Cutting paper with the wrong tool can be a dangerous endeavor. Whether it is a photograph, a letter, a card, or just a simple sheet of paper – the right cutter will always make it easier and much safer at the end.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Paper Cutters & Trimmers

The problem is, there are thousands of cutters out there, and not all of them will provide what you need.

Luckily for you, we know exactly what makes a trimmer or cutter right for your needs. If you are considering to buy the best paper cutter out there – then you’ve come to the right place. Here we are going to review precise paper cutters in the market to give you an idea of what could be the right one for you.

Need a quick decision? Here’s my five best paper cutter picks:

What Is a Paper Cutter/Trimmer?

A paper cutter or paper trimmer is a guillotine-like tool mostly we can see in offices, classrooms, and photo studios. Its primary purpose is to cut paper with high precision.

These cutters come in a wide variety of designs and sizes. They come with a ruler in centimeters or inches, as well as measures for different paper sizes (A4, A1, etc.).

Some additional benefits of using the right paper cutter are:

• Faster cutting, especially when trying to cut several pieces at the same time.
• Accurate cutting due to many measurement features that help to avoid common issues.
• Longer lifespan of the tool thanks to a sturdier and more resistant construction.
• The straightforward process makes the cutting of paper a lot easier and user-friendly.
• Safer design with several features that prevent the user from cutting him/herself or damaging the piece.
• Portable designs help to transport the tool practically anywhere without problems.

Top 12 Best Paper Cutter Reviews 2022

Now that you know the importance of having a paper cutter for crafts, it is time to take a look at some of the most recommended options available out there. If you want to pick a perfect paper trimmer, then you’ll need to consider the following ones;

1. Jielisi Automatic 12-Inch Paper Trimmer A4 Size

A sliding cutter like the Jielisi Automatic 12-inches trimmer is not an option you see every day. With its exceptional design and top-notch effectiveness, cutting any type of paper or photographs is a magnificent experience.

It is a light tool that promotes portability, helping you transport the device anywhere you want without problems. What’s more, you will be able to enjoy a sleek design that makes cutting not only comfortable but highly accurate. You can cut in different angles from 45º up to 90º angles depending on your needs.

One of the most thrilling parts of this tool is the ability to cut up to 12 sheets of papers at the same time. You can use it for a wide array of applications including craft projects or media activities such as cutting photographs, card stocks, or more.

The sliding guillotine is magnificently effective as well, coming with a Patented Track System that helps to increase the overall precision of each cut. No matter what material you’re cutting, the device will allow you to do it steadily and as straight as you can imagine.

And of course, let’s not forget the device is made of high-quality materials including a plastic and alloy mix for excellent resistance.

Overall, this is a tool for the demanding user who wants accurate results and top-notch design.

Highlighted Features:

•  Exceptional light and small 12-inches design for more portability and convenience
• Promotes accurate straight cuts with better measurement options and angle capacity
• Sturdy and sharp guillotine sliding blade can cut up to 12 sheets of paper at the same time
• High-quality build construction with plastic and alloy increases the durability of the tool

PROS	CONS
Lightweight and portable	Alignment grid inaccurate on some trimmers
Can easily cut most paper products	Leaves edges of paper frayed at times
Safety feature prevents accidents	Has trouble cutting multiple pages at once

2. Swingline ClassicCut Lite 12-Inch Guillotine

A guillotine paper trimmer is a perfect choice for anyone who wants a faster cutting experience. The Swingline ClassicCut is precisely that, a 12-inch guillotine trimmer for those who are looking for practicality apart from anything else.

But let’s not forget this device is also incredibly accurate and powerful. Each cut you make with the ClassicCut from Swingline is clean and neat. The trimming performance is perfect thanks to the measurements aids you get in the table.

You can cut up to 10 sheets of paper at the same time with it, which not many cutters can achieve. You can use this paper trimmer practically anywhere, as it is safe, incredibly useful, and does not occupy much space.

The exciting thing about it is the green with a gray design that fits a wide array of environments without looking out of place. Especially for colorful places that could use a classic design with fewer colors, the ClassicCut will look impeccable.

