Knives & Foam Cutters

Upholstery Knives and Foam Cutters

Shop upholstery knives, foam cutters and replacement blades for cutting flexible foam, trimming furniture materials, skiving leather and carrying out general workroom cutting tasks. Livedale supplies electric and manual foam-cutting tools, retractable utility knives, specialist trimming knives and compatible replacement blades for professional upholstery, furniture production and repair.

The correct cutting tool depends on:

• Material being cut
• Material thickness
• Required finished shape
• Length of the cut
• Whether a straight vertical edge is required
• Amount of detailed trimming
• Blade type
• Tool compatibility
• Available cutting surface

A foam cutter, fabric shears, leather skife and utility knife perform different jobs. Using the correct tool normally provides more control than forcing one blade through every material in the workshop.

Shop Knives and Foam Cutters by Type

The range includes:

• A dual-blade electric foam cutter
• A manual foam-cutting blade
• 8″ and 12″ replacement KD-3 blades and guides
• Retractable craft and utility knives
• Spare utility and craft-knife blades
• A specialist upholstery trimmer’s knife
• A leather skife and matching replacement blades

Dual-Blade Electric Foam Cutter

The KD-3 Dual-Blade Electric Foam Cutter is supplied with an 8″ cutting height.

It uses:

• One moving blade
• One stationary blade
• Adjustable cutting speed

The paired-blade arrangement is designed for cutting suitable flexible upholstery foam with a straighter and more controlled edge than can generally be achieved by repeatedly sawing through a thick block with a short hand knife.

Potential applications include:

• Seat cushions
• Sofa and chair backs
• Bench seating
• Window seats
• Campervan cushions
• Caravan cushions
• Boat cushions
• Headboards
• Furniture padding
• General foam conversion

The 8″ cutting height refers to the maximum foam depth accommodated by the standard blade arrangement. The actual result will also depend on the foam type, density, shape and condition of the blades.

Cutting Flexible Upholstery Foam

Before cutting, measure and mark the required dimensions clearly.

Browse Rulers & Tape Measures for measuring foam sheets, cushion interiors and furniture sections.

Keep the foam supported on a flat surface and avoid compressing it unnecessarily while marking.

Guide the cutter steadily through the material and allow the blades to do the work. Excessive sideways pressure can cause the cutting line to wander or place unnecessary strain on the blade assembly.

For straight rectangular cushions, mark the cutting line on more than one face of the foam so the cutter can be checked as it moves through the full depth.

8″ KD-3 Replacement Blades

The standard KD-3 cutter uses:

• 8″ Moving Replacement Blade
• 8″ Guide and Stationary Blade

The moving blade and stationary guide blade perform different functions within the cutting assembly.

Check which component is worn or damaged before ordering a replacement.

Replace blades intended specifically for the KD-3 rather than fitting a blade of similar length from another cutter.

12″ KD-3 Blade Conversion

A larger cutting arrangement is also available:

• 12″ Moving Replacement Blade
• 12″ Guide and Stationary Blade

The 12″ guide and blade assembly is intended to increase the available cutting height of the KD-3 cutter.

Both the moving blade and the matching stationary guide need to correspond to the selected cutting height.

Do not combine an 8″ moving blade with a 12″ guide or vice versa.

Replacing KD-3 Blades

Disconnect the electric cutter from its power supply before inspecting, cleaning or replacing any blade component.

Follow the cutter manufacturer’s fitting and alignment instructions.

After replacement, check that:

• The moving blade is secure
• The stationary blade is correctly positioned
• The blade lengths match
• No component is bent
• The blades move freely
• Guards and fittings are replaced
• The cutter operates without unusual vibration

Store removed blades securely and dispose of damaged cutting components so their edges cannot cause injury.

Manual Foam-Cutting Blade

The Manual Foam-Cutting Blade provides a simple hand-operated option for suitable foam trimming and smaller cutting jobs.

