Rotary Cutter
 

Can anyone tell me the best rotary cutter to buy, as I bought a cheap one as a learner, not wanting to spend much to start with, and it is absolutely pants, would appreciate any advice.

I bought an Olfa 45mm rotary cutter, with the gold/orange and black squeeze handle and retractable blade. The Olfa cutters are the ones I see most quilters with. They cost about $17-20, but if you can get them for half price with a coupon at many craft chain stores. The blades need replacing after cutting a few quilts. BTW, I also use the green Olfa cutting mats.

this is my favorite, too. i don't have to give a thought to closing the blade each time

The self-closing ones are better for me - I tended to forget to close the other ones and nicked myself a few times.

I don't know if there is a "best" - at least not "best" for everyone

If your "cheapie" cutte is comfortable to use, it just may need new blades.

ALL rotary cutter blades get dull when used.

I use the Olfa yellow ones. I have 45mm, 60mm, and the little one for curves. Love them.

I also don't think there's a 'best' rotary cutter, however, the shape of the handle varies widely. You need to get one that feels good in your hand and causes the least amount of stress. I have an ergonomic Martelli cutter, and I also have a KAI that I bought in the 90's (80's???). Alternating these two seems to cause the least amount of cutting fatigue. Both of these have thin handles. When one brand of cutter came out with the thicker handle, I got one and it just didn't fit my hand, so I gave it away. If you have any quilty friends, I would ask to use their cutters and see which one you like best. I use a 45MM for most cutting, but I do have a 60MM for trimming quilt sandwiches. Never seemed to need the tiny one. If I need something that small I use scissors.

It depends if you are young, then buy an Olfa 45mm rotary cutter, especially using at 50% off coupon. But if you are older, I switch to an KAI bought at JAF (I think made by Dritz?). It has rubber grip which is easier for these not so nimble fingers to hold and much more comfortable plus it has an automatic retracting blade.

Lots of good advice already. Surprisingly my favorite is a Donna Dewberry, unfortunately I don't know who made it. It has a retractable blade, which I highly recommend. I didn't think that was a must have. I always closed it when I laid it down. However, one day I dropped a rotary cutter on my bare foot. OUCH.

I use the Olfa retractable blade cutter also and for basically the same reason that others mentioned. I can put it down after cutting and there is no cutting edge sticking out to cut me because I forgot to close it. Much safer for forgetful me! Ha! And it is pretty comfortable in my hand. Now if I could just stop hitting the corner of the rotary rulers and ruining the blade and the ruler ...........


Just saw that you are in England. Welcome to the QB. I am not sure if you can find the same make rotary cutters that we can get here in the states. Maybe someone else on the board who lives in England will chime in with some good suggestions.

I have used the Fiskars rotary cutter with the funny shaped handle for years. It gave me the least problems before I had my carpal tunnel surgery. I also have a blue cheapie that came in a starter kit (mat, ruler and cutter, which I bought for an impromptu class), a green Clover (which was a gift) and a yellow and black Olfa (which I use strictly with a pinking blade). All three of those have a straight handle, which is less comfrortable for me, so I don't use them often (or if my Fiskars has decided to hide from me). All four use 45mm blades and have to be manually closed after each use. If I was going to get another one, I would probably go with a Kai.

I like the olfa quick change and the splash one. I also have the ergonomic retractable one, but I don't feel it cuts as well as the other 2 because you have to hold it open, but it is safer to lay down and not get cut. I just got into the habit early on of closing my rotary cutter before setting it down, even the ergonomic one for this reason. I also love gingher45mm which I got on ebay for a good deal. The splash I got at connecting threads online when they were having a sale, craftsy also has a good price for this one when on sale. MY 60mm olfa quick change I also got on ebay for good price. Check ebay, sometimes its still cheaper than using a coupon at joanns

Welcome to the board. Unlike the rest of the posters, I prefer Fiskars - just like the shape better. Buy your cutters on eBay US. Even with the shipping, it's far cheaper than here.

I don't think there's any one best cutter but more of a personal preference thing. I started with a Fiskars cutter and ended up giving it to a friend as it just didn't feel comfortable in my hand. She loves it, though! I went and bought an Olfa after that and have stuck with it ever since.

Thank you to everyone that replied, we can get the Olfa in the UK, and I will certainly be buying one.