But that’s not what makes this guillotine so effective. Actually, it is the high-quality steel blade with guillotine design that allows the device to cut amazingly well. With top-notch sharpness, cutting thin and thick papers will be a total piece of cake. Whether it is photographs or documents with up to 10 sheets of paper, you won’t have a problem with this paper cutter.

The device still manages to be incredibly safe. Including a protective guard rail and a latch hook for the blade, you will be able to avoid inaccurate cuts that damage your work, or a hand cut eventually.

If you need this paper trimmer for cardstock, crafts, or scrapbooking, this paper cutter is an exceptional choice.

Highlighted Features:

•  Faster cutting process; thanks to straightforward guillotine design
• Safe cutting with protective guard rail and blade latch hook
• Light and small 12-inch designs promote portability
• Classic design with gray and green colors makes it perfect for different environments
• Sturdy and sharp steel blade cuts up to 10 sheets of papers at the same time

PROS	CONS
Easy to use	Arm has some play, meaning cuts are not always straight
Accurate alignment grid	Some products were not level and wobbled during use
Dual scale ruler	Could prove dangerous to children and uniformed users
Guard rail safety feature

3. ELIFINE A4 PAPER TRIMMER PAPER CUTTER

Well-constructed and durable the Elfine A4 Paper Cutter is made of high-quality steel and plastic. The durable solid metal base and sharp blades make accurate and straight cuts, for a high-strength, sturdy, and silent paper cutter. It is also easily portable at 12.5 x 9.8 x 1.2inch (L x W x H), the alignment grid and ruler for accurate measuring, meet your A4, B5, A5, B6, and B7 paper size needs.

Designed for accuracy and safety, the alignment grid and millimeters/inches printing on the trimmer base assists with accurate measuring, while the clamp next to the blade keeps your fingers away from the blade, and keeps the trimmer arm hook securely locked when not use.

With good efficiency, this paper cutter/trimmer offers guillotine cutting of up to 10 sheets at once, with a 12-inch cut length for a clean and neat cut. It’s a convenient choice for most common trimming tasks, being suitable to cut papers, photos, pictures, labels, cards, and more paper products. The Elfine A4 Paper Cutter is ideal for use in offices, schools, homes, printing shops, photo studios, and more.

Highlighted Features:

• Sturdy steel and plastic base
• 12.5 x 9.8 x 1.2inch (L x W x H)
• 8-inch magnet clamp
• Size indicator including A4, B5, A5, B6, B7
• Guillotine cutting of up to 10 sheets

PROS	CONS
Safe, self-storage latch	Off-center and doesn't cut straight
Stable and doesn’t move when in use	Flimsy metal construction that warps as you put pressure on the blade
Great accuracy	The cutting surface is small
Excellent value

4. Fiskars Recycled Bypass 12-Inch Trimmer

When it comes to reliable and convenient tools, not many can provide what the Fiskars Recycled Bypass trimmer can offer. With self-sharpening blades and one of the lightest and smallest designs, this cutter has no competitor when it comes to handiness.

You won’t ever have to replace the blades, not only because they are incredibly effective and capable of cutting through 10 sheets of paper effortlessly, but also because they are self-sharpening.

Doing maintenance is a thing of the past with this cutter, and even more so when you consider what it is made of. The Recycled Bypass name refers to the recycled resin construction it comes with.

Its build is durable and reliable entirely, especially when you consider the non-skid rubber feet that add to safety when using. Add the paper clamp and the smudge guard, and you get outstanding reliability as well as excellent safety measures when using.

You also get an arm-lock and an alignment grid alongside a printed scale for more natural use whenever you need to make precise cuts. And of course, you can cut practically anything you want with its 12-inch design, highlighting its effectiveness for bulky materials such as invitations, handouts, and other hard stuff.

The design is also convenient in its entirety. It comes with a handle in the base plate, perfect for portability whenever you need to transport it. When it comes to cutting, on the other hand, you won’t have a problem at all because the plastic handle is comfortable and smooth.

With the measurements, scale, safety measures, and overall effectiveness and durability of its blade – there’s just not many options that match this one. Apart from that, it comes at a very affordable price, so you get even more for your money than many other choices out there.

