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Hi, everyone! I'm in search for a good paper trimmer. Does any of you have the Purple Cows smart trimmer? It really looks neat but I read ONE not-so-good review. Hope you could help me out by suggesting other nice (and not too expensive) paper trimmers. Thanks!
A few years ago I was seriously researching the cutters out there and Purple Cow got terrible reviews on the ones offered on HSN so I crossed it off my list. I got a fiskars I really like with a coupon at M's and haven't looked back.
Mary Beth
A few years ago I was seriously researching the cutters out there and Purple Cow got terrible reviews on the ones offered on HSN so I crossed it off my list. I got a fiskars I really like with a coupon at M's and haven't looked back.
Mary Beth
Hi, Ms. Mary Beth! Thanks for your reply. Ok, will do check Fiskars out. Have you heard of the Crafter's Companion Clever Cut? It looks nice as well but I don't know anyone who has already used it. Thanks a bunch!
It was this one. I can't tell you how excited I was when I ordered it. I checked the mail every day and when it got here I got all kinds of paper out (cardstock/dsp/etc) and got busy.
My excitement slowly died and I was very, very disappointed. I put it back in the box and stuck it on a bookcase shelf and forgot about it. Then one day I got a big box to fill as I cleaned my craftroom and stuck it in the box.
I'm still sad about it. I don't have that kind of money to throw away. I want a good one but can't afford it now, so I use my cheap Fiskars for now and change the blades alot.
It was this one. I can't tell you how excited I was when I ordered it. I checked the mail every day and when it got here I got all kinds of paper out (cardstock/dsp/etc) and got busy.
My excitement slowly died and I was very, very disappointed. I put it back in the box and stuck it on a bookcase shelf and forgot about it. Then one day I got a big box to fill as I cleaned my craftroom and stuck it in the box.
I'm still sad about it. I don't have that kind of money to throw away. I want a good one but can't afford it now, so I use my cheap Fiskars for now and change the blades alot.
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about that. Now that you mentioned Fiskars, I won't consider buying that one as well. What about the Clever Cut, have you heard of it? Thanks!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about that. Now that you mentioned Fiskars, I won't consider buying that one as well. What about the Clever Cut, have you heard of it? Thanks!
Oh wow. Haven't seen this one. It looks great for the price. Only $40.00? And even has a corner rounder. I think I just found something to put on my Christmas list.
I'm going to research it for reviews. Maybe someone here can give us some insight.
Oh wow. Haven't seen this one. It looks great for the price. Only $40.00? And even has a corner rounder. I think I just found something to put on my Christmas list.
I'm going to research it for reviews. Maybe someone here can give us some insight.
I've read some reviews. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!
I've been using Fiskars for years (I still use one that I bought more than 10 years ago, and have two more that I've collected over the years), and the Fiskars works fine for my stamping and scrapbooking. It's pretty inexpensive (even cheaper with a coupon at Michaels or another store) and the blades are inexpensive, too. If you don't have a scoring board, you can also get a scoring blade for it, so it's a good multi-tasker. If you just need a basic paper cutter, I think it works well.
I've been using Fiskars for years (I still use one that I bought more than 10 years ago, and have two more that I've collected over the years), and the Fiskars works fine for my stamping and scrapbooking. It's pretty inexpensive (even cheaper with a coupon at Michaels or another store) and the blades are inexpensive, too. If you don't have a scoring board, you can also get a scoring blade for it, so it's a good multi-tasker. If you just need a basic paper cutter, I think it works well.
Thanks for your reply, fairsinger. Now I'm all confused! Haha! Does Fiskars also work if I need to cut a lot of papers? Say, a hundred for a wedding invitation? I read a review that Fiskars is not too sturdy. I don't really know for sure, though. Thanks very much!
As long as it's a guillotine style trimmer instead of any kind of blade trimmer. I've gotten rid of a Fiskars and a Carl cutter with replaceable blades because I was forever changing the blades. A guillotine cutter never needs a blade change, they're self sharpening. I have a Purple Cows one that I love as well as a mini Fiskars one.
Personally, I wouldn't use a basic Fiskars for cutting a large amount of invitations. I would rather take the paper to an office supply store (Office Max, FedEx Kinkos, etc.) to have it cut if I'm working on a large-scale project. If I'm making something like wedding invitations, I'll want a very precise and professional cut. I use my home paper trimmer for just basic things like single cards or scrapbook pages.
