Cheap Vinyl Cutter Blades

[Steoh]

I was wondering if anybody has had good experiences with any of the cheap Roland compatible blades that are available on eBay? I see plenty at super cheap prices, and figure there may be a chance that some of them are actually of reasonable, or even good quality? If you have found some, can you tell me the name of the seller, or a link to one of their auction if that's not too much trouble? I'm after 45 degree blades.

Cheers,
Steph

[Stewey]

Not as good as the genuine ones, in my opinion- but cheap enough.
There's a mob in USA that make a really good one-can't remember the name, but they apparently last just about forever. It's something like 'staysharp' or some obvious one.

The fleabay supplier had a name like XYZ or AXY or something-can't really remember-I've used two of them.

[Steoh]

Yes I expected there would be a better source for blades outside Asia, but claims that they last forever is not only impossible, but also makes me think they're a snake oil mob.

I spoke to the dealer I got my cutter from, and he told me there are some really good blades out of Asia, and he even threw a free 45 and 60 degree blade in for me to have a try of, they come in a blue container that has 3 red stars on it, and the words "Cemented Carbide Blade" underneath "Roland Blade". I've seen plenty of them on eBay, so they're easy to indentify by the picture of the plastic container I just described. Apparently these are as good as the overpriced 'name brand' blades, or so the story goes.

Steph

[Stewey]

This yankee mob IS good: http://www.cleancutblade.com/
I have only heard good reports.

This lot seems OK also, but the top one is well-liked.
Super Plotter Blades™ for all Vinyl Cutter Brands


Re the 'cemented carbide' blades- they are a skinny tip glued into a tiny hole drilled in a fatter shank which acts as a 'holder' - while the genuine ones I had are full width all the way down.

It may not make any difference to you, but for certain jobs here, I prefer the full length , fullsize blades... but we use the blades for a few different jobs here & can wreck them easily-so I like to have both the cheap & the good ones on hand!

[Steoh]

That sounds like good thinking, as I'd hate to use a good blade for cutting the decals out, can't remember what this is called, but it's where you cut all the way through the printed decals and backing after contour cutting the decal, so then they can be removed and sold as is. Thanks for the advice, it's much appreciated, and sounds like the voice of experience rather than a sales pitch.

Cheers,
Steph