I have a 12" Olfa that I really like for trimming and cutting small pieces. I got it 2 years ago as a Christmas gift and the only thing that I don't like about it is the chemical odor. The Olfa company sent me a new one because the odor on the first one was so strong that it penetrated the whole house and made my eyes water when I was in the same room with it. The replacement is a little better, but I still keep it stored out in the garage when I'm not using it. The factory rep told me that the smell comes from the manufacturing process and theirs all have some smell, but most aren't as bad as the one I had. I have tried all the remedies the company suggested as well as those on various websites and nothing has worked. Maybe other brands are better, but my only experience has been with an Olfa.