Highlighted Features:

• Perfect for heavy and hard materials due to excellent cutting performance
• Made of recycled resin for top-notch durability and resistance
• Convenient design improves portability and allows more comfortable operation
• Safe build with non-skid rubber feet, smudge guard and paper clamp
• Excellent self-sharpening blades offer a handier and durable tool

PROS	CONS
Able to cut through a variety of materials	Might fray the edge of heavier weight cardstock
Self-sharpening blade	Alignment grid not accurate in some cutters
Made from recycled post-consumer resin	The cutting surface is small
Can cut 10 sheets of 20lb paper at once

5. X-ACTO Heavy-Duty Wood Guillotine 15-inch Trimmer

Not only does this paper trimmer look terrific with wood construction, but it also manages to be one of the most reliable and harmless in the market. Coming from a first-rate brand in the industry, the X-ACTO guillotine trimmer with wooden build is an option you shouldn’t dismiss.

You may think that with its wood build it may not offer the durability or resistance you are looking for, but you’re wrong. The sturdy wood build is perfect for heavy-volume cutting operations, and even more so when you consider its outstanding blade that can cut up to 15 sheets of paper at the same time.

The solid construction not only adds to how capable the trimmer is but also improves its overall stability and ease of use. When you add the rubber feet, you get even better results thanks to improved stability. And with the rubber grip, you won’t have a problem slicing the blade down to cut effectively with the perfect motion.

But let’s not forget it comes with an exceptional blade. This blade offers a Perpetual Edge with the self-sharpening feature, allowing the device to never lose its sharpness even after years of daily use.

You will have the chance to use it for practically anything, including photographs, paper, film, or just whatever and always get the results you want.

The adjustable guide with measurements and angles prevent you from making wrong cuts on your work. And when you add the safety latch, the scales on the wood, and the safety guard, you get a product that promotes perfect cuts even more while increasing its safety exponentially.

Highlighted Features:

• Excellent wood base promotes a more durable and reliable experience
• Promote exceptional stability and precise cuts with rubber feet and adjustable guide
• Self-sharpening Perpetual Edge blade feature supports superb cutting effectiveness
• Comfortable rubber handle grip and cutting mechanism offers a smooth experience
• 15-inches design allows the device to take on heavier jobs up to 15 sheets of paper at once

PROS	CONS
Heavy duty trimmer	Blade unstable in some products
Rubber feet provides stable base	Blade does not always stay in upright position when raised
Self-sharpening steel blade	Plastic handle bends easily
Safety lock

6. Fiskars Recycled SureCut 9-inch Trimmer

The Fiskars SureCut trimmer is our favorite small paper cutter and still one of the most effective at cutting. Its small design promotes a more comfortable experience, as well as outstanding portability and convenience for a wide array of applications.

It is entirely quick to cut, smooth in its mechanism, and provides the perfect cutting results everyone wants. You could say it is also the ideal paper cutter for office or personal use.

The cutter is entirely accessible to store as well and helps to transport it back and forth whenever needed without any complication.

It is not the most reliable when it comes to large or more substantial stuff, but it will surely work like a gem for photos, cards, or other small materials. Still, it manages to offer exceptional cutting strength with a titanium blade with triple carbide coating for less friction and more sharpness when cutting.

And despite all that, the tool is one of the most precise. Boasting a SureCut indicator for the cut line, missing the right spot is a thing of the past, reducing wrong cuts by up to 50%.

Apart from that, it comes with a Triple Track System that interlocks the blade helps to increase precision, making it easier to move and secure the work when needed.

And that’s not all, with the printed scale on the table grid, you can measure the cut according to your needs. Aligning your project will be a total piece of cake. Add the ergonomic and easy-to-use handle, rubberized feet, and cutting carriage, and you get the most secure yet effective cutting experience out there.

You will be able to cut up to seven sheets of paper at the same time without losing any safety in the process. The Fiskars SureCut device is perfect for clean cuts on smaller projects and still manages to be one of the cheapest out there.