A manual blade may be useful for:

• Trimming foam edges
• Adjusting smaller cushion interiors
• Removing limited amounts of foam
• Shaping corners
• Cutting thinner foam
• Work where an electric cutter is unnecessary

Keep the blade as upright as possible where a square vertical edge is required.

For thicker foam, mark both sides and check the cutting angle regularly.

Do not force a blunt blade through the foam. Excessive pressure can compress the material and produce a curved or uneven edge.

Choosing Manual or Electric Foam Cutting

Choose an electric foam cutter where:

• The foam is relatively thick
• Several pieces need to be cut
• A straighter vertical edge is important
• Repeated production work is involved
• Long cuts are required

Choose a manual foam-cutting blade where:

• Only limited trimming is needed
• The foam is relatively thin
• A small adjustment is required
• Access is restricted
• The cutting job does not justify setting up electrical equipment

Customers who prefer finished foam supplied to their measurements can use Foam Cut to Size.

Browse Upholstery Foam for foam sheets, cushion products and related filling materials.

Upholstery Trimming Knives

The C.S. Osborne No.79½ Sharp-Point Trimmer’s Knife has:

• Sharp-point steel blade
• Lacquered hardwood handle
• Fixed-blade construction

It is intended for suitable upholstery and trimming work where a pointed fixed blade provides controlled access.

Potential uses include:

• Detailed upholstery trimming
• Cutting around furniture shapes
• Trimming suitable covering materials
• Working in areas where a broad utility knife is awkward
• General furniture and trimming work

The sharp point requires careful handling. Store the knife so the blade cannot be contacted accidentally or damaged by other tools.

Retractable Craft Knife

The Retractable-Blade Craft Knife provides a compact general workroom cutter with a blade that can be withdrawn into the handle after use.

It may be useful for suitable:

• Card and template materials
• Packaging
• Light trimming
• Cutting tape
• General workshop tasks
• Detailed work requiring a smaller knife

Extend only the amount of blade needed for the cut.

Retract the blade immediately after use and do not leave the knife open on the workbench.

Retractable Utility Knife with Holder

The Retractable-Blade Utility Knife with Holder has:

• Aluminium-zinc alloy body
• Steel blade
• Belt clip
• Plastic storage holster

Its heavier body and holder make it a practical general workshop knife for suitable cutting and trimming tasks.

Potential uses include:

• Packaging materials
• Cardboard
• Suitable lining materials
• General trimming
• Opening rolls and boxes
• Cutting workroom materials suited to a utility blade

Avoid cutting directly towards the body or supporting hand.

Use the holster when carrying or storing the knife and ensure the blade is fully retracted.

Spare Utility and Craft-Knife Blades

Spare Blades for Utility & Craft Knives are available in packs of:

• 10
• 100

Check the blade dimensions, mounting slots and knife compatibility before ordering.

A replacement blade should fit securely within the knife body and retract correctly.

Do not fit a blade merely because it is approximately the same length as the original.

Leather Skiving Tools

The C.S. Osborne No.925 Leather Skife is intended for thinning or skiving suitable leather.

Skiving reduces thickness along selected leather areas and can be useful when preparing material for:

• Covered upholstery buttons
• Folded leather edges
• Seams
• Joins
• Decorative leather work
• Suitable furniture restoration

The tool uses a replaceable razor-style blade.

Work progressively, removing a small amount at a time rather than attempting to reduce the complete thickness in one pass.

Leather thickness, grain and firmness affect how the tool behaves, so test it on an offcut before working on the finished piece.

Skiving Leather for Covered Buttons

Leather may need to be reduced in thickness before it can be formed neatly around a button shell.

The skife can help reduce bulk around:

• Button edges
• Folds
• Rear gathering points
• Areas entering the button die

Browse Upholstery Buttoning Tools for button presses, cutters, dies and related equipment.

Remove only enough leather to allow the button to be formed securely.

