Neat & tidy tab-slits?

[Verde]

How on earth do you cut very neat, tidy and precise tab slits into your paper/card creations? No matter what method I try I end up with something that looks scruffy. I'm trying to make a slit (through card) that's about 10 mm long and 2 mm wide to close a sculptural book with ribbon.

I often use round holes instead, but I think I should learn how to do proper slits.

Thank you in advance.

[themysticmuffin]

Are you using an x-acto knife? That's how I cut paper projects (okay, admittedly, that's my preferred utensil for cutting anything, really...) but they're really precise.

[Verde]

I'm using something that's pretty much an X-Acto knife but without the branding. I've experimented with different shape blades, perhaps need to do that some more.

[winterglo]

I use a craft knife which is also like an x-acto, but I also use a steel ruler to "steady" my knife while cutting. 

Also, try not dragging the blade across the cardboard, which might make it a "scruffy" slit.  Be firm, and slice into the cardboard, no dragging - then lift up and do that again.

Sometimes I flip the cardboard/cardstock that I am working with over and cut from both sides to reduce excess wear on just one side.

I hope my explanations aren't too confusing!  Just practice, you'll get it!