Reviews : Tamiya Plastic Scriber II

Got this as a replacement for another scriber that I have used over the years, and one that I have never really been all that satisfied with. I think for me the difference comes in the actual action of the tool. The way this scriber works is that it is held parallel with the surface, and drawn back towards the modeler. After the initial pass to establish the line, I find that this tool tends to follow said line very well for repeated passes. The tool comes with three blades, two of which are mounted in the handle and one which is already mounted in the retractable holder. The handle itself feels weighty considering that it is made out of plastic and feels good in hand. The blades themselves are VERY sharp and capable of scribing a very fine line. One nice feature as well is that the inner part of the blade is also sharpened for ridge removal after scribing. Definitely a must have in any hobbyists toolbox.

In an effort to make my builds look better I've been making a concerted effort to minimize my seam lines. That ultimately means a little bit of sanding which also means losing panel details. This plastic scriber brought every lost detail back. I will say, it is a hard tool to get the hang of. You basically just let the weight of the blade bring back any lost details while carefully guiding it. It is very easy to slip (which I did a few times) and cause accidental scratches in the plastic. I have no doubts that with practice I will get a better feel for the tool and by no means am I dissuading anyone on the fence about this product however. This was exactly what I was looking for and I'm no longer apprehensive about sanding off certain details, as this tool brings them back.

I've been building models for more years than I care to mention and this is the best scriber I've found. Blades are very sharp and versatile, handle feels good in your hand, very easy to use. Pull action makes it nice to cut a straight line, but other edges are good to use to get in tight places. Cons are that glue joints are harder to cut than plastic so you must be careful and patient to make straight cuts because the sharpness of the blade seeks the path of least resistance, but with care it can be done. Also if your kits parts don't fit exactly right and you have joints that need putty, use the scriber to lightly clean out the joint to make your putty fill better. I highly recommend this tool to anyone who builds models!

I was using various tools on hand to do panel scribing, a hobby knife, an old dental pick, an old paring knife, a broken pin file, etc. I'd say my odds were typically 50/50 on making errors. I notice a number of reviewers and youtubers using this tool. Before I started my next model, I thought I'd pick one up. And...It works. The cutter's edge is a very sharp edge, the blade made of, what looks to be, a hardened steel (?), and the handle fits my palm comfortably. I'm guessing these features help make it easier to track existing panel lines. My odds on errors has decreased, with cleaner, straighter, better defined panel lines as a result. And it comes with two spare blades!

A great scriber. I use it on 1/48 airplane panel lines. The best way I've found to use it is to push first (not pull) several times, little to no pressure, to establish a groove. Once the groove is established, a to-and-fro movement over short segments will scribe up a good deal of plastic. Perfect for re-scribing sanded areas. I think it works best with a rigid straight edge, such as a strip of Dymo tape, to avoid errant scratches.

The handle feels comfortable in hand, comes with 2 extra blades as well. The edge is really fine, can follow shallow seams for first pass without much issue, additional passes stay within the original scribed channel really well. Was also pleasantly surprises with the inner part of the blade being sharp as well for some sprue and edge clean up. Great must have tool!

Love this tool! Very good at re-establishing panel lines after sanding or filling. I use it on almost all of my builds for doors, trunk, even around windows! Even came with extra blades that are stored in the handle!

This is the first time I've ever used a scriber. You need a steady hand, but this will give you a good sharp line. And if you don't have a steady hand they sell filler and sandpaper here too.

The Tamiya scriber is relatively easy to use to re-scribe panel lines lost in sanding or texturizing a model. It's an economical and far more effective tool than their needle-like equivalents.

I have tried other scribers in the past and have found them either harder to use or the end result is not very good. This tool however I am very pleased with and makes fantastic panel lines.

This thing is a game changer. I was using a straight blade. What a waste of time. Getting the clean lines you want on your builds, requires a solid product like this.

First tool of this type ever purchased. Wish now I'd had one from the start(early 60's and been doing this for 40 years). Definitely worth getting!!

I thoroughly enjoy using this scriber even though it's my first one and I'm still getting used to it. I would recommend to any level model builder.

Trying to scribe the panel lines deeper, but very sharp and easily cut thru areas other than the panel lines, might want one not as sharp

This is a good bargain for the price and is also solidly made. The blade is very fine and sharp. An essential to have in the tool box.

A great tool. It cuts great and nthe design of the blade makes scribing or cutting an easy task. I highly recommend it.

Takes some getting used to for first timers. Trick is to keep very light pressure. Don't do the job in one pass.

This is a great scriber from Tamiya, it's simple to use and it does what it is supposed to do

Very nice tool here. Extra blade in the handle. Comfortable to hold. Easy to use.

Like the product, but I couldnt use on my 911, the plastic is really thin.

Perfect scriber. Easy to use and does a great job.