A complete step-by-step guide to safely removing, sharpening, and reinstalling your guillotine cutter blade — keeping your machine performing at its best.
Paper cutter blades are among the most-replaced components on any guillotine cutter. Over time, even the sharpest blade dulls with regular use — affecting cut quality and increasing wear on the machine. Knowing how to safely swap out a blade yourself saves time and extends the life of your equipment. Follow this guide carefully for a smooth, safe replacement every time.

Step-by-Step Process
Replacing Your Blade in 6 Simple Steps
Position the Blade & Power Down
With the cutter blade at its highest position, switch off the main power, bring the machine to a full stop, engage the turning state, and rotate the knife bed to its centered position before proceeding.
Loosen & Remove the Blade
Loosen every fastening screw on the knife bed. Insert the included hex wrench into the hexagonal socket and rotate counterclockwise — the blade will automatically lower. Thread the handle screw into the blade's screw hole, use it to unhook the blade, and transfer it to the accessory rack or grinding box.
Inspect & Clean After Sharpening
Once sharpened, closely examine the blade's bevel angle and grind width. Clean the entire surface with a soft cloth — always wiping from the spine toward the edge, never along it or against it, to avoid accidental cuts.
Confirm Machine Is Fully Stopped
Before reinstalling, verify the main motor start button is in the off position and that the motor pulley is completely stationary. This critical safety check prevents the machine from starting unexpectedly during reinstallation.
Mount & Seat the New Blade
Thread the accessory wrench into the blade's screw hole, place it on the tool, and guide it toward the knife bed. Bow the blade slightly so both slot holes align with the knife bed hooks. Remove the wrench handle, reinsert the hex key into the hexagonal socket, and rotate clockwise — the blade will automatically rise and lock into position.
Tighten & Finalize
Fasten all blade-securing bolts firmly on the knife bed. Throughout the entire process, take care to prevent the blade edge from contacting any hard surfaces. Once the cutter is confirmed secure and all bolts are tight, store all tools — replacement is complete.
Ready for a Precision Cut Every Time?
Keep your workspace running smoothly with the Formax Cut-True 15M — a reliable manual guillotine cutter built for clean, accurate cuts time after time.
Cut-True 15M Cutter