I went to the doctor a few years ago and learned that the thumb joint in my right hand needs to be babied if I want to avoid surgery. For the most part, I have been able to do that. However, recently I have noticed that cutting with my regular 60mm Olfa is causing some aching at the base of my thumb that persists for a day or two. So, I am looking at the Martelli.
Years ago I purchased the 45mm Martelli and might have gotten used to using it. However, I realized pretty quickly that it did not work well in my June Tailor strip cutting mats, which I use often. So that cutter got forgotten and is lying in a drawer somewhere in the house, waiting to become a vintage collectible.
I know that Martelli has changed their cutters since that experience. This video shows the differences:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ACuhS53ko
I do almost all of my cutting with a 60mm cutter because I just find that size easier to use than a 45mm. That's why I am thinking of getting the 60mm Martelli. I figure the blade casing will sit high enough so that I will be able to use my June Tailor cutting mats with it.
The price for the 60mm is pretty good on Amazon. Some of the reviews complain about the blade, but others say that replacing the blade that comes with the cutter eliminates that problem.
Anyone have comments before I make the plunge? I am not looking forward to changing my cutting habits, but looking closely at the videos and experimenting with my thumb and hand positions, I do think the Martelli would relieve pressure on my base thumb joint.
Edit: p.s. How do you like the safety shield mechanism? One video showed the Martelli guy opening and closing it by running the cutter over the mat in a certain way. Is this easy to learn and do? Otherwise I noticed a complaint that it is awkward to open and close the shield because you need to use the opposite hand to do that.