Ideal Guillotine Knife Replacement Blades
Print shops running Ideal cutters usually need one thing: a knife that arrives at the right length and bevel, cuts clean on the first lift, and does not chip. We make them to your machine model or to a measured blade, in T1 or M2 high speed steel.
What to send for a quotation
| Machine model | From the nameplate, or the model marking on the machine casting |
| Knife length | Overall, tip to tip |
| Height | Edge to back — and say whether the knife has been reground |
| Thickness | Measured on the body with a caliper, not on the bevel |
| Hole pattern | Number of holes, diameter, pitch and distance from the back edge |
| Stock | What you cut most and the heaviest lift — this sets the bevel angle |
A photo of the old knife lying next to a steel rule, plus one of the machine nameplate, is enough when the model number is not visible.
Steel choice: T1 or M2
Both are high speed steels, and the choice comes down to how your knives fail rather than to a hardness competition. Knives that wear evenly over a long run point to T1. Knives that chip or pick up nicks — recycled stock, staples, thick lifts, an older machine — point to M2 and a stronger bevel. The comparison, with the decision rule, is in T1 or M2: choosing the steel.
Bevel angle matched to the stock
A bevel that is right for 80 gsm bond is too fragile for 350 gsm board, and a bevel that survives board will crush thin paper. If one machine cuts both, the honest answer is two knives. Tell us the stock mix and we grind the bevel to it rather than shipping a generic angle.
Regrinding and replacement
Grinding removes height, and every cutter has a minimum knife height for the clamp to hold safely. Keep a record of height after each regrind and you will know months ahead when a replacement is due — far better than discovering it mid-job. Send the current height and the machine model and we will tell you how many grinds are left.
Packing and delivery
Knives ship in a wooden case with the edge protected and the drawing reference marked on the case. Standard sizes are held for fast shipment; made-to-drawing knives typically two to four weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can you identify the knife from the machine model alone?
Usually yes. Ideal cutters have well-documented knife sizes, and the model plate is enough for us to quote. We still issue a drawing for approval, because machines are sometimes rebuilt with a different clamp or knife carrier.
My knife has been reground several times - do I order the same size?
Order the original height, not the current one, or tell us both. Copying a reground knife gives you a blade that is short from the first day and reaches its minimum height early.
How fast can you ship a standard knife?
Common sizes are held in stock and can ship quickly; we confirm availability with the quotation. Custom lengths and bevels are made to order.
Do you supply knives outside the Ideal range?
Yes. We also make knives for Polar, Wohlenberg and Perfecta cutters, and for other machines to drawing.