Olfa vs Centofante 3 for art craft making

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goodmorning

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Aug 9, 2010
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I've been using an Olfa knife for art-craft-work, like making an architecture model. Olfa is good in that I can snap off the blade so that I can always use a sharp one. It gets dull even after cutting chipboard a couple of times, though. Also, I'd like to have a much sharper and somewhat smaller one than Olfa so that I can always have it on me.

I've researched a lot, and I am leaning toward Spyderco Centofante 3. Would it be good to use this kind of folding knife instead of Olfa for the job?

thanks.
 
Craft work can be hard on a knife, especially if you are cutting the cardboard against a hard surface. The edge on the Centofante might last a bit longer, but it may not be enough to make it worth your while unless you are handy with sharpening your knives. Also, if you spend a lot of hours per day working on models, having to stop and sharpen you knife might be inconvenient as compared to just snapping off the end of the blade on the Olfa, especially if you primarily use the tip of the blade. Also the blade of the Centofante isn't quite as thin as most snap-off utility blades so it might take some getting used to when the blade is cutting all the way through the material.

If you do decide to go with something like the Centofante a wharncliff design like the Centofante 4 with it's pointy tip might be worth considering as well.
 
Olfa's are the only razor blades I ever buy. Because I don't have to worry about sharpening them, I don't have to worry about keeping them clean, and if it gets lost or wrecked I can just throw it away and buy a new one.

IMO Olfa's can't be beat in the world of skilled trade's work.

I've used the H1 for the last ten years of everyday work. 100% solid.
Best utility knife investment I ever made.

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The H1 comes with a forever guarantee. I'm not sure about the rest of them tho, as I never had to buy another one.
 

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thanks. Centofante 4 seems to be a better option for me if I decide to ditch olfa. Is Centofante significantly sharper than olfa?
 
goodmorning said:
thanks. Centofante 4 seems to be a better option for me if I decide to ditch olfa. Is Centofante significantly sharper than olfa?
Click to expand...

There's no question about it. The Centofante 4 is the better knife.

But in my opinion an Olfa with a replaceable blade is better suited for as a work knife.
When working you can get into cutting some real nasty stuff that can dull a knife within seconds.

With the Olfa you can just snap the blade off and keep on working.
With the Centofante once it's dull and can no longer cut, you need to stop and resharpen it to continue.

Personally I don't have the time or the patience to stop and sharpen my blade every time I get into cutting something nasty at work.

To answer your question. It all depends on how sharp the centofante is. If it's not that sharp then it's not gonna be as sharp as an Olfa blade.
If you take the time to sharpen it properly then yes it can be much sharper then an Olfa blade.

Edited to add: If your only doing light work like what you've described then the Centofante 4 should work quite well for you.
At least you'll get better edge retention out of it, and be able to save some money in the long run by not having to keep buying replacement blades.
 
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I'd use it mainly for cutting chipboard, museum board, polyester, cardboard, etc on at a cutting mat for making models. You may know that pretty much all the craftsmen treat their tools with care. It's just that I often get frustrated by an olfa knife because it's not sharp enough for me. I usually end up snapping the blade off after a couple of cuts.

I don't mind sharpening as long as it gives me a super razor sharp blade, and I've watched some Youtube videos about using Spyderco Sharpmaker and other sharpening methods. It doesn't seem like it's that much work, or it takes too much time. Also, VG-10 made in Japan seems promising according to what I've read on the net. I am not a knife expert, so I wouldn't know the truth until I experience it myself, though.

By the way, what do you mean by "cutting some real nasty stuff"?
 
"cutting some real nasty stuff" would include seemingly benign materials like cardboard that actually have particles in them that will dull a blade.

If it dulls your Olfa, it will dull your Centofante, which isn't even as thin. I have a Centofante 3 myself and while I agree the Cento 4 wharncliffe would be better for you, a ZDP-189 blade at a high RC hardness might be better yet.
 
