Utility blade kit card

Warning: do not print and then attempt to force a blade into the holder. That is a good way to cut off a finger! At least skim the ‘Printing instructions’ if you’re already familiar with pause at height/M600/etc.

Easy to print and convenient to carry or store. Great for carrying in a wallet, or storing in a glove box, junk drawer, workshop, garage, barn, and useful for every day tasks as well as camping, hiking, hunting, prepping/survivalist supplies, emergency kits, and any other situation that you may find yourself in the need of a blade. It's always better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!

The closing mechanism was primarily designed for safe disposal of the blade once it has been used (ie: single use), however, I have found that it can be reused a few times while still closing relatively securely. If you wish to be able to use it multiple times, I would recommend using at least PETG over PLA to keep the closing mechanism from wearing down or deforming too much from repeated use. 

The blade is ‘printed into’ the kit card using an M600 command (see below for detailed instructions). It was designed to be printed at 0.2mm layer height, lower layers may work but the closing mechanism may not be as reliable. Otherwise, your normal printing settings should do fine, I used 3 bottom layers, 4 top layers, and 4 perimeters, and slowed down my first layer speed a bit more than normal since there's some small gaps that tended to hang on to the nozzle at my normal speeds.  

Printing instructions 

• Step 1. Add M600 (manual color change) at layer 11 (2.2mm). This assumes you are printing at 0.2mm layer height. If not, adjust accordingly by placing the pause at the first layer that bridges over the recess for the blade. 

• Step 2. Once the print pauses, insert blades into the recesses. The fit is snug, but not tight. Make sure they are seated into the recess, or you risk your nozzle colliding with the blade. It may be worthwhile to give the blades a quick wash with soap and water to remove any oil that may have been applied by the manufacturer. I found that without washing them, the bridging over top tended to lift off the blade as the subsequent lines were printed, but that ultimately only resulted in cosmetic issues, the functionality and sturdiness was not affected. 
   

Assembly/Usage/Disposal

• Step 1. When ready for use, begin by breaking the tabs holding the knife in place. I find it easiest to put my fingernail between the body of the blade holder and the raised portion of the large tabs and prying a bit to make them snap, then doing the same alone the long edge of the body, then bending it back and forth a few times before using my fingernail again as a wedge for the remining tabs. I assume if you think yourself responsible enough to print this and use a utility knife, that you are capable of figuring out how to remove it from the card, so I didn't make a play by play video, I'm sure you'll manage fine without it. 

• Step 2. The cover can now be removed, this is the shorter of the two parts. 

• Step 3. When ready to put away or dispose of safely, use the blade to remove the small rectangle (‘locking pin’) remaining on the kit card. 

• Step 4. Insert the locking pin in the recess found on the side of the blade that touched the build plate when printed. The flat side of the locking pin should be against the blade. 

• Step 5. Place the cover over the blade and line up the recess on the cover piece and slide it over the locking pin. 

• Step 6. Carefully apply firm pressure to bring the cover and case together. You should feel two clicks. There will be a small gap remaining as seen in the photo below. The blade may now be disposed of, or stored for later use (as stated above, PLA not recommended for repeated use as the locking pin will quickly wear down). 

Enjoy! And remember, kids: Safety doesn't happen on accident!

****Edit 07.11.23 - Added a dual sided version (both ends of blade are usable, with a cap and locking pin for each side) per request.