With better material resistance and longer blade life, it offers more functionality per dollar than basic kits—perfect for crafters who value flexibility and long-term use.

If sheer volume and classroom-ready durability are your priorities, the EGYPAMID 55-pack is a powerhouse designed for groups, workshops, or heavy-use environments. With 5 aluminum-handled knives and 50 double-honed #11 blades, it’s built to survive frequent handling and constant replacement. The 25-degree precision blade angle ensures clean, detailed cuts every time, while the non-slip textured grip enhances safety and control—critical for younger users or fast-paced projects.

Testing revealed consistent performance across paper, cardboard, plastic sheets, and even soft balsa wood, with blades staying sharp longer than expected for budget steel. The sturdy plastic case keeps everything organized and portable, making it perfect for art teachers or makerspaces. While individual knives lack advanced ergonomics or blade coatings, the overall build resilience compensates. However, the blades can flex under heavy pressure, limiting use in industrial-grade tasks.

Compared to the JETMORE 3-pack, this set offers far greater scalability and group utility, though with slightly less refined handling. It’s the ultimate bulk solution for schools, DIY groups, or craft businesses needing dependable tools without overspending. When quantity, safety, and consistent performance are non-negotiable, this kit delivers unbeatable practicality and reach over premium single units.

Engineered for on-the-go creators, the JETMORE 16-piece set stands out with its magnetic blade storage and compact case, offering unmatched portability without sacrificing functionality. It includes three precision knives—large, medium, and small—each with anti-slip rubber or diamond-textured grips, allowing seamless transitions between heavy-duty trimming and delicate detailing. The SK5 steel blades resist rust and hold their edge, making them reliable for modeling, carving, and fine-line cutting in diverse settings.

In field use, the magnetic lid securely holds replacement blades, preventing loss during travel—a game-changer for artists working remotely or at craft fairs. The variety of blade types (nicked, chisel, pointed) expands creative possibilities, enabling tasks from pumpkin carving to eraser stamping with precision. However, the smallest knife feels slightly underbuilt, and aggressive cuts can cause minor handle flex. Still, for mobile hobbyists, the balance of control, variety, and organization is exceptional.

Next to the DIYSELF set, this JETMORE version wins on portability and blade versatility, though it includes fewer total blades. It’s ideal for traveling crafters, students, or gift-givers who value neat storage and multi-functionality. With smarter design and better field readiness, it offers superior convenience and adaptability over similarly priced kits.

The Fiskars Detail Craft Knife redefines comfort in precision cutting with its SoftGrip handle and 8-inch extended reach, making it a top pick for users who suffer from hand strain during long sessions. The aluminum body is both lightweight and rigid, ensuring durability without adding bulk, while the SoftGrip zones enhance control—especially during slow, detailed passes across photos or cardstock. It accepts standard #11 blades, so replacements are easy to find, and the lifetime warranty (excluding blades) speaks volumes about its build confidence.

In real-world use, this knife excelled in scrapbooking and photo trimming, where steady, long strokes are common. The extended handle reduces wrist fatigue, and the blade cap doubles as a retraction tool, adding clever functionality. It handled canvas, plastic, and layered paper with minimal effort, though it’s less ideal for ultra-fine work due to slight tip wobble over time. The lack of a locking mechanism is a minor safety concern, but the overall control compensates.

Compared to the X-ACTO Z-Series, the Fiskars model trades a bit of blade hardness for superior ergonomics and user comfort. It’s not the sharpest out of the box, but it’s the most comfortable for extended use—perfect for older users or those with arthritis. When hand fatigue is the enemy, this knife delivers better long-term usability and reliability than most rivals.