Digital BW, The Print

This is probably more of a painter's question, but I am exploring the Arches watercolor paper that is sold in "blocks."  The 12 x 16 inch size is what I'm printing on now.  I hope it becomes a more convenient way to print on Arches that are less than full sheets (22x30").

The packaging is most interesting.  It has a black edge all around it that is glued tightly to the paper edges.  

Question: How do most users of this paper remove the paper, and how do they remove the black edge -- if at all?

I took  knife and cut the edge binder to remove a single sheet, and it is printing fine.  The edge will be hidden by the mat, so it won't show when matted.  But, still, it would be nice to totally remove the edge material without having to cut the paper.

Does anyone have any experience with these Arches paper blocks?

This one was purchased mail order from Blick.  I thought our local store had some block paper without the black around the edges.  

Are different versions of this sold through different retailers?  Is there a version without the black edge binder all the way around?

Thanks,

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com