by Anthony Clark
Printing is a delicate work for different reasons. One of the processes involved in printing is the cutting of paper. And while this might sound like a relatively easy task, without the right tools, it can quickly turn into a disaster. This is even more true if you are planning to cut paper on a large scale. So whether it is a photograph, a greeting card, posters, handbills, or even letters, it is important to avoid using the wrong tools.
Fortunately, there are stack paper cutters that can carry out cutting work both on a large and small scale. This makes them extremely valuable in the printing world since they can cut reams of paper within a few minutes. The best thing about these tools is that you don't even have to be a regular user to buy one. Provided your business entails lots of cutting, you need the right paper cutter to make your work easy and neat.
Now, buying a paper cutter yourself isn't as easy as you might think. This is not because there aren't many cutters to choose from on the market. Instead, it is because there are just too many paper cutters to choose from.
Contents
We have taken the time to review the top 10 best paper cutters for printing that we believe offer the best value for money. This review details the best features of each cutter as well as the benefits and drawbacks of using it.
Without further ado, let's get down to it.
Swingline is one of the biggest brands in the paper cutter market. Over the years, they have developed a reputation for producing durable and reliable tools.
The Swingline ClassicCut Lite 15-inch Paper cutter is one of the best tools you can buy for your printings works. It offers a fast cutting experience to anyone looking for a reliable and incredibly accurate cutting tool.
One of the things that makes the Swingline ClassicCut Paper cutter very popular is that it is available in two different sizes - 15-inch cut length and 12 inches cut length.
This tool is easy to use and comes with a sharp guillotine blade. The 15-inch cut length makes cutting sheets very convenient while the guillotine bade means you can neatly trim bulk materials at a time.
The Swingline ClassicCut Lite tool also comes with alignment grids as well as a dual scale ruler. Both of these assist with measuring and ensure you make accurate cuts. You will also be glad to know the cutter comes with a guard rail and blade latch hook.
NOTE: This complaint seems to be far in between which might point to the issue being a factory fault of certain cutters in the product line. Regardless, it is still a big deal-breaker that you should take note of.
Fiskars is another brand you can expect quality products from. As a result, you would see more products from this brand in this review.
The Fiskars 01-005452 Recycled Bypass Trimmer is a reliable 12-inch tool for cutting paper and other materials. It is lightweight and features a clean design as well as a self-sharpening blade. The blade is very effective and can cleanly cut through 10 to 15 sheets at a time.
As the name implies, the materials used in this trimmer are recycled. You also don't have to carry out much maintenance on this too.
It comes with non-skid rubber feet for added safety when using the trimmer. There is also an arm lock for the blade, a paper clamp, a smudge guard, among other safety features that makes the trimmer reliable and perfect for heavy-duty work.
The trimmer comes with a base plate which improves how portable the tool is. The handle of the blade is plastic which makes it comfortable for continuous use.
It also comes with detailed measurements and scales for accurate measurements.
The Fiskars SureCut Deluxe Craft Paper Trimmer is another product from Fiskars on this list. This trimmer guarantees incredible precision since it features a cutline that shows exactly how the blade will cut the paper or material.
It also features Fiskars' exclusive and patented TripleTrack System that ensures straight and precise cuts.
This paper trimmer has one of the widest bases of any trimmer on the market as well as a self-leveling swing-out arm. While it is not suitable for overly thick materials, its ergonomic design means it would handle just about any type of cut you want from it.
NOTE: We only recommend this cutter if you will be using it for your printing works.
If you are in the market for a trimmer that has an incredibly brilliant design while also being reliable, you are in for a treat!
The X-ACTO 26315 Heavy Duty Wood Guillotine Trimmer features a wooden base making it the first wooden trimmer on this list. However, this doesn't make any difference since it is one of the best-selling paper cutters on the market right now.
This trimmer comes in two sizes; 12 inches and 15 inches. It features a guillotine blade which makes it appropriate for cutting through 15 sheets or more at a time.
As aforementioned, it features a solid wooden base as well as rubber feet for improved stability. The wooden base is sturdy, durable, and best for long-term use. The exceptional blade is self-sharpening thanks to the edge design with which it sharpens itself after every cut.
Apart from the solid construction, this cutter is easy to use and produces highly precise cuts. You can cut practically anything using this cutter. The wooden base has a measurement grid printed on it so you can make accurate cuts. Add all the safety features this tool comes with and you have an exceptionally reliable cutter for your printing business.
