Find HS Code and trade information for art knife

Art Knife

An art knife, also known as a hobby knife or precision knife, is a versatile tool used primarily for detailed cutting, crafting, and model-making.

Material:

• Blades: Typically made of high-carbon steel for sharpness and durability. Blades are often replaceable and come in various shapes.
• Handle: Commonly constructed from plastic, metal (aluminum is frequent), or a combination of materials for a comfortable and secure grip.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of an art knife is to provide a precise cutting edge for tasks requiring fine control and accuracy. It's used across a broad spectrum of applications where a standard knife would be too bulky or imprecise.

Function:

Art knives function by utilizing extremely sharp, often pointed or angled blades. The user applies manual pressure to control the depth and direction of the cut. Many models feature a retractable blade for safety and varying blade extensions for different cutting depths. The design allows for cuts on a variety of materials, depending on the blade type.

Usage Scenarios:

• Paper Crafting: Scrapbooking, card making, paper cutting, model building (e.g., architectural models, miniature figures).
• Graphic Design: Cutting masks for airbrushing, trimming film, creating stencils.
• Model Making: Cutting plastic, balsa wood, foam board, and other model-building materials.
• Sculpting: Carving soft materials like clay or wax.
• Electronics: Precise cutting of wires, circuit board modification (with appropriate safety precautions).
• Leather Crafting: Detailed cutting and shaping of leather.

Common Types:

• Standard Hobby Knife: Features a single blade, often with a #11 blade as a standard. Most versatile for general purpose cutting.
• Retractable Hobby Knife: Blade retracts into the handle for safety when not in use. Commonly used for everyday crafting.
• Swivel Blade Knife: The blade rotates within the handle, allowing for cuts along curves and intricate shapes without needing to rotate the entire knife.
• X-Acto Knife: A popular brand name often used generically to refer to hobby knives.
• Precision Scalpel: Similar to hobby knives but often with even finer blades and greater precision, frequently used in medical or scientific applications (though hobby versions exist).
• Rotary Cutter: Uses a circular blade and is ideal for cutting fabric and other flexible materials in straight lines. While not a traditional art knife, it's often used in related crafts.

Based on the provided information, “art knife” can be classified under several HS codes, depending on its specific characteristics. Here's a breakdown:

• 8208906000: This code covers knives and cutting blades for machines or mechanical appliances, and base metal parts thereof, categorized as "Other: Other (including parts)". This could apply if the art knife is designed for use with a machine or has a mechanical component. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprising a base tariff of 0.0%, an additional tariff of 25.0%, and a further 30% after April 2, 2025.
• 8211918060: This code applies to knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than those of heading 8208, and blades and other base metal parts thereof, specifically "Table knives having fixed blades: Other Other". If the art knife is a fixed-blade table knife, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 0.3¢ each + 4.9% + 37.5%.
• 8211929060: This code covers knives with cutting blades, serrated or not (including pruning knives), other than those of heading 8208, and blades and other base metal parts thereof, categorized as "Other knives having fixed blades: Other: Other Other". If the art knife is a fixed-blade knife that isn't a table knife, this code may be suitable. The total tax rate is 0.4¢ each + 6.1% + 37.5%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'art knife' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

It is important to determine whether the art knife has a fixed blade and its intended use to select the most appropriate HS code.