Highlighted Features:

• Small and portable design comprise one of the most convenient cutters out there
• Excellent SureCut wire indicator and TripleTrack System promote a highly precise cut
• Perfect for small applications such as cutting coupons, photos, office paper and more
• Titanium blade with carbide triple-coating cuts improves effectiveness and durability
• Printed scale, ergonomic handle and carriage, and rubberized feet increase cutting accuracy

PROS	CONS
Titanium Carbide coated blade	Won’t cut heavy weight cardstock
28 mm rotary blades	Some users reported broken blades
Swing out extension arm	Hard to get a straight cut

7. Westcott TrimAir Titanium Wood 12-Inch Guillotine Paper Trimmer with Anti-Microbial Protection

Every Westcott trimmer is reliable, effective, and easy to use. The TrimAir titanium and wood guillotine cutter is not an exception. Among the best heavy duty paper cutters, this one won’t ever disappoint you.

When it comes to capabilities, there are few options as effective as this one. With its design, outstanding build, and exceptional cutting ability, it is an option you shouldn’t ever dismiss. It keeps paper cutting very simple, which is something you don’t get with many trimmers in the market.

It uses a superb blade technology that improves its durability and sharpness effectiveness. You won’t ever find the blade dull or ineffective. It will always keep cutting and cutting no matter how many sheets of paper you put below.

The Titanium Bonded design of this blade slices through 20 pounds or 30 sheets of paper effortlessly, which is enough for most applications. But the strength and power of its blade is not the only thing it offers.

When you consider its wood and plastic construction, you get one of the most reliable products out there. The wood base promotes excellent comfort, while coming with measurements and size guides for a precise cut, while still being incredibly stable and robust for fewer problems while cutting.

The plastic part of the device allows for more versatility and convenience. Despite not being the smallest or lightest tool out there, this cutter still offers enough portability and easy transportation.

Using it is entirely safe as well. When you consider the safety guard and covered blade, you get a product that reduces accidents and increases effectiveness.

And when you add the ergonomic handle, you get an unmatched comfort and safety. It’s even safer when you consider the anti-microbial protection, which makes it perfect for places with many people using it.

Highlighted Features:

• Reliably natural wood and plastic design offers a beautiful yet useful design
• Titanium blade promotes a stronger and more effective cutting experience
• Ergonomic handle with anti-microbial protection supports a safer experience
• Safety guard, locking latch, and hidden curved edge increase your safety when using
• Sharp blade and measurements with size marks improve overall cutting precision

PROS	CONS
Comfortable handle	Blade and grid not perfectly aligned
Safety guard	Some users reported that the product wobbles when using
Titanium-bonded blade
Sturdy base

8. FISKARS 152490-1004 SURECUT DELUXE CRAFT PAPER TRIMMER

Whatever the project, Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer gets the job done with precision. The SureCut wire cut-line indicates exactly where the blade will cut your paper, photo, scrapbook page, or specialty material. Fiskars patented TripleTrack System interlocks the blade and rail for straight, steady, and precise cuts every time, that are never curved or wobbly.

This deluxe trimmer includes the widest base on the market and a self-leveling swing-out arm that extends the measuring deck to over 15-inch to manage all your extra-large crafting material.

A permanent scale and grid cutting mat helps ensure cutting accuracy, and an ergonomically designed, high-profile blade carriage is easy to grip to help you make accurate cuts quickly. It even includes a lightweight design, so it’s easy to carry this trimmer along to your next big crafting event. The high-profile blade carriage is easier to grip than other trimmers.

Highlighted Features:

• Widest base on the market at 6.25” and 12” cut length
• Patented Triple Track System
• The self-leveling swing-out arm extends the measuring deck to over 15″
• A permanent scale and grid cutting mat is printed from underneath to last
• Lifetime warranty

PROS	CONS
Excellent cutter with extra features a plus	Off-center and doesn't cut straight
Cuts everything like a dream	Flimsy metal construction that warps as you put pressure on the blade
Precise and sharp. It even cuts thick photo paper	The cutting surface is small
Very good customer service

9. Westcott Multi-Purpose Personal 12-inch Trimmer

Maybe the best paper cutter for pictures, the Multi-Purpose personal trimmer from Westcott is the perfect tool. It will not only cut your photos professionally, but it will also deliver one of the most reliable experiences out there.

Its multi-purpose design makes it capable to cut different types of things without problems. It focuses on small items such as photos, always offering high precision and reducing overall mistakes.

