Caring for your Silhouette blade will ensure the longest life possible. You’ll know it’s time for a new blade when performance declines. I’ve been known to always keep a brand new blade waiting on deck. I’ve also been known to keep a blade past it’s prime in case of crafting emergency. I think this qualifies as supply hoarding!
Let’s review some Silhouette Blade basics:
STEP ONE: BE CAREFUL
Even though they look really cute in that chic marshmallow housing, the Silhouette Blade is incredibly sharp and will cut you. Take care when handling, adjusting the blade and storing when not in use.
STEP TWO: PROPERLY STORE YOUR BLADE
Don’t throw it in a drawer, where it could be damaged. When not in use, store it in the original packaging or the handy CAMEO 3 storage space.
This “blade garage” is so convenient! There’s officially room for two, but I fit four in mine! (The two not seated into the storage holes are specifically placed blade side up, to prevent damage)
STEP THREE: KEEP IT CLEAN!
If you see paper bits or adhesive stuck to the blade, it’s time for cleaning.
This one is ready to be cleaned. Can you tell I’ve been cutting adhesive vinyl?
To clean the blade, simply unscrew the cap and wipe off the tiny bits of paper inside. You can use a small lint-free cloth or cotton swab to remove any adhesive that may be stuck to the blade.
Pro tip: Unscrew the cap with the blade tab. Remember that funny little tab with two circular holes in it? It’s designed for unscrewing the top of your blade! I keep mine in the Silhouette CAMEO® tray.
If you’ve misplaced the tab, no worries. Use a small set of pliers to unscrew it gently. When you have finished cleaning, screw the top securely into place and store it for your next craft adventure.
All of the blades can be cleaned. Here’s my blade lineup with caps removed:
(From left to right)
- Silhouette Ratchet Blade – Compatible with all Silhouette cutting tools
- Silhouette Fabric Blade – Compatible with all Silhouette cutting tools
- Silhouette Deep-Cut Blade – Recommended for use with the Silhouette Curio
- Silhouette Premium Blade – Compatible with all Silhouette cutting tools, this blade will last three times longer than the standard Silhouette Blade. Well worth a look!
And not pictured above, but clean-able:
- Silhouette AutoBlade – Auto-adjusting blade designed for use with the CAMEO 3. This blade is a major upgrade in convenience, because your CAMEO 3 does all the work! No more lining up the red mark in the adjustment socket. No interruptions and adjustments. Just set the AutoBlade in the left side of the CAMEO 3 dual carriage and go!
Do you have a blade-saving tip to share?
janet
February 26, 2017
Thank you, I didn’t realize the end cap came off – I have b been trying to clean it with the cap in place! LOL
Missy Briggs
February 26, 2017
Lol. I didn’t realize it at first, either! You’re not alone.
Karen
February 26, 2017
Good to know about that little tab…however it would be helpful to see you use it. I tried to use both of the holes. The really curvy one just turns the blade. The more round one doesn’t fit at all. Any chance of a picture to see how it fits?
Kelly Wayment
March 9, 2017
The smaller hole has some flat areas that correspond with flat areas on the cap. I do have a video showing how to do it here: http://www.findingtimetocreate.com/2017/01/adjust-clean-silhouette-blades/
Melissa
February 27, 2017
I have a very old machine. I believe it is first generation. Can I still purchase blades for the first generation?
Sierra Dungan
February 27, 2017
Yes, the ratchet blade will work just fine in any of our machines. Our cutting mats are also universal.
Kelly Wayment
March 9, 2017
If you’re talking about the blades with the three colors of caps, those are no longer available. But the basic ratchet blade does a much better job because you can expose the blade higher than a 3 (the equivalent of the pink cap). The current blades still fit every Silhouette machine, including the first generation.
Martine
February 28, 2017
I rotate the blade to 0 for storage
Raymond
February 28, 2017
What size of blade you use for Vinyl in tshirt printing?
Sierra Dungan
February 28, 2017
It depends which kind of heat transfer material you’re using (smooth, flocked, or metallic), but Silhouette Studio® will tell you what blade setting to use when you select your media as you get ready to send it to cut.
Lisa Orms
April 6, 2017
Just got my cameo 3 and finished with the set up. Ready to play! What is the difference between the red and blue circles labeled on top of the blade holder?
Kelly Wayment
April 9, 2017
Hi, Lisa. Those help you tell the software which blade you’re using, in which holder of the dual carriage. I think you’ll find this post helpful on the topic: http://blog.silhouetteamerica.com/2016/12/dual-carriage-with-the-cameo-3-and-curio
Doreen Porter
May 25, 2017
On V4 is it possible to move the ruler from the right to the left hand side?