- Gunpla Supplies -
Tamiya Design Knife
Hey guys, today I decided to make a review of the 'Tamiya Design Knife' under the 'Tamiya Craft Tools' series. I was in a position where I was still using a box-cutter/craft knife as a modeler's knife alternative and although that still worked very well, I wanted to up my game a little bit and encountered a situation where I wasn't sure which of the myriads of modeler's knives I should buy. When I decided to do some research, there were barely any information on it, just online stores selling the product. So now iv'e decided to write up a review to help assist other modeler's in their decision.
The front and the back of the packaging. As you can see, it comes with a cap, the blades and the body. The back of the packaging has information on how to use the knife and its different purposes as well as informing you of the blade container.
The safety cap, the body and the blade container
The safety cap will help you from cutting yourself. Although it fits onto the top end of the body, it will not attach to the bottom end. Although this is a very minor issue, you can accidentally misplace the cap or just forget where you had placed it.
The top compartment of the blade container will be use to hold all your new blades. The bottom compartment is reserved for storage of broken or dulled blades. This will help ensure for a safe disposal.
Inside the container is 6 packs of 5 blades. A total of 30 blades.
the blades do last a while and so the 30 blades will last you until forever. However, if you do end up using all of the 30 blades, it is still amazing value for $8. The blades however are all identical so if you are looking for a knife that comes with different angled blades... then this isn't the one for you. However, for most modeler's the blade will serve its purpose and will excel in comparison to a craft knife.
As you can see, the design knife has a very nice look to it and a very nice feel to it as well. The paneled design to the body is very comfortable and appealing as opposed to the tube-like design of the X-Acto knife that may detract from the ergonomic appeal to the knife as well the comfortable feel in the hand. The design is much like a pencil, allowing for a very nice and comfortable feel, assisting the precision of your cut.
A comparison of the design knife with my previous cutting apparatus. Clearly superior in cutting ability and precision control.
IS THIS THE KNIFE FOR YOU?
Although this was originally designed and released in 1997, the design still has a very nice aesthetic appeal to it. It also comes with 30 replaceable blades that will last an eternity. However, if you do manage to use up all the blades, you can always just buy another. For the $8 price tag, it's awesome value, it's something that you don't even have to think twice about spending your hard earned money for. In saying this though, the blades are smaller than some blades out there and perhaps larger than others. The smaller size of the blades however may allow you to gain more control when compared to a design knife with a larger blade such as the newer 'Tamiya Modeler's Knife'. This solely depends on the individual and their preferences.
The golden section of the design knife is not just coated, resulting in a shiny golden color even when scratched and dented. The silver section holding the blade in place however is just plastic coated in silver and although I haven't actually scratched or dented the plastic, it might just be helpful to be wary of this. You may or may not end up scratching the paint off, but only time and use will help determine whether the plastic is just coated or molded in the silver color.
It may be helpful to know that the safety cap is not compatible with the bottom end of the design knife and will only fit only the top end, protecting the blade from damage and moisture. Just be wary of this so you don't end up misplacing the cap.
The pencil like design of the knife is very comfortable and will help you gain more precision in your cutting. However, this is solely from my experience in the transition from a design knife. If you are currently in the same position as I was before, you will not regret purchasing this.
Well I guess that about does it for this review. Like I said before, I decided to write up this review because I know some of you out there are looking for a good modelling knife for your plamo kits and there isn't much information out there regarding this particular product. I hope this helps all of you out there and as always, thanks so much for viewing and tune in again soon for more updates, reviews and gunpla related content. Enjoy!
The golden section of the design knife is not just coated, resulting in a shiny golden color even when scratched and dented. The silver section holding the blade in place however is just plastic coated in silver and although I haven't actually scratched or dented the plastic, it might just be helpful to be wary of this. You may or may not end up scratching the paint off, but only time and use will help determine whether the plastic is just coated or molded in the silver color.
It may be helpful to know that the safety cap is not compatible with the bottom end of the design knife and will only fit only the top end, protecting the blade from damage and moisture. Just be wary of this so you don't end up misplacing the cap.
The pencil like design of the knife is very comfortable and will help you gain more precision in your cutting. However, this is solely from my experience in the transition from a design knife. If you are currently in the same position as I was before, you will not regret purchasing this.
Well I guess that about does it for this review. Like I said before, I decided to write up this review because I know some of you out there are looking for a good modelling knife for your plamo kits and there isn't much information out there regarding this particular product. I hope this helps all of you out there and as always, thanks so much for viewing and tune in again soon for more updates, reviews and gunpla related content. Enjoy!
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I also am currently selling items on ebay so have a look if your interested at all.
http://myworld.ebay.com/bauihobby/
I also am currently selling items on ebay so have a look if your interested at all.
http://myworld.ebay.com/bauihobby/
Any questions? Leave a comment if you have one or just wanna say something.
