Every artist has to cut paper, mat boards, and illustration boards to the right shape some time in their academic and/or professional career. To get the precise cut, utility knives and blades are commonly used by artists, craftsmen, draftsmen and students. Some knives use individual blades while others use snap-off blades. With a sharp edge, the blade can give you clean, smooth cuts, giving it that finished look that you need for your work. It is recommended if making straight cuts to use metal rulers and to use a delicate amount of pressure. Trying to slice through heavily and too quickly will result in jagged edges.