Thursday, October 2, 2008

Rotary Cutters

After 10 years of constant use, I think my rotary cutter needs to retire.

So...I was hoping you could help me (and probably a few other people) with my decision in deciding on a new one.

What rotary cutter do you use?
What do you like/dislike about it?

Thank you, lovely blogfriends!

26 comments:

  1. Erin October 2, 2008 at 12:26 PM

    I have a pink fiskars one. I bought it because with a coupon at Joanne's it was pretty cheap, also because it's pink.

    I like it fine when I have a brand new blade in it. It seems like I have to change the blade pretty often though. So that's what I don't like.

    It's the only kind I've ever had.

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  2. UnknownOctober 2, 2008 at 12:32 PM

    Hi Anina, I use both a Pink Olfa Ergonomic and a Fiskars ergonomic. I like both, but tend to use the Olfa more. It has a handle that you squeeze to let the blade out and when you let go, after cutting, the blade automatically retracts. A great feature, because you never need to worry about leaving the blade open and someone getting cut. I like this version better than the version you currently have for that reason alone. The blades are easy to change as well.

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  3. Three Birds InspiredOctober 2, 2008 at 12:45 PM

    Like Jackie, I have both the Olfa ergonomic and the Fiskars ergonomic (in pink). I actually prefer the Fiskars. It feels more "natural" in my hand.

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  4. nettieOctober 2, 2008 at 1:27 PM

    mine is just like yours, except the bigger blade--unless your is also the bigger blade, I can't really tell. I like it okay, but sometimes my hand gets tired. I'm curious to know how the "ergonomic" ones feel.

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  5. The Calico CatOctober 2, 2008 at 1:36 PM

    I like the Olfa ergonimic one that closes automatically.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 2, 2008 at 1:43 PM

    I have two recommendations. I love my left-handed Ergo 2000 by Martelli. It has a bent handle that is supposed to reduce strain in the wrist. There is a correct way to use it - forefinger extended along the top, thumb pressed to the side, close to your hand, remaining fingers curled around the bent handle. The guard requires a little flick of the middle finger, but it's easy to get accustomed to. There are left- and right-handed versions, and you can see mine here. It does require special blades.

    We have family sewing days once a month, and for that I prefer my Olfa 45mm Deluxe Ergonomic Rotary Cutter. I like that the blade is easily protected - you must squeeze the handle to expose the blade. You can switch the blade from one side to the other for right or left handed use, but in a pinch (and with just one or two layers of fabric) you can use it with either hand regardless of the side the blade is on. That makes it more convenient where there are a number of us sharing the cutter.

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  7. MariannaOctober 2, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    Olfa 45mm Deluxe Ergonomic Rotary Cutter hands down my favorite. I have used several others at a quilting store, but this one is the most comfortable one.

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  8. Two Dogs and a QuiltOctober 2, 2008 at 2:36 PM

    I have an Olfa 45mm Ergonomic too. It's the only one I've ever used though. I like all of the above mentioned qualities, and I like that it also has a lock for storage.

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  9. AnonymousOctober 2, 2008 at 3:59 PM

    I'm in the same boat as you - my cutters are both heading towards 20 years old!! I'll be interested to read these comments. Has anyone tried the Clover cutter?

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  10. SherriOctober 2, 2008 at 4:11 PM

    I use the larger size olfa ergonomic, and I love it! I used the 45 mm Olfa for years (in regular and ergonomic) before I tried the larger size...now I will never use the smaller size again! Cutting is faster and easier with the larger size!

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  11. DonnaOctober 2, 2008 at 5:33 PM

    I love the cutters from Dritz, they are blue in color because you don't have to remember to close them. The blade is only exposed with downward pressure on the fabric. The handles have rubber padding as well.

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  12. jacquieOctober 2, 2008 at 5:53 PM

    i have the same one you do. it's ok, but my hand hurts after lots of cutting. i wonder about the ergonomic ones.

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  13. Amanda JeanOctober 2, 2008 at 5:59 PM

    I'm on my second fiskars one. I like it. it's nothing fancy, but I like it, probably because it's so familiar.

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  14. CarrieOctober 2, 2008 at 8:19 PM

    I prefer the Olfa ergonomic 45mm cutter, for all the reasons already mentioned.
    Good luck!
    Let us know what you decide!

    ReplyDelete
  15. JenROctober 2, 2008 at 11:00 PM

    I have a Fiskars and love it. ( http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_45mm-rotary-cutter.aspx )

    It feels good in my hand. Of course, I've never had a different one. I have used a few others, and prefer mine. Maybe because, like Amanda Jean said, it's familiar.

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  16. JessicaOctober 2, 2008 at 11:09 PM

    I have a Clover rotary cutter and it is amazing. I had a Fiskar one before. The Clover is about a billion times sharper. Love it.

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  17. CrisOctober 3, 2008 at 6:05 AM

    This is the one I use, a present of my boyfriendo a thanksgiving for a cover I made for him...

    http://hagocosas.blogspot.com/2008/09/suertuda.html

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  18. LisaOctober 3, 2008 at 7:43 AM

    I use the same one that you have with no complaints... just have to have extra blades on hand.

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  19. deeOctober 3, 2008 at 10:11 AM

    I had the dritz blue one for years. I liked that it reamains closed until you press on it to cut. Now that My son is an adult I bought myself a large Fiskars that has a button that snaps it closed. I think I'd go back to the Dritz or one that is pressure sensitive since I forgot to snap this one closed and nicked my hand recently. Apparently I'm as dangerous as a child and wow did that tiny sucker bleed.

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  20. Katie JeanOctober 3, 2008 at 1:03 PM

    I have a gray fiskars one, and it works o.k. but the blade needs changing a lot. So, there might be a better brand. I've been wanting to switch for a while. I do like that it has a guard on it though, so I've had no cutting injuries so far.

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  21. UnknownOctober 3, 2008 at 1:33 PM

    LOL I can't help you- I have the exactly same one as you! :) My mom just got me the pink 60mm fiskars, though, that's supposed to be more comfortable. I like me old Olfa 45, but I'll give the new one a go and let you know! :)

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  22. Ida from Central PAOctober 6, 2008 at 10:49 AM

    left-handed Ergo 2000 by Martelli

    I love it. The special blades seem to last longer than other blades. I can cut more fabric with less effort -- which is good because I have a pinched nerve in my dominant hand (left), so a comfortable cutter that requires little effort is important to me.

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  23. Mary Lou WeidmanOctober 6, 2008 at 9:18 PM

    I adore my Clover cutter which closes and opens on it's own and has super control...it is my favorite gadget...I never leave home without it.
    Hey, I LOVE your blog...such fun to come and visit.
    Mary Lou Weidman

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  24. AnonymousOctober 7, 2008 at 5:53 AM

    Wow... I'm still getting over the whole 10 years thing!! heh heh Keep up the great work... it's brilliant!! Lx

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  25. ValOctober 8, 2008 at 6:29 PM

    This is my first visit to your blog and I will be back. I am just starting to quilt, so I would not be the one to tell you about rotary cutters.

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  26. Meike The DutchladyOctober 9, 2008 at 10:06 AM

    I have two Olfa cutters but I am using Clover blades. The Olfa blades started to get rusty very quickly.

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