My vote is for Kai...I have the Havel's and love them, but the Kai can get into tiny places much better. I have the straight and curved Kai..I prefer the curved for most applique, as they are easier to maneuver around circles and curves. I use the straight for straight cuts. I started out with just the straight Kai, and they work just fine for circles and curves, but the curved are easier. If you have a lot of trimming to do at one time, another consideration is the handles. Havel's larger finger holes are way more comfortable, while the Kai have small holes, and I find when cutting a lot, my hands cramp up.