I have the Martelli cutter and love it!!! I have shoulder and elbow issues and this one is the best for me for cutting. I all the time cut 6 - 8 layers of fabric with no problem and no pain. I used to use cheaper blades in my cutter but find that the Martelli blades last longer than Olfa blades. I make a lot of quilts, about 50 a year and can go months, or at least 20 quilts before I have to replace blades. 5 years??? Maybe if you only make 2 quilts a year. At a quilt show a couple friends and I split a large pkg of blades. You can also find a 5 pack of blades on JoAnn's.com I buy them when they are on sale for 1/2 off

Thank you SO much everyone! Joann.com has both cutters 1/2 price right now & I just saw $1.99 shipping for Mother's Day. I have carpal tunnel, too. I'm only 49, so was surprised that the pain in my hand was osteoarthritis. Apparently, having a hysterectomy that threw me into menopause could be the root of this. Anyway, I have a lot of pain in my thumb joint, so a truly ergonomic cutter will be great. I think I'll go with the Martelli. I was surprised that is is less than the True cut at Joann! I've watched the videos, too, but wanted some "real people" input! LOL!

Thanks so much! blessings to you!

Let us know how you like it.
I have the Martelli but have thought about getting the True cut. We do love our toys!

I have thumb issues too and the Martelli cutter has made a huge difference. I can cut all day without problems. I would definitely recommend Martelli.

These are great posts, with lots of good information. Chefmama, thanks for the heads up about being able to buy the Martenelli with JoAnn's sale - I just did it too! Also replaced my omnigrid ruler by ordering an Olfa. I've never liked all those yellow grids on the omnigrid.
i didn't know that about hysterectomy/early menopause being linked to osteo arthritis...I hope yours stays manageable.

Had Martelli for at least 10 years. Love it - very easy on the hands and the safety opens automatically when I start cutting. Their blades are excellent as well. Big fan!

I just got my second Martelli, I really do love it. I, too, wore out the spring on the first one and the cover won
t stay open without that pesky spring. But my new one is perfect!

I had similar problem and Martelli replaced it.

I brought the Martelli while @ a quilt show in Texas. I love it. I have wrist and arm issues on both sides. The traditional cutters cause me pain,but the Martelli has made it quite possible for me to cut several layer at a time. I might suggest, it is probably an individual l thing. What works for one person ( & their health issues) may not work for another. So why not buy them both :)

Thanks for the info about the sale at JoAnn's, just placed my order for one and a set of blades. Have a bunch of fabrics that needs to be cut.
Also did not know about early menopause causing such problems, best let my SIL know about that fact.
Can't wait for my new cutter to arrive.