Essdee Lino Cutters and Handle Set – 10 Cutters (Styles 1–10)

Ten cutting styles for developing your lino designs

Choose the Essdee Lino Cutters and Handle Set with 10 cutters when you want a broader selection of profiles in one kit. The L10S set includes one cutter in each of styles 1–10 and a single interchangeable handle. It is a practical choice for comparing different marks before deciding which cutting shapes suit your printmaking.

Contents and construction

• Ten precision-ground high-carbon steel cutters, styles 1–10.
• One polypropylene lino handle.
• An aluminium ferrule for fitting and tightening the selected cutter.

Change the cutting head as you move between sections of the design. Keeping a range of profiles in the same set lets you consider the shape of a mark alongside the space you want to remove, rather than trying to use one profile throughout the whole carving.

Compare line work and clearing cuts

The selection includes the fine-line and general-purpose profiles found in the five-cutter set, plus additional shapes for shallow, wider, flat-bottomed and V-shaped cuts. Essdee’s style guide describes the individual uses, helping you distinguish a cutter for outlining from a profile intended to remove a broader area.

Make a labelled sample of the ten styles on spare material. Try straight marks, curves and cleared areas, then print the sample to see how the remaining raised surface carries ink. Keep it as a reference for future drawings.

Plan the design before carving

Decide which parts of the image will print and which should remain blank. Begin with controlled cuts and check a proof before making major changes. Comparing the proof with your drawing helps you judge whether the background needs more clearing or a line needs refining.

Lino, printing ink, paper and an ink roller are purchased separately. Follow Essdee’s fitting and cutting instructions when changing or using the cutters.