Personally, I wouldn't use a basic Fiskars for cutting a large amount of invitations. I would rather take the paper to an office supply store (Office Max, FedEx Kinkos, etc.) to have it cut if I'm working on a large-scale project. If I'm making something like wedding invitations, I'll want a very precise and professional cut. I use my home paper trimmer for just basic things like single cards or scrapbook pages.
Thank you very much for your reply. Oh, the thing is there's no office supply store around my area that offers cutting services so as much as possible I would like to have the best cutter that I could find. Thank you!
As long as it's a guillotine style trimmer instead of any kind of blade trimmer. I've gotten rid of a Fiskars and a Carl cutter with replaceable blades because I was forever changing the blades. A guillotine cutter never needs a blade change, they're self sharpening. I have a Purple Cows one that I love as well as a mini Fiskars one.
Is this the Purple Cows trimmer that you own? I found a youtube video about this and it looks really nice and easy to use. Wondering why it has gotten bad reviews. Thanks!
I am also looking to buy a new trimmer. I have a centerpede one now that I really like. My pet peeve about inexpensive trimmers is that the blade housing is not usually very stable. This makes your cuts uneven. I do like that about the centerpede. The arm is sturdy. However, I am now looking for one that can cut more than 2 pieces of paper at a time. I did check out the clevercuts after seeing it mentioned here. The trimmer (even the smaller 3 in 1 trimmer) looks very sturdy.
Look forward to more feedback...
Cheri
Is this the Purple Cows trimmer that you own? I found a youtube video about this and it looks really nice and easy to use. Wondering why it has gotten bad reviews. Thanks!
Yesterday I took the plunge and bought CleverCut 5-in-1 Paper Trimmer. I have the wee tiny Tonic trimmer, and realized I needed a bigger one.
I'll let you know how I like it.
Don't expect a video out of me, Im no movie star!
(get it? starlytte? I crack me up)
Hahaha! Thank you, starlytte! Ok, please update me. Wow, I'm so excited for you! And also, how much did you get it, if you don't mind. And where. Thanks!
I have two trimmers. My cheapie Fiskars 12" portable trimmer is my hands down favorite.
Making Memories: Product Reviews: Folding Paper Trimmer | Overstock.com
Pros: This is a nice, sturdy trimmer with a self-sharpening blade. The magnetic ruler is nice for holding down photos to make sure I get a nice even cut. There are lots of measuring marks on the base. Available in Michael's, so you can use a coupon. Great for cutting cardstock.
Cons: It's heavy. It can be a hassle to move the ruler all the time, and I don't want to set it off to the side because I am afraid that I'll lose it. I've had it tear really thin paper. It's expensive.
Fiskars 12" portable trimmer: Fiskar Portable 12'' Rotary Trimmer : personal paper trimmers : scrapbooking tools : scrapbooking : Shop | Joann.com
Pros: Several blades available including straight cut, perforated, scallopped, deckle. Replacement blades are readily available at JoAnn's, as is the trimmer. Use a coupon! Lightweight. Swing arm for measuring longer pieces.
Cons: Not sturdy. Hard to read exact measurements at the swing arm joint (5"?) Instead of sliding the blade, use a bone folder along the cutting area to score folds.
O-K Starlytte, let us know how you like your CleverCut. Not2Shabby, why did you not like the Purple Cow Ultimate Paper Trimmer w/ 11 blades?
I didn't like the fact that you had to lock and unlock it every time you wanted to use it. If you look on the picture you can see on each end the buttons you push down. Well, you have to slide your paper under the bar and then lock it into place to cut. To get your paper out you have to unlock it. What a pain. Then you have to push really hard down on the knob to get it to cut. The extra blades that I couldn't wait to use didn't work well at all. Didn't give good clean cuts and weren't very detailed (if you know what I mean). The patterns were so minor you could barely tell they were decorative.
Does that make sense? I mean, for $100.00 you expect it to be fabulous. So now I just use my Fiskars and change the blades a lot. But at least it cuts nice and clean and precise.
Be sure to get the correct size. There are very few stores near me- the closest is an hour away- that carry any type of paper craft products. I needed a paper cutter and settled for a nine inch one which is all that they had at both stores. Two weeks later I took a trip to Wisconsin and saw that they had a 12 inch cutter in store there. As I don't need two of them I am making do with the nine inch one, but I really wish I had a 12 inch one instead.