Greetings Goodmorning:



"I don't mind sharpening as long as it gives me a super razor sharp blade, and I've watched some Youtube videos about using Spyderco Sharpmaker and other sharpening methods. It doesn't seem like it's that much work, or it takes too much time."



Many videos make sharpening look easier and faster than it really is. It is not hard but it can be time consuming and exacting if you want a very sharp edge. I have no doubt that you could frequently sharpen and do it well but it may be more disruptive to your crafting process then you would wish to tolerate. Listen to Esav Benyamin. For your purpose the harder ZDP 189 would require less frequent sharpening and reduce the possibilities for frustration. OldDude1
 
I worked in graphic design and packaging for about 5 years, building mock-ups, cutting paper, paper board, cardboard, various wrapping materials, mats, film negatives, etc. The only thing I everused--or saw used--for that work was an Olfa.

The basic model is pretty awesome. I still have a few in junk drawers or scattered around. Great blades: http://www.olfa.com/UtilityKnivesDetail.aspx?C=61&Id=41
 
A Google search for "ZDP-189" will turn up quite a few offerings. ZDP blades can be expensive. A flat grind may be better for your crafting. I am not aware of any current production wharncliffe or sheep foot profiled blades in ZDP-189. The available knives all have a slightly curved blade edge which may not be to your liking. ZDP's resistance to abrasion makes it comparatively more time consuming to sharpen but it does hold an edge for quite a while. OldDude1
 
"cutting some real nasty stuff" Like, hard plastic, dry wall, copper wire. Stuff that can quickly dull an edge fast. Much easier to just pop a new blade in, then it is to stop and resharpen.
 
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goodmorning said:
I've been using an Olfa knife for art-craft-work, like making an architecture model. Olfa is good in that I can snap off the blade so that I can always use a sharp one. It gets dull even after cutting chipboard a couple of times, though. Also, I'd like to have a much sharper and somewhat smaller one than Olfa so that I can always have it on me.

I've researched a lot, and I am leaning toward Spyderco Centofante 3. Would it be good to use this kind of folding knife instead of Olfa for the job?

thanks.
Click to expand...

Stay with the Olfa for art-crafting. The ability to have an instant sharp point and edge cannot be matched by any standard pocket knife, no matter what alloy is used.

If you want something to always have on you, carry a pocket knife for that. For Arts and Crafts, have the Olfa handy. My daughter keeps one in her art box. So does my wife. They also EDC, but they save the EDC for other than arts and crafts.
 
On average, I'll carry two knives with me at all times. I'm currently carrying a Leatherman Micra and a Victorinox Classic SD. But for work/projects, I prefer either my Helping Hand box cutter or a Stanley Instant Change utility knife. The box cutter is nice for EDC, but you have to be careful about it opening in your pocket.
 
You can sharpen the Olfa blade...try honing it on a strop or fine stone to see if you can't get more than 2 cuts out of each segment

the Olfa will be superior to a thicker bladed knife when cutting stuff like mat board, and frequent sharpening is a good way to "wear out" an expensive "real" knife
 
Buy the knife, use the Olfa.
I've been working in art studios for over 30 years.
I do comps, 3D mock ups, books, mounting, matting and all kinds of other stuff.
Cutting Gator, Foam, Matte, Illustration, Corrugated and Carolina boards.
The Olfa rules the roost.
Specialty uses go to single edge razor blades and X-Acto #11 blades.

But it is the tried and true Olfa that I reach for every time.
Including my leather work at home :)
 
I agree that the Olfa is probably the better choice for your needs however if you can't live without a small folding knife with zdp-189 and a low point check out the Spyderco Michael Walker. Its a very nice looking and performing folder.
 
i will 2nd lots of the info here and carry the folder / small fixed bladeas a back up in a pinch (or if you need a heavier cutter )
the spyderco dodo, cricket or yojimbo SP? could also be options tho not zdp189 (im not a monster fan of the steel)
and by small fixed bladed i mean sommething like the necker i make (sorry tho i have not made any in a while )
dsc06603sm.jpg
 
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