
Microsoft
Microsoft 22603 Excel Blades Dexter - 100 Pcs
★★★★★
Precision-ground carbon steel blades in a 100-pack give your makerspace cutting station the backbone it needs for clean, repeatable cuts.
$32.17*$35.32Save 8%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jun 27, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
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Overview
Key Features
Free Shatter resistant safety caps – unlike our competitors, we don’t believe you should have to pay extra for your safety
High grade machined aluminum –not all aluminum is created the same
Double honed carbon steel blade
American made components
Our quality carbon steel is unmatched and fits only our specifications
Specifications
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Blade Honing
Double Honed
Safety Feature
Shatter Resistant Safety Caps
Handle Material
High Grade Machined Aluminum
Components Origin
American Made
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- The double-honed carbon steel edge cuts cleanly through foam core, card stock, and vinyl in a single pass without tearing — critical for precision prototype work.
- 100 blades per pack means you can change blades frequently without cost anxiety, keeping every cut on a project as clean as the first.
- Included shatter-resistant safety caps on every blade make safe storage in shared makerspace environments straightforward.
- High-grade machined aluminum construction means the blade seats firmly without play, eliminating the micro-movement that causes inaccurate cuts on fine detail work.
- American-made components with Excel's own carbon steel specification deliver consistent hardness and edge quality across the full pack.
👎 Cons
- These blades are specific to Excel handle systems and are not compatible with generic craft knife handles found in most makerspaces.
- Carbon steel blades will corrode if stored in humid workshop environments — requires dry storage or individual capping to maintain edge quality.
- The 22603 profile is a general-purpose blade and lacks the specialized geometry of pointed detail blades needed for intricate stencil or PCB masking work.
- At high-volume production cutting, even a sharp 22603 blade will dull faster on abrasive materials like sandpaper-backed substrates, consuming the pack quickly.
- The safety caps, while included, are small and easy to misplace in a busy workshop, reducing their practical protective value over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of blade holder or handle do these Excel 22603 blades fit?
These blades are designed to fit Excel's own aluminum handle system, and the machined aluminum construction ensures a snug, rattle-free fit. They are not universally compatible with all craft knife handles — check that your handle accepts the 22603 profile before ordering. Using the correct matched handle is important for both safety and cutting accuracy.
Are the shatter-resistant safety caps included with every blade in the 100-piece pack?
Yes — Excel includes safety caps with this pack at no extra charge. Each blade ships with a cap, which matters when you're digging through a bin in a busy makerspace or pulling one blade from storage. This is a practical detail that competing blade packs often charge extra for or omit entirely.
How do these double-honed blades perform on layered materials like foam core or thick card stock?
The double-honed edge cuts cleanly through foam core, mat board, and layered card stock in a single controlled pass without tearing or compressing the material. The carbon steel holds its edge longer than stainless alternatives on abrasive materials, meaning fewer blade changes mid-project — a real advantage when you're cutting a high-count run of identical pieces.
When should I replace an Excel 22603 blade during a project?
Replace the blade the moment cuts start requiring more pressure to complete cleanly. On foam core or card stock, a sharp Excel blade should cut with minimal downward force — if you're pressing harder to get through, the edge has dulled. Dull blades are the leading cause of slipping and injury in makerspace environments, so the 100-pack makes frequent changes economically practical.
Are these blades made in the USA?
Yes — Excel specifies American-made components in their manufacturing process for the 22603. The carbon steel is produced to Excel's own material specifications, which is how they maintain consistent hardness and honing quality across a high-volume pack like this one.