Blades, Blades and More Blades

Autoblade … ratchet blade … rotary blade … premium blade …. Kraft blade …. how do you know which one to use?? Let’s take the mystery out of all those blades!

AutoBlades

Autoblades will automatically be adjusted to the correct setting (based on the settings selected in Silhouette Studio). These blades are designed for cutting paper, card stock, sticker paper, heat transfer and adhesive vinyl, fabric and specialty materials. The original Autoblade can be used with the Cameo 3 and Portrait 2. The Cameo 4 has a unique auto blade. The Cameo 4 Autoblade has the “1” on it, indicating it is to be used in Tool 1.

• Blade Material
  • Tungsten Alloy
• Adjustment Method
  • Automated adjustment — controlled by Silhouette Studio and adjusted by the Cameo 3 or Portrait2
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-1.0mm

Ratchet Blades

Ratchet blades can be used on all models of the Silhouette Cameo, Curio and Portrait. (Using these blades requires an adapter on the Cameo 4 …. more about that later.) These blades are designed for use with all types of media, including paper, cardstock, fabric, sticker paper, heat transfer and adhesive vinyl and specialty materials. Ratchet blades are black in color. There was also a blue ratchet blade that was called the Fabric blade. You may have one in your stash, but they are no longer sold. The color was the only difference in these two ratchet blades.

• Blade Material
  • Carbide
• Adjustment Method
  • Ratchet adjustment via tool or slot in Silhouette
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-1.0mm

Premium Blade

Premium blades are among my favorites and can be used on all models of the Silhouette Cameo, Curio and Portrait. (Using these blades requires an adapter on the Cameo 4 …. more about that later.) These blades are designed for use with all types of media, including paper, cardstock, fabric, sticker paper, heat transfer and adhesive vinyl and specialty materials. This blade has a shiny blue top to help distinguish it from other blades.

• Blade Material
  • Tungsten Alloy
• Adjustment Method
  • Manually adjust by hand
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-1.0mm

**The Premium blade has been redesigned and now has a “T” on it. If your Premium blade is the original style, it will use the grey adapter in a Cameo 4. The new style will look like the image below and will use the black adapter when used in a Cameo 4.

Deep Cut Blade

The Deep Cut Blade has a 2mm blade and is designed for cutting through thicker materials. They can be used on all models of the Silhouette Cameo 3, Curio and Portrait 2. These blades are designed for use with all types of media, including some specialty materials, thicker cardstock and craft foam. This blade has a distinctive shiny silver top.

• Blade Material
  • Tungsten Alloy
• Adjustment Method
  • Manually adjust by hand
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-2.0mm

2MM Kraft Blade

The 2MM Kraft blade works with the Cameo 3, Portrait 2 and the Cameo 4 (with an adapter). It is designed to work with craft materials such as leather, craft foam, acetate and chipboard. Silhouette America recommends using the Strong Tack Mat when cutting some materials using this blade. This blade is not compatible with the original Cameo or Portrait. This blade has an orange top.

• Blade Material
  • Stainless Steel
• Adjustment Method
  • Manually adjust by hand
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-2.0mm

3MM Kraft Blade for Cameo 4

The 3MM Kraft blade works exclusively with the Cameo 4. It allows cutting of materials like chipboard, leather, acetate and craft foam. It is designed to take advantage of the increased clearance of the Cameo 4. Some materials will work best if you use a Strong Tack mat when using the 3MM Kraft Blade. Notice it has “2” on it to help you remember that it should be used in Tool 2 of the Cameo 4. This blade also has an orange top.

• Blade Material
  • Stainless Steel
• Adjustment Method
  • Manually adjust by hand
• Blade Length
  • 0.1mm-3.0mm

Rotary Blade for Cameo 4

The Rotary Blade for Cameo 4 only works in the Cameo 4. It’s unique design includes a blade that rolls across your material. This makes cutting things like cotton fabric, leather, wool, felt, crepe paper and more without all the stabilization we need when using other blades to cut these materials. Because of the way this blade works, it is not designed for really small or intricate shapes. Silhouette Studio adds a series of hooks and loops to your design so that the blade can adjust its direction and continue cutting. Note the “2” on the Rotary Blade, reminding you to use this blade in Tool 2.

• Blade Material
  • Tungsten Carbide
• Adjustment Method
  • None
• Blade Length
  • 1mm

Here’s what the hooks and loops look like in the software ….

Punch Tool for Cameo 4

The Punch Tool for Cameo 4 works exclusively on the Cameo 4. It will punch weeding points for vinyl and heat transfer projects. When it is inserted in the Cameo 4, the software guides you to in determining whether you want to weed positive or negative spaces. It then creates weeding points to help make weeding these materials easier. It has a “2” on it to help you remember to use it in Tool 2 on your Cameo 4. The top is turquoise for easy identification.

• Blade Material
  • Tungsten Carbide
• Adjustment Method
  • None
• Blade Length
  • 0.8mm

Tool Adapters for Cameo 4

The Tool Adapter set allows Cameo 4 users to use tools that were originally designed for earlier machines. Using these adapters will allow you to use: ratchet blades, premium blades, fabric blades, deep-cut blades, 2mm Kraft blades, and Silhouette Sketch Pens (with black bodies). A set of tool adapters comes with your Cameo 4.

• Black Adapter — Ratchet and Fabric blades, Premium blades** (new style with “T” on it)
• Blue Adapter — Sketch pens
• Grey Adapter — Deep Cut and Premium blades** (old style without “T” on it)
• White Adapter — 2mm Kraft Blade

Stippling and Etching Tool

The Stippling and Etching tool is designed for use with the Silhouette Curio only. The tool creates a series of dots to create patterns and images when using soft metal surfaces like the Metal Stippling Sheets. It will also etch on metal surfaces like the Metal Etching Sheets.

Embossing Tool

The Embossing Tool works with your Silhouette Curio. It creates an embossing channel for an embossed look. It is designed to work with materials where an impression can be made, such as Score & Emboss Paper.

Wow! That’s a lot of choices!! I hope all this information will help you select the correct blade for the job!

If you enjoyed these tips, please join my Facebook groups … Libby’s Silhouette Group — Tips, Tricks, Tutorials and Projects, Libby’s Craft and Sewing Group and Running With Sisers – Juliet and Romeo. You can also find me on FB at Libby’s Loft.com. Please join and feel free to ask questions and share your creations! I look forward to seeing you there!!

Until Next Time,

Happy Crafting!!

Disclaimer: Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Clicking on one of these links or making purchases at linked sites does not mean you pay more for your purchases. It means I may receive a small commission on your purchase. This commission helps defray the costs of this site and enables me to continue to provide you with new and exciting content.

Until next time,

Happy Crafting!!

Disclaimer: Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Clicking on one of these links or making purchases at linked sites does not mean you pay more for your purchases. It means I may receive a small commission on your purchase. This commission helps defray the costs of this site and enables me to continue to provide you with new and exciting content.