The Jielisi 12 inch Paper trimmer is the cheapest paper trimmer on this review list. Its 12-inch cut length makes it perfect for cutting your typical paper sizes; especially A5 and A4. Materials you cut with the tool include cards, photos, labels, coupons, regular paper, among others.
The trimmer features an impressive guillotine blade that makes it easy to cut or trim a large amount of paper at a time. It also makes this tool a good addition to your school if your class engages in lots of crafts projects.
The Jielisi 12 inch paper trimmer features a grid-like measurement scale that makes cutting straight lines on paper and other materials accurate and easy. And to cap it all up, this paper trimmer features a portable build and design. This means you can move the cutter to any place you need it without much hassle.
Another thing users love about this cutter is that you can make cuts at any angle between 45 to 90 degrees depending on your specifications. Also, don't be fooled by how light this tool is. It can cut around 12 sheets of A4 paper at a time.
This heavy-duty paper trimmer is perfect for cutting different sizes of paper. This model comes in different sizes ranging from 12 inches to 25 inches. The size you buy depends on the type of trimming or cutting projects you want to do.
Marketed as a heavy-duty rotary paper trimmer, you can cut through 36 sheets of paper at a time using it. it does feature a patented rail locking mechanism by CARL that prevents the sheets of paper from being displaced while cutting.
It comes with a carbide blade that cuts through just about any material. The trimmer comes with a limited lifetime warranty (Blades and cutting mat not included). There is also a versatile storage compartment where you can keep extra blades - yes, this trimmer has parts that you can replace!
This 12-inch paper cutter by Jielisi is a top-end version of another Jielisi paper cutter already reviewed above.
This one has features that allow it to cut larger paper sizes compared to the cheaper model reviewed above.
It features a guillotine cutter accompanied by a tile grid as well as a ruler for making accurate cuts. This paper cutter is lightweight, portable, and extremely versatile.
Because of the unusual design of this trimmer, it comes with a ton of safety features to protect users using it.
Ideal for cutting regular office paper, cardboard and cardstock, chipboards, etc.
One of the first things you will notice about this paper trimmer is its terrific design. The trimmer is perfect for cutting paper, multiple layers of cardstock, cork, vinyl, etc. You can even cut dense foam materials using this trimmer.
The unique design of this trimmer features a dual rail system that ensures the rotary blade of the tool doesn't wiggle while cutting. Thus, guaranteeing straight precise cuts. The sleek design of the trimmer also makes it a great tool for both right or left-handed users.
This trimmer is ideal for craft projects (DIY) thanks to its rotary bypass blade. The blade is exceptionally made and the brand claims it would stay sharp even after years of use. The trimmer has a smudge guard so you can cut larger materials smoothly. It has an anti-wear surface that makes it durable while also guaranteeing long-lasting use.
For accurate measurements, this paper cutter has an exquisite grid line that is often transparent against paper when it is being cut.
As the name implies, the Carl 12-inch Green Friendly professional Rotary Paper trimmer was designed with professional use in mind. There is also a variant of this trimmer that has a 15-inch cut length.
Firstly, you will be glad to know it can cut up to 15 sheets of paper at a time. It features a stainless steel blade and will cut through just about any lightweight material you throw at it.
One of the things we love about this paper trimmer is the well-calibrated measurement scale and ruler on its metal base. This makes it easy to carry out repetitive cutting operations without making wrong cuts.
Imagine you can cut up to 50 sheets of paper at the same time? Well, you don't have to imagine too much. The HFS (R) Heavy Duty Guillotine paper cutter is a truly brilliant cutter for heavy-duty paper cutting.
It has a 12-inch cut size so you can cut paper that is as large as 12 inches in length. It also features a solid clamp for keeping pressure on the sheets being cut. With the heavy-duty clamp, you don't have to put much strength into holding down the paper and cutter before cutting!
Even more intriguing is the fact that the brand markets it as being suitable for cutting through 40 to 50-page magazines from cover to back. If magazine cutting is something that interests you, then the HFS (R) Guillotine Paper cutter is the best for you.
Because of how big this cutter is, it is not particularly portable. However, contrary to what one might think, this cutter does not require any massive strength when cutting. This is especially so because of the cutter's unique hinge system that provides extra leverage to the blade handle.
Now that you know some of the best paper cutters on the market, how do you make the right buying decision?
In this section, we are going to go over everything you need to know and consider before buying a paper cutter for your printing business. These critical factors will then help you make an informed decision on the best paper cutter and trimmer for your business.
One of the first things you will notice between two cutters placed side by side is their size. This is because each paper cutter comes with a pre-defined size or dimension right from the factory. Usually, the length dimensions are between 10 to 20 inches.
