New Toy Tuesday: Paper Trimmer

Christy New Toy Tuesday, Reviews 10 Comments

Technically I’ve been using this paper trimmer long enough that it doesn’t qualify as new, but it is one of my newer acquisitions, and it’s also the one tool that I think every papercrafter should have*.

I’m going to get into specifics here, because not all paper trimmers–not even all Fiskars trimmers–are created equal. There are three basic types: the bypass trimmer, the track trimmer, and the rotary. I’ve used all three, and by far prefer the rotary.

Track trimmers are very common and are generally the cheapest. The latest models have a little wire in them that tells you exactly where the cut line will be. The problem with these is that the blade is tiny, and dulls quickly. Even on the first cut with a new blade I was never completely happy with the edge, and forget about cutting more than one sheet of cardstock at a time.

Bypass trimmers give a nice clean edge, but they’re a lot bulkier and heavier than the other options. I also find it more difficult to keep my paper from shifting with these guys, and often ended up with crooked cards. Finally, since you’re dealing with a hinged blade, your edges will become less precise as the screw loosens. I ruined one of these because I was pushing in so much to compensate for the loose connection that I shaved a portion of the blade away. Oops.

And now for my love, the rotary trimmer. Since the blade rolls through the paper, you get a clean, precise edge every time. The clear rail is nice and wide so you can keep a good grip on your paper, and the cut is made right along the edge, which to me is just as good as having a wire guide. And, it has optional decorative blades for fancy cuts!

The model I have is the 12″ Scrapbooking Rotary Paper Trimmer, and I use it every single day. I have yet to change the blade, though I’m about halfway through my cut bar (it can be rotated 4 times before you need to change it). I can trim just 1/16 of an inch and still have a straight cut. That’s basically impossible on the other models. It’s worth it’s weight in gold.

*That’s not to say I think papercrafters should limit themselves to one tool…