Over-skiving can weaken the material or create an uneven visible surface.

C.S. Osborne No.925D Blade Dispenser

The C.S. Osborne No.925D Blade Safety Dispenser contains 20 replacement blades for the No.925 Leather Skife.

The dispenser provides a controlled way to store and change compatible skife blades.

Replace the blade when it becomes damaged, blunt or difficult to control.

Handle both new and used skife blades carefully and store used blades in a suitable sharps container or other secure disposal system.

Cutting Upholstery Fabric and Vinyl

Knives can be useful for selected trimming jobs, but long fabric panels are normally better cut with suitable shears.

Browse Upholstery Shears & Snips for fabric shears, scissors, snips and seam rippers.

Browse Upholstery Vinyl & Fabric for furniture coverings.

The most suitable cutting tool depends on:

• Fabric weight
• Weave
• Stretch
• Back coating
• Vinyl thickness
• Shape being cut
• Length of the cutting line
• Required accuracy

Use knives on a proper cutting surface and avoid cutting through fabric into a finished workbench, furniture component or flooring.

Automotive and Trimming Materials

For suitable vehicle, campervan and interior materials, browse Automotive & Headlining Fabrics.

Vehicle trimming may involve foam-backed fabric, vinyl, carpet, leather and panel materials, each requiring a suitable cutting method.

A sharp utility or trimming knife can be useful for selected detailed work, while shears are often more appropriate for long textile cuts.

Measuring and Marking Before Cutting

Accurate cutting begins with reliable measurements.

Browse:

• Measuring & Marking Tools
• Rulers & Tape Measures
• Chalks & Wax Markers

Mark:

• Finished dimensions
• Cutting allowance
• Centre lines
• Curves
• Tapers
• Left- and right-hand pieces
• Foam thickness
• Pattern direction
• Areas that must remain uncut

Measure twice before making the first cut, particularly where the foam, fabric or leather has been supplied for one specific piece of furniture.

Looking After Cutting Tools

A clean, sharp blade is generally easier to control than a damaged or blunt one.

After use:

• Retract or cover exposed blades
• Disconnect electric cutters
• Remove foam dust and fibres
• Check blades for damage
• Keep moving parts clean
• Store knives securely
• Keep replacement blades dry
• Separate sharp tools from loose workroom items

Do not attempt to straighten a badly bent blade for continued use.

Replace cutting components with the correct type for the tool.

Safe Cutting

Use cutting tools on a stable surface with adequate lighting.

Keep hands and loose clothing away from the cutting path.

Wear suitable protective equipment for the task and follow the manufacturer’s instructions supplied with electric equipment.

Avoid:

• Cutting towards the body
• Leaving exposed blades unattended
• Using excessive force
• Carrying an open knife
• Reaching beneath foam while cutting
• Replacing electric-cutter blades while connected to power
• Using damaged cables or switches
• Fitting incompatible replacement blades
• Allowing children access to knives or blades

Keep all knives, foam cutters and replacement blades securely out of the reach of children.

Associated Upholstery Products and Tools

The products most closely associated with this category are:

• Upholstery Foam
• Foam Cut to Size
• Upholstery Vinyl & Fabric
• Automotive & Headlining Fabrics
• Upholstery Shears & Snips
• Measuring & Marking Tools
• Upholstery Buttoning Tools

Return to the Upholstery Tools hub for hammers, pneumatic tools, measuring equipment, needles, pliers and other workroom tools.

Trade Upholstery Knives and Foam Cutters

Livedale supplies upholstery knives, electric foam cutters and replacement blades to professional upholsterers, furniture manufacturers, foam converters, automotive trimmers and repair workshops throughout the UK.

The range covers detailed trimming, leather skiving, general workroom cutting and electric cutting of thicker flexible foam.

Approved trade customers can access preferential pricing across eligible products after registering for a trade account.

Choose the cutting tool according to the material, thickness, required shape and compatible blade system.