I love my Martelli cutter!

Double check you cutter to make sure that only one blade is installed. I got a new cutter one time that had two blades installed in it. It came out of the package that way and I could not figure out what was wrong until someone suggested I take the blade out and make sure it was just one.

I think I have every brand, and my favorite is the Fiskars

I think I have every brand, and my favorite is the Fiskars.

I have an Olfa 60 which is my go to for cutting strips and yardage and I have an Olfa 45 that I use occasionally - it's basically an upstairs/downstairs situation. I recently got a mini Fiskar cutter that I received from a board member as part of a Secret Santa. I tend to use the mini for cutting curves and around templates. My choice if I had to buy a new one would be an Olfa 45 or 60 - but if you have on already it's much cheaper to just buy a new blade.

My very 1st rotary cutter was KAI, I just looked at it. It's been a good cutter but I moved onto the Fiskars and now mostly use the Olfa brand for their ease of changing blades. I had a terrible time trying to wrap my brain around changing blades on the Fiskers let alone the KAI. So I'll be sticking with the Olfa easy blade change. That is until Oct's Intl Show, then I just might purchase a Martelli to see how I like it. I did purchase their blades last show and the do last a long time, I love them so maybe the rotary cutter will be just as good.
Jeri

I use the Olfa 60 with the curved handle because it is comfortable and that large blade loves to track straight. Technically speaking the 45mm one is probably safer because it takes more energy for it to climb a ruler's edge but it doesn't track as straight and wanders off away from the ruler. That 60mmm one will cut through a lot of fabric.

tim in san jose

I have a new Fiskars with a tilt out mechanism that makes it very easy to change the blade. I always dreaded changing the blade so struggled with dull blades way too long before I'd finally give in and change it.

Now I change the blade as soon as I have to start rolling the blade down the fabric twice to get a complete cut. What a difference a new blade makes!

I have this one too. I am a "safety first" kind of girl so the retractable blade is perfect.

Here's another vote for Martelli. My second choice is the Olfa ergonomic. You squeeze the handle to cut and it automatically retracts when you put it down.

I'm sure if you spoke to martelli's customer service,they would replace at no charge.it is a good product,like many of there items.give them a call, you don't want to hurt yourself with bade exposed.lori

I have cutter and rulers, don't think I gave them a chance. I am die hart martelli cutter user .so think I'll place add on Craig's list,let someone else enjoy.lori

I love the Clover rotary cutters. I've had all kinds including Martelli and I always return to the Clover.

Whatever type of cutter you get remember that it is a sharp blade that works. Look after your blades and the cutter will look after you.

I prefer Olfa over all the others I've tried. It really is a personal preference, but for quality, I think they are the winner. I've had my ORIGINAL Olfa cutter since 1994. Granted, I don't make as many quilts as others do, but it just lasts and lasts. I also have a 28 mm and a 60 mm - the 28 mm works best for cutting small things or templates with curves. The 60 mm is fabulous for doing thick stuff like batting or trimming after you've finished quilting.

Just a reminder though - even if you have the safety closed, if the cutter falls to the floor, you have some risk of getting your feet injured. Doesn't matter the brand. So I do recommend you wear closed toe shoes or slippers when cutting and make sure the dog isn't right under your table!

I just ordered a 45 mm Kai rotary cutter. I need to replace my 45 mm Martelli rotary cutter.

That Kai cutter is really nice. I have a 45 mm one which was given to me. The blade cover automatically retracts with pressure, and covers the blade automatically after the cut. Can't beat that!

Recently got a new self healing mat and cutter set from Havel's for less than $16.00...dud to a notice from a member on this board. It is just wonderful to have new equipment The rotary cutter is marked Xs'or. And, is it ever sharp.
The new mat is a joy to use...I was still using old gray or green hard mats with so many tracks in them it was unbelievable!

I continually have the same problem with my Martelli cutter - it rears off to the right. It sits in my sewing bag unused, while I happily cut with my Olfa cutter. Disappointing after spending $34 on it.

I forgot to mention one of my most favorite rotary cutters, which a quilty friend bought for me. It's a green Clover 45mm cutter with a built in LED light! It's so awesome for cutting dark fabrics or when you are working after dark. I LOVE it! Another awesome cutter, also given to me by a quilty friend (I have great friends, don't I?) is the KAI cutter, which others have mentioned already. What's unique about it is the blade cover automatically opens and closes with cutting pressure on the mat or the absence of cutting pressure on the mat. You never have to open or close it at all.

Just wanted to say I received my Kai rotary cutter within about 3 days after my order was place (very fast) and I used it on a project last weekend and I love it. Now I just need to get some extra blades for it.