This paper trimmer is much lighter than most options, yet still reliable enough to work for years before showing signs of wear. And when you consider the measurements squares and angle-showing graphics, you get a product that focuses on providing accurate cuts with excellent convenience.

It is not a good trimmer for large pieces or heavy things, but it works well for the smallest operations. From cards to photos, small paper sheets, or even laminated stuff – this device will perform amazingly.

The trimmer is also easy to use, with a translucent guard and lift arm for more visibility when cutting. Add the spring-loaded blade system, and you will never miss a cut whenever you need superior precision.

All of that comes with the smallest design out there, which alongside its light build produces the most portable option you will find.

Highlighted Features:

• Perfect for small operations due to small yet highly effective design
• Spring loaded blade system with translucent design allows extreme precision
• Lift-up arm offers easier and more stable paper placement to avoid wrong cuts
• Plastic construction and small design promote superior portability and convenience
• Excellent set of measurements and graphic guides for increased help when cutting

PROS	CONS
Spring loaded blade system	Lettering on the ruler printed on the wrong side
Translucent guard	Some users reported jagged cuts
5-year warranty	Blades dulled quickly

10. EVTECK LETION A4 PAPER CUTTER 12 INCH TITANIUM PAPER TRIMMER SCRAPBOOKING TOOL

The Evteck Letion A4 Paper Cutter is a professional guillotine with a sharp blade that makes it easy to cut straight along the transparent wire. It’s smooth and offers no resistance. The portable and simple operation, meets all basic cutting needs, making it a great choice for home and office.

14.17 x 5.90 x 0.78-inch in size, it cuts a maximum of 12 sheets of paper. It’s suitable for cutting A3, A4, A5 paper, photos, cards, decals, cardboard (within 1.2MM), label, card stock, etc.

Of secure design, and lightweight and safe, the blade works only when you press on it, which perfectly ensures the safety of users, especially children. It is a good tool to help children make handmade works. There are six non-slip round sponge feet at the bottom, of the paper to prevent the paper trimmer from moving when cutting.

The Evteck Letion is a multifunctional paper cutter, with a 45 to 90 degrees angle measuring plate, and a cm/inch scale to help you trim the angle and length you wanted. It’s an excellent paper cutter tool for school, home, and office.

Highlighted Features:

• Size: 14.17x 5.90x 0.78 inch
• Cutting capacity: 12 sheets of standard 80g/M² paper
• 45 to 90 degrees angle measuring plate
• Perfect for cutting A3, A4, and A5 paper, cards, photos, etc
• Suitable for home, office, school, and handicraft use

PROS	CONS
Good and inexpensive cutter	Very dull blade
Straight cuts	It barely cuts 2 regular sheets of paper
Lightweight and portable	The ruler lines aren’t even straight
Perfect for small projects

11. Firbon A4 Paper Cutter Titanium 12-inch Paper Trimmer Scrapbooking Tool

A perfect photo cutter, ideal for a wide array of paper sizes, the Firbon scrapbooking tool trimmer is exceptional in every way. Light, portable, comfortable to use and very convenient – this is an option you shouldn’t overlook.

This white trimmer comes with the right size for more portability, allowing thousands of opportunities when it comes to transportation. You will be able to bring it wherever you go without problems, mainly because it weighs half of what others do.

It is still capable of cutting pieces of paper of up to B5 size, which means you get to cut things almost as large as the tool itself. And what’s even better, you can do it precisely thanks to a measurement guide, angle guide, and a highly accurate sliding blade for perfect cutting performance.

You also get a patented Track System that interlocks the blade and rail to deliver superior results. Every cut will be straight as you want it, with steady cutting and without leaving any residue behind that could harm the cut effectiveness.

Apart from that, you also get enough safety measures to prevent common problems or damages to the works. Using a protective case that locks the blade, you won’t have to worry about it sliding when not using it.

The surface is also invisible so you can have more visibility and prevent wrong cuts easily. And with the additional black cushion, you can make sure the piece of paper does not move when you’re cutting it. You get the most precise and safe product for a very affordable cost with this paper cutter.

