Paper Cutter Blades: The Right Way To Sharpen Your Blades and Purchase and Install Replacement Blades

Do you want your paper cutter to last a long time and perform well every time you use it? One way to ensure this happens is to make sure your blades are always sharp and replaced when needed. The condition of the blades on your paper cutter determines how well your machine will work. Sharp and properly maintained blades increase the effectiveness of your cutter, extend its duration and also reduce the risk of injury. With these facts in mind, it is important to know how to sharpen cutter blades on your machine, purchase the correct replacement blades, and then properly replace the blades in your paper cutter.

Many machines, such as the Dahle Lever Style Cutters and Guillotines, have self-sharpening features, while others like the MBM Kutrimmer Paper Cutters are designed so that the blades can be removed and sharpened as part of their regular maintenance. Even with built in self-sharpening features, blades can still become dull or damaged and every manufacturer sells replacement blades or knives for their paper cutters.

MBM Kutrimmer Paper Cutters have the highest quality Solingen steel blades that can be removed and sharpened. However, as with all equipment, the blades can be damaged, or too worn down for sharpening. When this happens, you can buy a MBM Kutrimmer Knife Set for your specific model. These kits contain the blades for both the upper and lower blades for your Kutrimmer Paper Cutter. The upper blade is the part that you pull down to cut your paper and the lower blade stays in place, allowing the upper blade to cut the paper as it slides down against the lower blade.

Dahle Lever Style Cutters and Guillotines have a metal blade built into the base of the machine, which sharpens the blade every time it’s used. Even though it does re-sharpen the blade with use, eventually the blades become dull and you will need to replace the blades or re-sharpen them. If you choose to replace the blades you can easily order Dahle Paper Cutter replacement blades from Factory Express. If you want to sharpen the blades, Dahle recommends contacting a knife or scissor sharpener in your area. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN THE BLADES ON YOUR OWN!

Martin Yale Cutters have blades similar to that of the MBM cutters, they are made to be sharpened or replaced with use and do not have a self-sharpening feature built into the machine. Sometimes users of these paper cutters find that when they are trying to cut papers, the stack moves and they tighten the clamp to hold it steady. Usually this issue is due to dull blades and can be easily remedied with sharpened or replaced blades. The blades can be removed and professionally sharpened (as recommended by the manufacturer) or you can replace them with Martin Yale replacement blades on your own. It will take you about 45 minutes to change the blades, so plan ahead and do not rush the process.

When you are purchasing replacement blades there are several things to keep in mind. First, know the make, model, and serial number of your paper cutter. Replacement blades and knife sets are model specific, so if you buy the wrong blades, they won’t fit properly and your machine will not work. This will also create significant safety issues. Secondly, it is recommended to have a spare set of replacement blades in case you have to have your blades professionally re-sharpened or they become damaged. If you are purchasing replacement blades you might want to purchase an additional set.

The ways to change the blades on a paper cutter will vary with each model so it is vital to keep all the information you receive with your machine and READ THE INSTRUCTIONS THOUROUGHLY AND TO THE END before attempting to replace your paper cutter blades. If you have questions, call for assistance before you begin this process to ensure you do not damage the machine or hurt yourself.

Some machines, such as the Triumph Paper Cutters, are designed to make changing the cutting blades simple and safe. You change the blades on the front of the machines with replacement blades, which are encased in a device that covers the edge of the blade to prevent injury. Other machines, like the Martin Yale paper cutters require more time to change replacement blades, but every machine has varying instructions.

Regardless of which paper cutter you own, there are three things to remember about the blades or knives on your machine:

1. NEVER ATTEMPT TO SHARPEN THE BLADES ON YOUR OWN! Every manufacturer recommends taking your blades to a professional knife or scissor sharpener.
2. Keep your instructions from the manufacturer and read them in their entirety and thoroughly before you begin changing the blades. Call for assistance before you start changing the blades if you have any questions.
3. Keep an additional set of replacement blades or knife set on hand in case you have to send your blades out for sharpening or they become damaged.

By following these suggestions you can ensure that your paper cutter will perform efficiently, safely, and for a long time.

How to Use Your Paper Cutter Safely

How to use your paper cutter safely:

First recognize that there is machine safety, which requires that all users know how to use the cutter properly, especially if your machine has safety mechanisms already built into it and personal safety, which requires the user to pay attention to prevent injury to themselves or others.

It is important to perform regular maintenance on your paper cutter so that it is in proper working order. Most paper cutter accidents that occur in offices are due to poorly maintained machines. Make sure that emergency stop buttons work and are properly fitted. If you are still shopping for paper cutter, look for extra safety features. The Dahle Safety First Series Guillotine Paper Cutters, for example, have rotary guards that cover the blade throughout the cutting process.

Guillotine paper cutters are extremely dangerous and everyone should be particularly careful when using when using this type of cutter. In 1999 the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) published a booklet specifically discussing guillotine paper cutter safety and created the following directives:

1. Guards must be provided to prevent the operator’s fingers from contacting the knife or clamp from either the front or rear of the machine. Only one person should be allowed to operate the machine at the one time and where long material is being cut and cannot be adequately supported by the worktable, additional supports should be provided.
2. A hand-operated guillotine should be made inoperative when not in use either by removal of the handle or by the use of a locking or similar device.
3. The shear edges of the blades should be maintained in good condition and blade clearance must be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation appropriate to the thickness of the material being cut.
4. Waste scrap metal provides a hazard for the hands and protective gloves should be worn when the metal is handled. A container should be provided for waste material from the guillotine.

Make sure that employees do not take short cuts or try to rush the machine. All movements around your machine should be deliberate and cautious. Educate everyone that is in contact with your paper cutter on how to reduce injury, focus on:

• Lessening loads
• Provide mechanical aids
• Making sure you have a safe and efficient workplace layout
• The correct way to lift and carry supplies

Do not use a cutter if you are distracted, busy, or in a poorly lit room. Some employers have found it safer to put their cutter in a separate room to avoid user distractions. If you have a manual paper cutter make sure the table it is on is flat and stable. A digital machine should be checked to make sure its sensors are working and current.

Make sure to use common sense and follow your paper cutter manufacturers’ instructions and guidelines implicitly and if you have questions call them!