As someone who loves crafting holiday décor, I spend hours creating everything from spooky miniature dioramas and Halloween garlands. My craft knife has been my go-to tool in the past; however, this helper soon became a hazard. Ordinary craft knives can be difficult on the hands, even in the best of conditions. Unfortunately, after being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the stiffness and pain in my fingers have made even the simplest cutting tasks feel excruciating. Just when I thought about not creating holiday décor this year, Hozo Design sent me its heart-winning NeoBlade, a wireless ultrasonic cutter, and everything changed for good.
I was skeptical when I first got NeoBlade; I had never worked with an ultrasonic cutter before and wasn’t sure what to expect. However, within minutes of using it, I realized how much strain I had been putting on my hands all these years by using ordinary craft knives.
This 6.4-ounce device (battery included) is incredibly easy to use. It glides through various craft materials with minimal pressure needed. It has made creating holiday decorations at home really easy for me. So let’s break down the specs and who can use it in this detailed review of NeoBlade.
Precision and Versatility for Creatives
The sleek, compact NeoBlade ultrasonic cutter is easy to maneuver thanks to its wireless design that rests easily on the purlicue, the space between your thumb and the forefinger. Its 40 kHz ultrasonic vibration technology easily allows the device to cut through different materials with ease, whether it is paper, foam, thin MDF board, 3D printed components, or even acrylic. This made every cut feel effortless, something I didn’t think was possible. Minimum pressure, cleaner and smoother cuts, what else does a DIYer need?
NeoBlade comes with two detachable batteries and six spare blades, which makes all the difference for me. If you are into crafting and DIY-ing holiday decorations, you must be familiar with the frustration of switching blades mid-project and the constant hand pressure. All of this puts a discouraging dent in the progress. Luckily, NeoBlade tackles these issues with ease.
Its ultrasonic vibrations in two modes let you cut through various materials without applying much pressure (one-tenth of what I used to apply to the typical craft knife). The sharp blades with different sharpness and edges make it easier to tackle whatever you throw at them, and the spring-loaded dispenser makes switching blades effortless. You take off the top of the cap, and there is a small screw to unscrew the blade, so you can change it.
All of this ensures that I keep on creating without any technical interruptions, while the detachable batteries make the tool a perfect companion for time-consuming projects, so I don’t lose momentum. The TurboDock charging station has a dual slot, where I can charge the spare battery and the device at the same time, and it only takes 30 minutes.
Now I tried to cut a thin foam paper sheet, which took practically no effort. Next came a thick foam sheet, on which NeoBlade glided ever so smoothly. Admittedly, I had to repeat the motion twice in Precision Mode. Now in Continuous Mode, those two cuts become one. This task would have been arduous with my old craft knife, taking me triple the time and so much pressure, not to mention the jagged edges I would end up with.
I was also curious whether the wireless ultrasonic will cut through thin MDF board or plastics. So I tested it on an MDF coaster and a 2 mm thick plastic piece, which I have no idea belonged to what exactly. Both of these took a little bit more pressure than paper and foam, which was to be expected. But I was surprised to see how quickly it went through the materials. So, I can safely say that if you are working with 3D printed models, where you need to make finer details, NeoBlade is your pal. It also works amazingly for people who regularly work with the materials mentioned above.
A Tool for Uninterrupted Crafting
Hozo Design has made NeoBlade to intuitively adapt to the material being cut. The ultrasonic knife comes with an auto power adjustment feature that ensures the right amount of pressure without my needing to toggle the settings. There are two cutting modes, which further make things easier.
The Precision Mode works best for delicate work, to cut tight corners, detailed edges, or the smallest details in miniature work. This mode is perfect for when I begin to create my annual haunted town or Christmas village setup. It offers controlled, steady cutting that is needed for fine patterns or intricate shapes. You attach the battery, push the button on the front, and you get Precision Mode.
The second is the Continuous Mode, which is great for tackling larger projects. You slide the button back from Precision Mode to switch to Continuous Mode. With its steady ultrasonic vibrations, you can see through longer, uninterrupted cuts. This mode came in handy when I was cutting the thick foam sheet. Given how easy it is to switch between the two modes, I did not lose any momentum and was left thoroughly impressed.
Now let’s talk about who it is made for. NeoBlade is perfect for someone who creates these things on a regular basis. If you are a hobbyist, a DIY crafter, or a professional designer looking to upgrade your craft knife, this wireless ultrasonic knife is for you.
You can cut thin MDF board, leather, acrylic, foam sheets, cardboard, and other 1-2mm thick materials with ease with NeoBlade. However, I would not recommend you to cut through thick wooden components, because when I was cutting through the MDF coaster, I could feel the coaster getting quite warm. It could be a fire hazard, which I obviously did not push to test. Chiseling, on the other hand, could be achieved with this knife.
That said, I am glad to have tested Hozo Design’s NeoBlade. It has paved the way for easy crafting for my stiff fingers. If you want one, you can grab one of the three variants on Hozo Design’s website. The three variants – NeoBlade, Creator Combo, and Premium Combo – come with a slew of accessories and cost $152, $223, and 345, respectively. I am currently working with the NeoBlade Creator Combo variant. But if you can, spring for the additional blade dispensing accessory.
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