Highlighted Features:

• Excellent size for small operations with great precision and effectiveness
• Track system and black cushion provide a steadier and straight cut
• Protective case and invisible surface promote a safer performance
• Small and light design support excellent portability
• Great angle, metric, and inches guide for better results with a sliding blade

PROS	CONS
Easy to replace the blades	Alignment grid not accurate
Can cut A3, A4, and A5 sized paper and card	Overall build is very flimsy
Portable	Blade dulls quickly and shreds paper
Safe to use

12. Swingline ClassicCut Ingento Guillotine Trimmer 12 Inch Cut

The best guillotine paper cutter you will find, the Swingline Ingento with ClassicCut design is a perfect choice for anyone who demands quality above anything else. It delivers everything you could need, from a self-sharpening blade to the most stable and steady experience out there.

You can cut up to 15 sheets of paper with this tool, which is more than any other in the list. Still, the device manages to be one of the most durable and resistant out there, boasting a maple-base build for heavy-duty operations, and a die-cast metal cutting arm, for superb comfort and reliability when cutting.

The cutting arm comes with a steel tension spring that keeps the arm in the right place whenever you are not using it. When you add the guard rail and the latch hook, you get a highly safe tool for users who want a safer device.

It is perfect for heavy-duty application, not only for its build but because it offers exceptional stability entirely. Apart from that, its set of measurement details such as an alignment grid and a dual-scale ruler increase the effectiveness and precision when cutting.

You won’t have to waste your strength trying to find the right angle or size of cut. And of course, let’s not forget that the self-sharpening steel blade is one of the most effective in the market. It can cut everything from 15 sheets of paper, laminated sheets, heavy mat boards, and more.

The best of all, it provides a contemporary design with classic touches that looks amazing. With its wooden style and colors, you won’t find a paper cutter as good-looking as this one.

Highlighted Features:

• Wooden base with die-cast metal arm cutting provides a good-looking and reliable build
• Self-sharpening steel blade with 12-inch design offers top-notch cutting results
• Safety springs, guardrail, and latch hook provide more safety when using and not using
• Double-scale ruler and alignment grid for measurement promote highly precise cuts
• Perfect for heavy-duty cutting of hard materials and up to 15 sheets of paper

PROS	CONS
Steel tension spring safety feature	Ruler does not line up with the alignment grid
Self-sharpening steel blade	Overpriced
Precise alignment grid

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Paper Cutter or Trimmer

Now that you’ve seen some of the best paper trimmers in the market, it is time to know how to pick the right one. Here we touch each one of the critical factors you need to consider before buying a paper cutter.

Size

Every paper trimmer or cutter will come with a pre-selected size in inches. It could go from 10 up to 20 inches. The most common size is 12 inches, which is large enough for most cutting operations including A4 to B5 paper sizes and in different angles according to your needs.

We recommend choosing a paper cutter that is at least 12 inches up to 15 inches for the larger ones when it comes to personal use. If you need the cutter for a more industrial-like operation, go for larger and bigger options.

Blade

The blade of a cutter may come in two different designs: guillotine and rotary/sliding blade. Both are good and effective, yet they work for different things.

The guillotine style is better for larger and heavier materials. This model offers the chance to increase cutting strength manually by lowering down the guillotine arm according to the user’s needs.

The rotary or sliding blade, on the other hand, does not offer as much strength capacity but offers much more precise cuts. It is perfect for smaller operations with photos, cards, and small sheets of paper.

But the type is not the only thing that matters; you will also have to consider the material of the blade. Here, you can find titanium and steel, the two most common and the most effective for cutting paper.

Stainless steel is undoubtedly the cheapest, yet it offers exceptional results. Typically, however, steel needs constant sharpening to avoid common dull trouble and make the cutting more effective.

Titanium, in contrast, is the most effective out there and provides much more durability than a steel blade. Also, titanium is usually self-sharpening, so you don’t need to do maintenance once a while.

Scales & Measurements

From metric to inches measurements, angles, and even paper sizes and more – you can pick the perfect cutter by considering this. The different grades and features for analysis will surely change your whole experience with the cutter, especially when you need to follow a specific cut pattern.

We recommend going for those cutters that offer different paper sizes, angles, and a metric with inches scale or ruler. This way you can achieve the desired cut more easily without relying on your eyes only.

