Some time back I mentioned that I was trying carpet trimmer blades (which are beveled on one side only. like a budding knife) for budding. Having now used them for awhile, I have stopped using my budding knife altogether, except for raising the flaps on the pocket to receive the bud. I have found that the blades are much sharper than I can get the budding knife, and can be discarded when they get the lest bit dull. There is no knife sharpening to worry about, and the blade is nice and wide so that it lays flat against the budstick. Best of all, I no longer have to be concerned about losing an expensive budding knife!

I did have to modify my utility knife a little, as the trimmer blades only have one notch at the top. Of course you can buy a special utility knife for the blades but I didn't see one I liked.

Ned

Ned, is a Carpet Trimmer Knife, the common utility knife, where the blade slides in and out of the body, by sliding the attached gismo on top of the body/handle with your thumb? - Millet

If I can find a blade that is angled at one side only and the other side completely flat then I would go for it. The utility knives that I get is beveled evenly on both sides and sometimes the cut of the bud is erratic.

All my utility blades are beveled at both sides. I wonder if these are also the square'd paint scrapers which I believe are beveled on one side (to remove paint from glass).

Here are some links with pictures. Note that they only have one notch on top as opposed to the two or three that are on a normal utility knife. Otherwise, they are the same as a regular utility knife. You will need a special utility knife designed for them or just modify an old knife (by cutting of the extra protrusions that the notches fit on) like I did.

http://www.tools4flooring.com/asr-personna-carpet-trimmer-blades-p-211.html

http://www.toolbarn.com/product/personna/61-0021/

I see someone has them listed on ebay but haven't recieved a response yet. I sent the seller a note to comfirn this is actually a carpet trimmer blade. They are shown on a Personna display guide in our local Lowes (in the flooring section), but I haven't seen them in stock so far.

The best way to get them is through a carpet installer. They will know what you are talking about. I would guess they would sell you some for a very reasonable price.

In looking at the assortment of blades at Lowes I believe some of the other types may be beveled on one side too.

Ned

I use the utility blades everyday where I work and noticed that these blades are coated with an oil type substance to inhibit rust. Are these blades coated in the same type substance and there for need to be washed before use in this application?

The ones I use are beveled on both sides but peroidiocally we do get a mis-shipment and they are only beveled on one side. The next time some come in I may borrow one to try.

I haven't been washing them and they work fine.

Stopped by Home Depot at Hilton Head today. I picked up a pack of 100 Personna brand trimmer blades for $12.97. There were packs of 10 blades for less than $3. They also had a utility knife that works with the blades for $4.48. The blades were in the carpet section of the store. Look at the carpet installation tools.

Ned