After about 20 years of use (or abuse :wink: ), my Olfa rotary cutter fell apart. I want to get another Olfa the same size (28 mm) since I have tons of new blades I recently got from Ebay. When I started looking, I see that there is an ergomic model in addition to the old style. I was looking for some feedback from people who've used the ergonomic one vs. the regular one. Care to share your opinions?

Thanks!

I have both styles, although in a 45mm. I much prefer the ergonomic ones. My 2 cents worth.

I do not have one of the new ergonomic styles (I have three Olfas - all old style) - but last month at the Sewing Expo in Worchester, I tried the Martelli ergonomic rotary and loved it. So easy to use and the angle to cut was wonderful. Down side is they use their own blade. I could not justify it at the time but "remains" high on my wish list.

What I like about the "ergonomic" olfa cuter is that the blade is automatically shielded when not in use.

The ergonomic one is the one I recommend when I teach quiltmaking, mostly because it is self-closing. My experience with Olfa cutters is all positive. My cutter is 20 years old and still works great.

I couldn't think of "self-closing" - that's a great feature.

Sharp blades are also helpful.

I try to keep using mine when they are dull. It's such a joy to cut again after replacing the blades.

Anyone else do this?

Betty,

I purchased one of the Martilli cutters at the Harrisburg Quilt show last year. I use it all of the time. Just today I discovered that it needs to have its screw tightened left handed style. I was using it yesterday and it kept falling apart. I had my husband the "machininst" examine it as I thought the screw was stripped. He has plenty of those kinds of spare parts in our garage. It actually says right on it to tighten in the opposite direction. That solved the problem. I met the man who invented it at the Lancaster Quilt show this spring. It figures he is either an engineer or a man with a "machinist" background like my husband.

I like the cutter. It will cut through a lot of layers and is easier on my poor carpal tunnel hands.

I have many different rotary cutters and I like the Olfa ergomic one. I don't like the straight handle ones at all of any brand. The best one I have is the Gingher weighted rotary cutter. It's a dream. The blades are teflon or something like that and have a longer life then the regular blades but a standard size blade will fit too. Put this cutter on you Christmas list.

Thanks for the feedback! I think I'll get the ergonomic cutter...hopefully tomorrow. I actually had to use scissors to cut some fabric today...sure do miss my cutter! LOL