Some cutters may come with an expandable or locked-in ruler who is also very useful. This ruler mostly appears in the smallest design so you can also cut larger pieces.

Safety Measures

There are many safety features a paper cutter may offer, from a transparent surface that provides more visibility when cutting, to a lock-in hatch for the guillotine, and up to a pressure-activated blade.

It is important to pick a device with excellent safety measures as this will not only make the cutting safer but also much more accurate than without. Especially in places where many people may use the cutter or where there are children around, it is critical to have the right safety measures to avoid common dangers.

Other safety measures you should consider are guard rails, finger guards, safety springs, rubber feet, protective lock, and more.

Construction

Even though it is not as important as other factors, the materials used in the surface and other parts of the cutter may have a significant impact on how durable, convenient, and reliable the tool is.

Usually, we recommend going for plastic cutters instead of metal ones. This helps to get a lighter device that promotes portability as well as less maintenance. However, the best type will always be a wooden paper cutter.

Wooden cutters not only need less maintenance as they don’t produce rust or need much cleaning; they are also the most stable and light enough for increased portability. It is vital to know, however, that a wooden surface or base works better with a titanium guillotine or rotary blade than any other type.

How To Use a Paper Cutter: Beginner’s Guide

The most important part of using a paper cutter is having one. Whether it is a guillotine or a sliding one, it is essential to have it in the right place, fixed, stable, and steady – ready to start cutting.

Remember to have the right type according to your needs, or else you won’t be able to cut as needed. The rest you need to do to properly use a paper cutter is:

• Unlock any hatch, spring, or pressure block you may have on the blade.
• Now insert the sheet of paper or material to cut inside the cutting platform of the tool
• Make sure you add many if needed, some trimmers may allow up to 20 sheets of paper at the same time. Others, however, may not let more than 3 or 5.
• Measure the centimeters, inches, and angles you want to cut according to your needs using the ruler or guide. Fix the sheet of paper in place a clamp, alignment grid, or holder.
• Now, you can grab the holder or the cutting arm and slide or push down accordingly. Make sure to do only one cutting process to avoid cutting the wrong part of the paper or material.
• Make sure the blade goes slowly through the paper. This way you can cut more effectively.
• Repeat the process if you need to cut more parts of the same sheet of material. Make sure to use the clamp, holders, and safety measures even when cutting several pieces at the same time.

Types of Paper Cutters

There are several paper cutters in the market, and each one has a specific purpose depending on its construction. Here, we go over the most common ones that you are most likely to consider when buying:

Rotary Trimmer

The rotary trimmer is also commonly known as the sliding or guide trimmer. It consists of a blade located in a rail that slides back and forth to cut the paper. This blade is attached to a head the user will move to use the edge accordingly.

This type of cutter is excellent for precision, as it offers a pre-set and smooth mechanism that can’t be moved. But it does not provide as much strength as other types. You will find this type perfect for cutting photos or other objects that need more precision than they need cutting power.

Guillotine Trimmer

This is the most common of all paper cutters in the market. It is comprised of a plain surface where you put the sheet of paper or material to cut, and a guillotine-like blade attached to an arm you can move up or down.

Of course, it cuts when you move it down, which also helps to use more strength and cut harder and more material at the same time.

The blade of this type of trimmer is also stronger, which makes it perfect for cutting cardboard and similar materials. It is also perfect for larger objects depending on the design of the tool.

Typically, people use guillotine trimmers to cut up to 20 sheets of paper at the same time. And of course, they are still accurate and precise enough for most operations.

Top-Rated Brands on the Market

Here we will tell you what brands you should choose according to your paper cutting needs:

Fiskars

Fiskars focuses on providing innovative designs with creative approaches to its products. Its cutters are not an exception. You will find most of its products to be made with recycled resin, for example, including its rotary and guillotine cutters.

What’s more, they are the only brand that has the official orange-handheld trademark, included in most of its products.

They are perfect for mid to low range operations. Fiskars offers excellent results and durability at the same time.

Marigold

Marigold is exceptional in almost every way. It offers high-quality builds in each one of its products as well as extraordinary results with good-looking designs.

You will be able to use Marigold trimmers in a wide array of applications, especially if you pick its guillotine models that provide superb cutting strength.

