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.