About the Martelli rotary cutter:
- you need to have intact right [or left if you are a lefty, or have become one due to arthritis] index finger because in using the ruler you need that index finger pressure. OK, sometimes you can use the third finger, but those joints need to be intact also.
- since Martelli blades fit the Olfas I expec the Olfa blades would fit the Martelli. However, many friends do report that the Martelli blades do last longer .... esp in combo with a Martelli mat.
With arthritis in your hands, expect things to change as you go. I started with a Fiskars, changed to a Martelli, then am now back at Olfa - the one with the retractable blade when you don't use it ... sorta a pistol grip, if you will. Adaptation to what fits you is the key. TYry friends' cutters before you buy if you can.
I also now use my Alto's QuiltCut2 more consistently as holding rulers hurts. The Alto's only requires one pressure point to hold the cutting edge in place and even that doesn't require as much pressure as most rulers. Some rotary rulers work better for me. Again, try different ones before you buy.
With arthritis it is better if you can also adapt the height of your cutting table. This will help you preserve function longer.
The type sewing machine you use may change. I went straight to Pfaff due to the dual feed technology so I don't have to work to hold my fabric like I used to.
I also have what was called a Third Hand - for cutting templates - not the third hand for hand work. It had a revolving base and an overhead central clamp to hold a template while I cut around the template, revolving the base as I cut. I'll try to find out if such a thing is made anymore.