I've tried every kind of trimmer imaginable from the first generation fiskars to the the ultra expensive carl cutter. Although the carl cutter is great for cutting lots of paper at once for classes, it isn't idea for using every day on your crafting table. After buying cutter after cutter, I finally found one that is perfect. It's the newest generation of fiscars blade cutter. It has a thin metal wire that runs down the center of the cut track. The wire gives you the EXACT cut location on your paper (if you are eyeballing a thin layer) but it also serves to keep the blade perfect straight on track. No more little "dips" at the end of your cut or no so straight layers. Another great feature is that the bed is over 6" wide so you don't have to pull out the ruler when cutting a standard size layer.
Here is some info on it. You can get it at Joann's with a coupon to.
The guillotine style trimmers are so superior to blade trimmers IMO, once you try it, you'll never buy another.
I guess that's where opinions differ. I have a guillotine cutter and don't like it at all. I have rotary and blade trimmers as well. All name brand and expensive. Ultimately, it came down to ease of use and I much prefer my premium fiskars cutter with the 6" wide cutting bed.
Thanks for your reply, fairsinger. Now I'm all confused! Haha! Does Fiskars also work if I need to cut a lot of papers? Say, a hundred for a wedding invitation? I read a review that Fiskars is not too sturdy. I don't really know for sure, though. Thanks very much!
If you are needed to cut LOTS of paper in one sitting, nothing beats a Carl cutter. I used to use it for prepping workshops.
I've tried every kind of trimmer imaginable from the first generation fiskars to the the ultra expensive carl cutter. Although the carl cutter is great for cutting lots of paper at once for classes, it isn't idea for using every day on your crafting table. After buying cutter after cutter, I finally found one that is perfect. It's the newest generation of fiscars blade cutter. It has a thin metal wire that runs down the center of the cut track. The wire gives you the EXACT cut location on your paper (if you are eyeballing a thin layer) but it also serves to keep the blade perfect straight on track. No more little "dips" at the end of your cut or no so straight layers. Another great feature is that the bed is over 6" wide so you don't have to pull out the ruler when cutting a standard size layer.
Here is some info on it. You can get it at Joann's with a coupon to.
This trimmer is same one I have and love. I looked high and low for a straight blade, not rotary or guillatine (sp?), with a base at least 6". Plus, it's portable for crops and blades are readily available.
Buy it!
Mary Beth
I guess that's where opinions differ. I have a guillotine cutter and don't like it at all. I have rotary and blade trimmers as well. All name brand and expensive. Ultimately, it came down to ease of use and I much prefer my premium fiskars cutter with the 6" wide cutting bed.
Thanks for your reply! May I ask the brand of your guillotine cutter? I'm hoping it's not Purple Cows!
I saw the premium fiskars also, but I read some bad reviews.. It was nice to hear an opinion from the other side. Thanks!
I have been a Fiskars fan for years as well. I bought a new one (the old one had to be retired after much use 'cause the lines disappeared - LOL) They are reasonable, especially with coupons from Michaels and my new one has a wire down the center where the cutting blade runs - I find it really cuts straight - LOVE IT!
Crafterwannabe poked me and reminded me to come back and leave a review of my Clevercut. :cool:
Me: I am a newbie, casual crafter. I make things on a whim, so I am definitely NOT a power user.
Right out of the box it was easy to use. No fancy parts to get lost, nothing confusing to learn. It does not take a huge amount of space, but does have an extension arm for larger pieces of paper.
Right off the bat I tested all the different cuts it can do on various scraps.
Perforation blade creates perfect perforations, when you tear away, it's clean with no fuzzies. (at least on all the papers and cards I tried it on)
The scallop is a nice medium scallop, and looks great.
The corner chomper is perfect for me, mainly because it's the only one I have, and how handy it's not a separate tool to search for.
The score blade also works "ok", I like my ScorPal better.
Finally, cutting is perfect. I tried big sheets, and wee tiny scraps, ATC cards. Paper, card stock. I don't have any other materials like vinyl, cork, etc to test. I've not tried to cut multiple pieces at a time because that's not something I would normally do. I never make multiples, at least not yet.
I have a rotary Fiskars 12 in cutter - I've had it for nigh on 10 years. I am not even sure if they still make it. It is large, sits on a desk and has a rotary blade in a orange wheel housing. It is my workhorse.
The reason I have kept it so long is I found out since it is Fiskars that the blades can be found for cheap in the quilting section. (The blades are the same size as the kind in a handheld rotary cutter). I also have a perforating blade and a scoring blade (but don't use them much, as I'm old school and use a ruler and bone folder).
It is pretty stable, and you push down to cut, it's marked with raised measurements - sort of embossed. Like I said, I'm not sure they even still make it. I DO need to find a replacement cutting insert - a square rod like piece that goes under the blade that is made of cutting mat type material.
Paper Trimmer
