artscale Artscale Razor saws and blades

[James H]

ASK Razor Saw holders (straight and asymmetric)
Artscale
See article for codes, links and prices

 

 

I’m a sucker for nice tools, and one that is used most frequently in my arsenal is my trusty razor saw. I use this for all sorts of materials, including plastic, resin and now also wood. You sort of instinctively know when you need to get it from the tool rack, for those jobs where a knife would be too challenging, or cutters would be too destructive. They are great for making fine and precise cuts that remove an absolute bare minimum of material, unlike a regular saw. I also use mine to gently re-scribe any shallow and fine panel lines on plastic. Razor saws can be particularly good for that task and they don’t leave ridges of material behind like many regular scribers.

 

Artscale recently sent me their two new razor saw releases to see what I thought, and it provided a useful comparison to the brand I currently use. That latter brand is actually very good and has blades and mount which are made from photo-etch stainless steel. For a handle, the tool is mounted in a regular X-Acto style handle. 

 

Two slightly different razor saws have been sent for evaluation. These are:

Razor saw – Universal (200-T0020), €14,95

Razor saw – Asymmetric (200-T0021), €16.95

 

 

The ‘Universal’ style has a straight blade mounting system, whilst the ‘Asymmetric’ has an offset blade mount which is very useful for those awkward cuts, or for those where you want maximum visibility of the material being cut, without your own hand getting in the way.

 

The razor saws sent for evaluation are complete tools and need no third-party handle. Black ABS plastic is used for the handles on these, and the whole tool is nicely balanced in the hand as well as being comfortable when gripped. The blades are also more rigid than the brand I currently use whilst looking every bit as thin…exactly the remit of a razor saw. In fact, these blades are 0.12mm thick). Both of the supplied saws are fitted with the same blade (ultra-smooth and extra smooth asymmetric – two different tooth/pitch sizes). That single blade is also that is provided in each of the saw packs, with replacements and different types being available both individually or in multi-packs. 

 

 

Both saws have a beautifully designed system of blade change which also doubles up to provide reinforcement to the blade itself. It’s also a single-tool system for changing the blade too, with a hex-head key provided. There are two hex screws which drop through a reinforcement plate and the blade, before screwing into a threaded reinforcement plate on the rear. This is handy as my current brand requires a small wrench and a screwdriver to change the blade. The blade mounting holes are also central to the blade, meaning each cutting edge can be used without having to reposition the blade in the handle.

 

In use, the blade stays nicely straight without any awkward flexing, and it’s super sharp too. There is also a certain amount of freedom in positioning the blade in the tool, in case you want to set it to a certain depth of cut. 

 

Razor saw blades

Artscale also included packets of the blades they currently supply for use with their new razor saw. I have the individual packets, although you can buy these in multiples on their website.

Ultra-Smooth (symmetric) - €1,90

Ultra & Extra Smooth Radius (asymmetric) - €2,60

Extra Smooth (symmetric) - €1,90
Ultra & Extra Smooth - €1,90

 

Conclusion
I’ve been after something to replace my current razor saw as the blades in that are way too easy to bend and buckle without the utmost care. Artscale’s new tools seem to answer that need perfectly, and the blade options are very useful too, depending on application. These new razor saws and very nicely made and feel right in the hand. They are also super sharp too! If you are in the market for a new razor saw, whether a replacement or your first, these would be a very good option to consider. 

 

Here’s the tool data sheet with more technical information for you.

ASK-Handle-saw-pdf.pdf

 

Sincere thanks to Artscale for sending these tools out for evaluation on LSM. To buy directly, click the links in the article.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[harv]

I have a tendency to break these types of blades .....harv

[James H]

Artscale have asked me to mention that they are wanting a US distributor. 

There has been talk with UMM and Sprue Brothers, but nothing has come from this, which is a real shame.

[Bomber_County]

On 2/22/2021 at 5:47 PM, Jim H said:

Artscale have asked me to mention that they are wanting a US distributor. 

There has been talk with UMM and Sprue Brothers, but nothing has come from this, which is a real shame.

Do you who is distributing them in the UK?

[FME erk]

I too would like to know where in the UK cos I need some new blades  . . .

[James H]

Artscale have now released some new blades for their razor saw, and these should prove very useful.

Got to love the one called 'BATMAN'! 

These will be perfect for cutting around circular materials, or even adding panel lines too. The 'OCTOPUS' is perfect for swiping cuts with the shape of the longer edge, whilst the underside presents all sorts of possibilities. If you have the saw, then these are worth getting, and if you don't these are a perfect excuse to go shop one.

[CANicoll]

This review was very helpful!  And SprueBrothers does now carry the complete Artscale line.  Can't wait for my new blades to arrive.
Chris

[harv]

I have bad luck with them. My hamfists break them..alot....harv

[CANicoll]

6 hours ago, harv said:

I have bad luck with them. My hamfists break them..alot....harv

Me too.