Cutting Amsteel Blue

[Catavarie]

Do people really have that much trouble cutting through Amsteel Blue? I've never had any issue slicing through it with a knife or scissors. So now I'm concerned that I'm not getting the real thing.

Or maybe I'm just a master at cutting things, who knows.

[Bomber]

With a sharp knife or scissors - no problems

[hiker_DC]

I've had trouble with junk scissors. The real key is to cut closer to the handle of the scissors where there is more leverage and not down near the tips.

[chickenwing]

I had trouble in the beginning - but then again I was using crap scissors and/or not sharp enough knife. Now I know the error of my ways and I slice thru Amsteel Blue with a utility knife like a hot knife thru butter.

MMMMmmmmm. hot butter on biscuits. oops! guess I am a little hungry. sorry.

You're probably a master cutter

[Southernfan6885]

I actually have a small razor that I use.

[Alamosa]

I think it really comes down to how sensitive you are to a little fraying. When I cut amsteel with my pocket knife, I can tell how sharp my knife is by how easily it cuts. I can even see it's effectiveness go down as I make many cuts.

However, since I will be burying it anyway and will actually be cutting some of the strands shorter to help with the splice, I never worry about a little fraying. It probably helps making a smooth tapered splice anyway.

[johnfolsomjr]

I use a folding razor knife and a self-healing cutting mat to dice up my amsteel. I think the key to getting good cuts is more the cutting surface then the knife...

[JaxHiker]

Well, I used only top quality scissors and had no luck. I even tried my fiberglass shears. No joy. I'm not talking a little fraying. I'm talking a horrible, useless mess.

Now I'm using a ceramic knife and it's freakin' awesome!

[blkx01]

+1 on sharp knife & self healing mat.

[ewok]

They sell some scissors that are made for cutting Spectra fishing line. I plan on looking into some of these.