ickle.org » x-acto blades

Before desktop computers became ubiquitous, X-acto blades were a designer's best friend. An X-acto blade, used in conjunction with a t-square, cut much straighter lines than could be achieved with scissors.

An X-acto blade could cut smooth curves and tiny inside corners with pinpoint precision. Even for a job as mundane as opening a sealed envelope, X-acto blades were there to help you out.

But none of that is what runs through your mind when you absentmindedly reach into your pen jar and wind up with a #11 sticking out of your index finger.

C?