Marigold products are known for their reliability and power, and their cutters are perfect for thick and hard materials.

X-ACTO

X-ACTO is a cutting-it-all brand that provides everything from rulers to knives and even scissors. Being a brand that focuses on things that cut neatly, there’s no doubt that its paper cutters and trimmers for paper are excellent as well.

X-ACTO focuses on quality builds and exceptional cutting capacity. They don’t fall behind in attractive designs either, yet they don’t offer many large or heavy-duty products. So, you will most likely pick among low to mid-range cutters here.

Swingline

Swingline is a high-quality brand. They only produce high-grade products for the most demanding users. You will immediately find this in the design of its products, always delivering neatly and cleanlier finishes with a well-thought style.

The cutters from Swingline are always top of the bunch. They may be slightly more costly than other options, but they undoubtedly provide the most reliable and effective performance. Most of them are large, so they work better for heavier and more demanding operations.

Firbon

Firbon focuses on art products of all kind with affordable options.

Most Firbon cutters, for example, are small, portable, and versatile. The best rotary paper cutter is actually from this brand, a simple yet practical option. You won’t be able to use it for demanding operations, but it will surely work for small and humble art activities.

Westcott

Westcott is another high-quality brand for demanding users. Even though it also produces low and medium-grade products, most of its catalog is based on innovative and technology-oriented products.

Westcott cutters are exceptional in almost every way. They are mostly made with unique materials such as wood and titanium and provide the most reliable and durable of experiences. If you are someone who expects excellent results and a delightful experience, a Westcott cutter is undoubtedly a great choice.

Paper Cutter Safety Issues

It looks easy and straightforward to use a paper cutter – but it is more challenging than you think.

You must always take into consideration several safety measures before using one of these, so you can prevent damage to your work and hands. Here’s what you should be aware of when using one:

• Most cutters are heavy and stiff to use, so they are not recommended for children under 12 years old to use.
• Always use a trimmer on a stable and flat surface. Make sure the rubber feet of the tool provide enough stability to avoid common slipping issues.
• Guardrails should always be present when using. Never take it off to avoid cutting your fingers.
• Always keep the fingers and hands behind the guardrail. It is specifically designed to keep users away from the blade.
• Do not try to force the cutter when you have too many sheets of paper or a hard material to cut. Try to make it softer or drop as many sheets of paper as possible before cutting.
• Carry the trimmer by the bottom. Never carry the tool by the handle or blade.
• Use the safety latch hook as much as possible to avoid unexpected swings of the blade.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Picking the right product is not only about having all the factors at hand or knowing about several products at the same time.

It is also about being mindful of the several secrets and overlooked things about paper cutters. Here we answer some common doubts and secrets people need to know before buying:

Q: What type of paper cutter should I buy?

It all depends on your requirements and desires. As we mention it before, a rotary cutter is better for precision on small cuts, such as photos, sheets of paper, and similar ones. A guillotine cutter, instead, works better for larger and thicker materials, such as cardboard, large sheets, and several pages at the same time.

Q: What is the most precise cutter?

Normally, a rotary cutter is more precise for small cuts than other options, yet a guillotine offers more precision overall. A rotary won’t provide much accuracy when it comes to larger and thicker materials, as the blade does not have the strength or smoothness a guillotine blade offers.

Q: What is the fastest paper cutter?

The fastest cutter is always the most efficient and easy to use. As most rotary cutters provide superior efficiency, we recommend going for one of these if you want more speed when cutting several materials continuously.

Q: Is it necessary to do constant maintenance to my paper cutter?

No. Mostly, you will only have to make sure that the cutter is always sharp and ready to cut. When you have a steel and wooden tool, make sure it is clean and away from moisture or water.

Q: What if the blade, arm, or base breaks? Can I replace it?

Most paper cutters don’t offer replacement parts for parts. However, a high-grade choice such as a Swingline or Westcott will surely provide the chance to order a replacement part if your product is still under warranty.

Conlcusion

Choosing the best paper trimmer is not an easy job. Luckily for you, following our guide will give you everything you need and more to pick the perfect paper cutter for your needs.

Just remember that it all comes down to going for something that fits your requirements among anything else.