Scotch Paper Cutter -- Not Just For Cutting Paper!
Written: Jul 15 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: compact design, sharp stainless steel razor blade, rubberized grip, easy to use
Cons: can't replace the blade, not good at cutting all types of paper
The Bottom Line: I bought this cutter for paper and found a better use for it!
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| dlstewart's Full Review: 3M Scotch Paper Cutter |
I had a 40% off coupon in my hand and an hour of free time to prowl through the craft store. A pair of scissors almost tempted me, but then something new caught my eye. There at the end of an aisle was a display of Scotch Paper Cutters.
Description
This paper cutter is slim in design, resembling a curved stick. It measures 5 3/4" long x 3/4" wide. The cutter is made from silver-colored plastic and has rubberized insets for a non-slip grip. The inset on my cutter is a neon lime green. The other color I’ve seen is a black inset.
The handle of this cutter curves so that it rests over the fingers when held. Another curve offers a natural resting place for the thumb.
The “business end” of this Scotch product houses a recessed stainless steel razor blade. A piece of plastic on the bottom extends a bit beyond the tip to scoop the paper toward the razor. The opening is too small for my pinky finger to fit into, but it could pose a cutting hazard to someone with small fingers, such as a child. The razor blade is affixed into the plastic and cannot be replaced.
My Experiences
Why purchase this paper cutter? The packaging says that it is faster than using scissors ... and it cuts “easy, clean, straight”. Suggested uses are for cutting coupons, recipes, food storage bags, and gift wrap. I should have read the fine print (and it is small) on the back of the package that says this cutter is not intended for intricate cutting or for slicing heavier paper or film.
This paper cutter is easy to grab and use. The slim design is excellent for laying on the desk, in a drawer, beside a sewing machine, computer, or even to carry in a purse, totebag or knapsack.
My first thought for this Scotch paper cutter was to use it for trimming paper patterns that I use for a quilting technique called paper-piecing. Quilt patterns are printed on regular 20-pound copy paper. Intricate paper-piece quilt patterns often have several sections that need separating. I wanted to use this cutter to slice through the paper sections ... quick, fast and easy. That way I wouldn’t have to reach for paper scissors.
I needed the paper cutter to be precise. There is even a notch on top of the cutter to indicate a center line where the razor blade is located. That indicator is not exact. If I line the indicator against a line on the paper, the razor blade does not accurately cut along the line. It’s a bit off, which is a disaster for paper-piecing quilt blocks.
Also, the cutter does not perform well on all types of paper. On thinner papers, such as newspaper, sometimes it cuts a clean line and other times the cutter catches against the edge of the paper ripping it rather than cutting it. I’ve experienced this same problem using the cutter on copy paper. The cutter works best on thicker paper and does provide a straight, clean cut.
So there I was at the sewing machine, disappointed that this cutter wasn’t performing as expected. I used scissors to cut the quilt pattern on the copy paper. Then as I was sewing all those tiny bits of fabric to the pattern, ready to cut threads, my hand grabbed the paper cutter by accident. Then I thought, “Why not?” I guided the paper cutter’s razor blade into the threads attached to the quilt block. Presto! The cutter beautifully sliced the thread. I had other threads from the start and finish of my sewing lines, and the cutter whisked them clean from the fabric. Whoa! This paper cutter was excellent as a sewing tool after all.
The non-slip rubberized grip offers excellent traction for my fingers. The cutter is comfortable to hold, too. I also like the neon lime green color, which is easy to spot among the fabrics and trim around my sewing machine.
Now this paper cutter sits beside my sewing machine as a thread cutter. I love the slim design. It slices the threads close to the stitching line without harming the fabric. It is much easier and faster to use this cutter than to grab a pair of scissors to trim the threads. I also have a sewing organizer with pockets, and this slim tool fits neatly into one of the vertical pocket holes if I want to be good and put it away.
Purchasing
I bought this paper cutter at my local A.C. Moore craft store. It retails for just over $11.00. The store offered it for $6.99. My 40% off coupon reduced the price by $2.80.
Summary
I don’t think this Scotch Paper Cutter is remarkable enough to justify the price. However, I enjoy trying new products and couldn’t resist trying it out. As a paper cutter, it didn’t live up to my expectations. As a thread cutter, I give it both thumbs up! For the purposes of this review, I am giving it an average rating since it is supposed to be a paper cutter and not a sewing tool. I’m glad I purchased it, though. It really cuts thread quite well.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
Fiskars 8” Soft Grip Scissors
Fiskars Multi-Purpose Soft Grip Scissors
Fiskars Pinking Shears
Acme 8” Titanium Scissors
Acme 9" KleenEarth Recycled Stainless Scissors
Olfa 45mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa 28mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa 18mm Rotary Cutter
Olfa Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Olfa Rotary Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
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