For [...]]]> A fellow dysgraphic named Hannah recently commented on my post about dysgraphia and X-Acto knives.  She’s a costume designer who struggles with drawing, but manages hand-stitching and cutting without too much difficulty.  It got me thinking about how important it is to have the right tools when you’re trying to work around something like dysgraphia.

For instance, I’ve known for years that I write much MUCH better with certain writing implements.  I need to use a soft #2 pencil, made of wood and graphite.  I can’t use those plastic-y #2 pencils (someone once told me they were called “pressed lead”, and mechanical pencils are right out.   I need to use a medium tip ball point where the ball rolls fairly easily, but not too easily.  The grip needs to be wide, but not too wide; and a lot of those nice refillable pens are too heavy and cause fatigue.  Rollerball pens are also right out.  When I try to do something as simple as sign a check with those bastards, it looks like a 10-year-old’s attempt at forgery.

As for art, I learned pretty early that certain brushes and certain supports are crucial to working pain-free.  I work on supports that are absolutely rigid — found objects made of plastic and metal — because canvas and even board can have too much give, and that kills my hand.  As for brushes, I need ones where the bristles aren’t too soft, but aren’t so stiff that they leave brushstrokes where I don’t want them.  They also need to be a shape that’s easy to control.  My favorites are the Winsor Newton Filberts.  Click on the image to check them out.

As for the #16 X-Acto stencil blades that started this whole thing, I still use them, and they’re still great.  I tried some of the other blades, and even when they’re sharp and new, they’re just not as easy to handle as the #16’s.

And I was sitting there, trying to figure out how to solve this problem.  Multiplication?  [...]]]> So I’m working on this art project, right, and I’m going to be applying these 1.5 inch decorative leaves to a certain space that’s 7 inches wide. I’m trying to figure out how many leaves I’ll need to cover the space.

And I was sitting there, trying to figure out how to solve this problem.  Multiplication?  Division?  I tried both, and both answers seemed perfectly cromulent.  Finally I got out my tape measure and tried to count the number of times 1.5 inches happens in 7 inches.

As I did this, it occurred to me that I had a 7 inch space, and basically I was dividing it into 1.5 increments.

Oh, language, my old friend… without you, I wouldn’t be able to do a third grade level word problems in under 15 minutes.

Turns out I just didn’t have [...]]]> A few months ago I wrote about how hard it often is for me to use an X-acto knife.  Motor dysgraphia apparently involves poor muscle tone in the fingers, making small precision work very difficult. What’s worse than the clumsiness is the shooting, cramping pain that comes with it.

Turns out I just didn’t have the right tools for the job. One day before class I noticed that my X-acto knife was covered in gel medium.  This meant it was effectively ruined.  I was annoyed with myself for being so careless with it, because now I would have to go to an art supply store before class and get replacement blades.  I would also have to figure out what sort of knife I had and what sort of blades it would take.  The knife was easy enough; it’s the X-acto Gripster, and it hasn’t changed any since I bought it several years ago.

X-Acto Gripster Knife

Then I needed to determine what size blades it takes, and which one I needed for my task, which was cutting stencils.  I spent some time on Dick Blick’s web site and discovered that there are several kinds of blade that fit my knife.  The blurb for #16 said it was good for stencils.

I prepared myself for an evening of pain and fatigue, but my hands were fine!  I think the blade my knife came with was just bad, or it had dulled significantly over time, or it was just the wrong tool for my material.  I’ve been using the #16 blade all term, for stencils and for magazine images, and it’s great.  I was expecting my new blade to be an improvement, but never would I have expected that using it would be pain-free.  I can’t describe how nice it is to feel like I have fine motor control.

So I’m passing along my discovery. If you’re in the market for an x-acto knife or replacement blades, click below.

X-Acto Gripster Knife X-Acto’s Gripster Knife features a soft rubberized barrel for a firmer, more comfortable grip and better control. Rear blade release makes blade changing safer, easier, and faster. An aluminum octagonal nut at the base of the barrel provides an anti-roll stop, great for those who work on slanted surfaces. The Gripster is supplied with a #11 blade but will also accept blades #10 through #16.

#16 For stenciling, scoring, etching. Fits #1 and X2000 knives. Available for bulk purchase or in a safety dispenser package.