CanoePam

I cut 125 strips yesterday, and the arthritis in my hands is really complaining. A few times the pain was so intense my hand just couldn't push the cutter at all. I have the original style Olfa cutters. Does anyone have personal experience with an ergonomic cutter that would be better for my hands? I see lots of ads, but I would prefer personal experience. I can't continue with what I have now.

Pam

PaperPrincess

I like the martelli. They have them for both right and left handed people.
https://www.amazon.com/Martelli-Ergo...+rotary+cutter

What I have found works best is to use different cutters in the same cutting 'session'. I cut with a fiskars stick type, then use the martelli, then back to the fiskars. I find that if I don't hold my hand in the exact same position it helps a lot.

MFord

Pam, I have the ergonomic cutter - in a drawer. I couldn't get the hang of using it. I totally understand your problem. I just cut a little, then sew a little, and don't get nearly as much done as I'd like. Sounds like the Accuquilt Go would be helpful, especially the electric one. They are expensive, though.

NoraB

Yikes, you were on a roll. I agree with Mford.....just try to rotate your activity..sew, cut, press. You are probably passionate about quilting, but take breaks...that will ensure that you can continue sewing. We need to remember our backs, wrists, shoulders, etc. My hand/wrist usually falls asleep - so I just get the tingling/numbness if I overuse my hand...but that worries me because there is no control or grip! Take care, take it slower and enjoy the process!

EasyPeezy

I have the Olfa ergonomic cutter and it's all I can use. You should still
take breaks when cutting. Don't want to cause any permanent injury.
Other things that helps when cutting strips is the Creative Grid Stripology
ruler. I also have the Slidelock rulers. I don't even use wrist bands now.
The Slidelock takes a lot of pressure out of your hands.

Prism99

It isn't just the cutter. It is the amount of repetitive motion you did. I would get the ergonomic Olfa cutter others recommend, space out the cutting *much* more, and start saving for an Accuquilt Go! Big. You want to save your hands as much as possible, and repetitive motion cutting is just asking for trouble.

KalamaQuilts

Pam, if you are right handed I'd be happy to trade you a box of scraps for my Martelli cutter.
Nothing wrong with it, I'm just an old dog and I prefer my curved olfa.

Skyangel

I personally live my Martelli ergonomic rotary cutter, I have 2 of them. When cutting multiple strips, I also use my June Taylor Shape Cut ruler, to make multiple cuts without moving the ruler.

kayluvs2quilt

I have the Martelli cutter and love it. I followed the instructions on the container and had no trouble learning to use it.

Terry in the ADK

I love the Omnigrid . It's self-retractable and works best in my arthritic, Carple tunnel suffering hand. Got it on line at Walmart and have seen at some of there stores!