Me, too, Tartan, and I LOVE it! I've acquired many more Olfas since then, use them all, but prefer my old, finally-loosened-up Olfa cutter. I've tried and refused all others. :)

Jan in VA

I have all brands and shapes of cutters. I reach for the Olfa with handle the most. There are two things that are the most important about the cutter, the blade and the mat. Know how to change the blade and change it often. Don't skimp by trying to make the blade last. Use a good quality mat. If the mat gets cutting grooves in it it's time to rotate, flip or get a new one. I see so many using worn out tools and all that does is cause frustration. I replace my baking pans more often then some buy new quilting tools.

Whatever feels good in your hands and change blades when needed!

I have always used a Fiskers size 45m. I tried an Olfa recently and couldn't get used to the feel of it.

Welcome from Canada! My favourite rotary cutter is the Martelli ergo cutter. I got it on sale from Connecting Threads, so even with shipping etc. it was still pretty inexpensive, and it works great. I also like the Olfa safety rotary cutter, because it automatically closes the blade when you put it down. I don't like the regular straight Olfa cutters, although I know a lot of people that do.

There really are two parts to a rotary cutter - the handle, and the blade. Find a handle that feels comfortable, then change the blade as needed, and you'll be good. I liked joining a quilt group because I was able to check out everyone else's equipment, which helped me find out what is and isn't comfortable for me.

I use Olfa and I use the titanium blades. I find they last longer and cut sharper.

I use a 45mm Fiskars most often but I have an old 65mm that I just bought a replacement blade for and love using. Makes quick work of cutting. I like how the Fiskars feels in my hand. I can get a 5 pack blade replacement for $13 and change from Amazon which is cheaper than buying with a coupon at Joann's.

I just got the Martelli rotary cutter and like it a lot! I got both the 60 and the 45 (long story). Before that I only used Fiskars.

I love my Martelli cutters. Curved for a more comfortable grip for me

I've been using the Fiskars 45mm for years. I like the larger grip because I do have carpal tunnel issues from time to time.

I also prefer the Fiskars, still use the first one I ever purchased back in the 80's. My hands are small and this is the most comfortable one for me.

I love my Fons and Porter rotary cutter because it automatically goes out to cut and then when you take the pressure off the mat, it goes back to safety mode. After the emergency room run and the over $600.00 bill (think how much fabric I could have bought, sigh), my husband bought this one (actually two of them) for me.

Buy one that fits your hand well. Then buy good blades. I own a 45 and a 60. I just bought titanium blades and love them.

Rotary
 

I used to get cheap ones. No more. You can get fiskars or olfa on sale or with a coupon at Joanns. They are cheaper at Michaels and AC Moore and the 50 percent coupon makes it reasonable. For no special reason I've ended up with fiskars probably because of the sale. They have a new safety cutter. It took a little getting used to but I really like it. It also closes automatically.

I prefer the Kai cutters as they retract automatically when you release the pressure on the blade and are therefore safer. I also have a Martelli which is designed for left or right handers but one still has to manually close the blade.

I like my Olfa cutters. I prefer the ones where you squeeze the handle to cut and it closes automatically when you let it go. I never remember to close the blade when I am finished and have cut myself more times than I would like to admit. I only use them now. WHen I get started on a new project I sometimes go a little bit crazy and the rotary cutter ends up under the mess. Quite dangerous when it it open.

I use Olfa cutters but I recently bought a TruCut and I really like it. It cuts well and I like the feel of it in my hand.

Olfa also my fav. 50% sometimes at Joanns

Just don't get one that requires 65 mm blade. I got one that did - a "bargain" in Tuesday Morning. When I found out what replacement blades cost, I knew why it was in Tuesday Morning! yikes

Check e-bay for rotary cutters and rotary blades.

Same here. I love the Olfa ergonomic with the self closing. I have a couple of the 45mm and the 60mm. One for home and one for class.

That's one thing I have been liking about the martelli one (I have the ergonomic ones)-they are big and bulky and stick up so they are less likely to get lost under things on my table.

i use the cutting edge rottary cutter and fiskars both take the 45 mm.

I use the Olfa 45mm with a straight handle. :) Hope you find one that works for you!

I bought my Fiskars ergonomic cutter in about 1995, and still use it today. I have forced myself to always click the safety shield, before setting it down, and so far no accidents for me or others. (I do wish I had taken out stock in blades, though. Lol!) I like mine because I can use any blade that I have tried, so I can bargain hunt for them. I have even used a pinking blade on it.