Don't know if this idea would help or not...but I recently saw at a LQS a suction type handle that attaches to the clear ruler to help a person stabilize the ruler with one hand while cutting with another. The idea in your case would be that your holding hand wouldn't be down on the ruler...it would be up on this large oversized type handle...so it would be out of the way. Also I use a rotary cutter that the blade is only exposed when I grip the handle...as soon as I let go it retracts back safely...another safety mechanism.