martelli rotary cutters and blades advice please
 

Like many of us I have arthritis which is making cutting more painful than comfortable despite sharp blades. I have been thinking of changing from an Olfa to a Martelli cutter. I have also just been given a present of 10 new blades from my husband who believes that I have been trying to make do so I have more to spend on fabric. Not so. my question is will I be able to use these blades in a Martelli cutter? I certainly don't want to have to buy more and waste the new one I have.

martelli cutters require martelli blades.
however, since everyone i know who uses martelli cutters raves about how wonderful they are, it will probably be worthwhile for you to invest in one + blades.
(see if you can find somebody who already has one so you can do a test drive first.)

if you do switch brands - and if you haven't yet opened the package - maybe you can find a shop that will let you trade your olfa blades for fabric. that's a long shot, but there'd be no harm in asking.

I have a Martelli cutter and use Martelli blades. I also have an Olfa. For me, switching back and forth between the two offers the most comfort. Although I really like the Martelli it seems that switching positions works really well.

I have a Martelli rotary cutter, and I use blades in it other than Martelli. They work fine. I have no problem. In fact, I have a left-handed Martelli rotary cutter. It makes a difference for me in the maneuvering and pressure needed on the rotary blade.

I have a Martelli and what I like best is how easy it is to change blades. Also, I use other blades besides the Martelli. Good luck with making your decision.

I switch to using the Prym Dritz Sensitive Rotary cutter. I am not a big fan of Dritz, but my best friend told me it helped her. I also switch between this one and the Olfa 28mm.

I agree with PaperPrincess, I also switch between the Martelli and Olfa. Changing the position of my hand brings the most relief.

I would agree with seeing if you can find one to test drive first. I know another quilter who absolutely hates the martelli cutter.

Rather a sweeping statement...I didn't like it at all.

edited to add, do you have the curved handle olfa? That is all I use now, got rid of the straight handle ones. My hands are 62 years old and need all the comfort and care they can get. Olfa provides that.

I also think you should test drive it. I invested in the whole set up at a Show and don't like it at all. The safety part of the handle broke right after I got it.

I use Olfa blades in my Martelli cutter as they are what I buy locally.

A friend and I have tried the martelli rotary cutters and prefer our "ergonomic" Olfa's. Sorry, our opinion.

I do too, didn't know you were supposed to use a specific brand in a specific cutter. My martelli left hand cutter doesn't know the difference and I'm not telling it :D

I too use a left-handed Martelli w/other brand blades and don't have a problem with them. I had a spring break on it and called them and they sent me not 1 but 2 to replace it at no charge!

If you go to Martelli website they list which shows they will be at...and when.

You do not have to use the Martelli blades - but the blades do have to have "JUST" a circle in the center. Not the notched ones. It is best to have it demonstrated becuase I was holding mine wrong and then I wore out a part (that they replaced for free). Nice people to deal with. Sign up for the sales too - they are the best deals I think.

I have weak wrists and found I was always tipping my rotary blade away from the ruler resulting in inaccurate strips. I tried the TrueCut ergonomic rotary cutter that rides on a ridge on the matching rulers. Loved it & rulers I have them all! www.graceframe.com Give them a try before investing in Martelli.

I love my Martelli I also like the True Cut (use it without the special ruler).

I find that either is better on my arthiritic hands and wrists than a straight cutter.

I use whateve blades I have. Martelli has 50% off sales every so often if you are signed up to their email list.

I love the Martelli for cutting fabrics, but use my Olfa for batting

At a quilt show the Martelli salesman said there was another brand of blades would work in their cutter. He also said there was one brand that would damage it. The 2 blade brands were Olfa and Fiskars, but I cannot remember which was compatable.

I have the Martelli rotary cutter and blades, but I've used other blades in the Martelli. Both are excellent.

Martelli
 

I have used a Martelli rotary cutter for years. I have carpal tunnel syndrome and it has really been the difference between pain and no pain. I use different brands of blades in it and it works just fine, however, I think the Martelli blades stay sharper and last longer.

I have a severe condition ( RSD) in my left wrist arm, and hand which hinders my using a rotary cutter well and without strong discomfort. I have found the Martelli cutter to be the best for accuracy , comfort and longer lasting blades. I have used other brand of blades, but Martelli blades seem to last longer and are sharper in my opinion. Every condition is different, however. And that is why we have choices.........thankfully :)

Martelli
 

What blades do you use in the Martelli, that aren't Martelli?

What blades other than Martelli do you use in the Martelli cutter?

I use Marteli blades in my Fiskars without problems.

I use the Martelli cutter, and generally get my blades from Harbor Freight. It needs the blades with the center circle.

I LOVE my Martelli, but I also still use my Dritz sometimes. Have not tried the other ergonomic ones. I've been using Fiskar blades in both, since that's what I got a great deal on at Jo-Ann's a while back, and have found no problems in using them in the Martelli.

I did buy several packages at Harbor Freight, which was a waste of $10; not one of 10 blades I've tried cut worth a darn. Did not take them back because it would have cost more in gas than I'd have gotten in a refund, as the HF fairly close by closed.

My Martelli cutter uses other blades just fine.....

I use the carpet cutting blades from Harbor Freight in mine.

I have a Fiskars ergonomic that allows me to cut for a while before my arthritis forces me to to quit for the day. Some one already made the suggestion to try different models to find what you can use comfortably. Your LQS may be able to help with this. Ask if you can make a quick visit to the next clas they hold, since everyone brings their own cutter for class. Then you could try lots of different cutters at the same time. Maybe even sign up for a class in a method you want to learn, do do the experiment....Good luck dear.

I have a Martelli Rotary Cutter and really like it. I use both the Martelli blades and others too and they both work great.

I bought the 60mm and 45mm martelli cutters. After 1 project the 60mm already had nicks in the blade even though I was very careful with it. So I'm using the 45mm now until it's nicked and then I'll spring for new blades. I like the design of the martelli but I'm not impressed with the short blade life I got. I'm glad to know I can use non martelli brand blades in them.

I had the same experience with the HF blades.