yes, a needle threader is also important to me and I can't imagine sewing without a thread cutter. Also a needle up/down feature is helpful for quilters

I Love the thread cutter. I use it all the time! Mine isn't on the pedal; it has its own button.

The only machine I have with a thread cutter is my Juki. It is nice and very handy when you are piecing. Can I live without it? Easily. I use 6 other machines, none of which has a thread cutter and I do just fine. I consider it a convenience and not a necessity.

I really dislike my thread cutter!! Cuts the thread too short and most of the time will not pick up when I try to sew again, or worse, makes a birds nest when starting a seam. And yes it has been to the doctor and I was told that it is just fine - nothing wrong with it (actually be two or three separate sewing machine doctors). There is nothing wrong with using a pair of nippers at the end of a seam.

My first Janome was a 3160, and it was my first machine with the built in thread cutter, love it. I also like the needle up/down and the knee lift too. I loved my Janome 3160, and upgraded to an 8900.

I have a Janome 9400, and I do not sit down to sew without using the needle threader and the thread cutter. It really speeds things us.

Once you start using the luxury of a thread cutter it is difficult to go back to not having one. I love it.

I agree ... threader, cutter and knee lifter for presser foot ... gotta have. Ha

it's sometimes handy, but I don't use as much as I'd like cause the tail it leaves is too short (I know that tech should be able to adjust--never gets it right)and then it bunches with the next seam. What's more important to me is the needle up/down feature, speed adjustment and needle threader.

I have a 3160 as a retreat / camping machine and I love it. I live the thread cutter, the up/down button but most especially love the start stop button, I don't even know where my foot feet is. I haven't used one in years.