EVA cutting and beveling problems

[Dropbear]

So I finally decided to build my first proper costume recently. I got hold of templates and a good tutorial to follow. It's a Halo: Reach ODST armor.
Cutting out and tracing the templates onto eva foam is pretty much straightforward for me.. well I could be neater but it works.
But when it came to cutting I ran into many problems.

Now I know to sharpen/replace blade every few cuts but it's not cutting for me (unintentional pun) I struggle to get neat lines that follow the template or they aren't smooth. I used some scissors and it works pretty well but it's hard to be accurate with them on small edges and odd angles. Using a knife has been difficult for me as well. I feel hopeless.
I also see people in videos cutting through it so accurately and like butter and for me it's like cutting wood with a butter knife sometimes. I am using one of those xacto blades that can snap off and those scalpel type blades as well but so far no dice.

Beveling is even worse I can't even seem to do it.. I am not sure what to do and am beginning to become frustrated.and unmotivated.

I am thinking of trying a wood burner/soldering iron with a knife attachment will work for me but I need to go out and buy one.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Klybern]

It does take practice making sure you stay at a consistent cutting angle I do like using a hot knife it seals while it cuts and gives nice smooth lines. My first few times I ended up trying to sand it down with a dremel tool

 

[George]

Hi DB,have a look at JfCustom's foam files thread with lots of hints and tricks for material and methods.
With regard to cutting it is said that frequent sharpening/replacement of the blades works in favor of clean cutting.The use of a ruler will at least help you with the straight lines.
Good luck for now and keep reading/watching tutorials