The average size of a paper cutter you will find is 12 inches. Cutters that are at least 12 inches or higher are large enough to cut paper sizes ranging from A4 to as large as B5; if the cutter is very large.
For industrial use: For instance, if you intend to use the paper cutter in your printing business for a large-scale operation, we recommend getting a paper cutter that is at least 15 inches large.
For personal use: Any paper cutter with dimensions within 12 to 15 inches would work just fine.
Hence, you must consider the size of paper you will be cutting with the paper cutter. This plays a great role in determining whether the cutter you buy would be useful in the long run or not.
All paper cutters and trimmers come with only two different types of blade designs. The blade of a paper cutter might either be a:
Both types of the blade get the job done but they don't quite work the same way.
A paper cutter with a guillotine blade is better suited for cutting heavy materials. The reason for this is because, with this type of design, the cutting strength of the cutter depends on how much force the user applies while lowering the guillotine arm/blade.
Paper cutters with rotary or sliding blade, on the other hand, offers more precise and clean cuts compared to guillotine blades. However, they are only perfect for cutting lightweight materials such as small sheets of paper, a couple of cards, photos, etc.
Thus, you need to consider if you need heavy cutting strength in your paper cutter or more defined and precise cuts.
Furthermore, you also need to consider the material used in making the blade of a paper cutter. The two most common materials of a paper cutter blade are Titanium and Stainless Steel. Both, of course, are effective but they aren't without their differences.
Steel is undoubtedly readily more available hence blades made from it have a low cost of production. What this means is that paper cutters with such blades are cheap. However, the drawback is that you have to frequently sharpen the blades. Failure to do this can lead to dulling of the blade which greatly reduces the effectiveness of the paper cutter or trimmer.
Unlike Stainless steel, titanium is more durable and more efficient. Blades made from titanium are also self-sharpening and would not lose their sharp edge even after being put to heavy use. However, paper cutters with titanium blades often require you to pay a premium.
In summary, it is important to identify the material the blade of any paper cutter you intend to buy is made from. This lets you know if the machine offers enough value for money based on its build design or not.
The measurement scales on paper cutters also vary from one cutter to another. Some feature metric measurements while others combine angles and inches measurements. The type of measurement scale a cutter uses influences the overall experience of using it. This is even more true if you have to follow specific cutting patterns for multiple cuts. A measurement scale that is not easy to use can make large-scale work difficult.
That said, we recommend buying only paper cutters that have measured dimensions of different paper sizes, rulers, or metric scales. This ensures you get accurate and precise cuts without having to use random "eye measurements".
NOTE: Not all paper cutters come with rulers. The rulers might be locked-in or expendable and are usually graduated in inches.
The build and design of a paper cutter go a long way to determine how durable and reliable the tool will be over time. For the most part, you only have to choose between metal and plastic cutters. Whichever one you choose is mostly down to personal preference. However, it is important to note some things:
- Plastic paper cutters are very light and therefore more portable. They also require little to no maintenance.
- Wooden Paper cutters do not rust and require little to no maintenance. They are also portable but are very easily susceptible to fall damage.
- Metal paper cutters, over time and also depending on how you use and maintain them can rust. They are not portable since they are often very heavy. They make up for their drawbacks by being the most durable of all types of paper cutters. Paper cutters made of metal material also often boasts titanium guillotine or sliding blade.
Although we have identified the most critical factors you need to consider before buying a paper cutter, that isn't where the evaluation ends.
There are also several features that some paper cutters come with which their brands use as the cutter's biggest selling point. Most of these features are safety features for users when using the tool.
For instance, if you are buying a cutter with a guillotine blade, it is best to look for one that comes with a lock-in hatch. You might also need a transparent surface in a cutter with a guillotine-styled blade. Other safety measures you might want to keep an eye out for include finger guard, protective lock, guard rails, etc.
Buying a tool that comes with effective safety measures means you are free of any of the common dangers associated with the use of a paper cutter.
A paper cutter is a handy tool to have in any office or home. They are typically used to trim excess paper from around a sheet of paper, but they can also be used to cut through other materials like fabric, plastic, and even metal. There are many benefits to using a paper cutter, including the following:
A paper cutter allows you to make precision cuts with ease, which can help improve the accuracy of your projects.
A well-tuned paper cutter can quickly and easily cut through large stacks of paper, saving you time and energy in the process.
A paper cutter is a safer way to cut through materials than using scissors or a knife. It minimizes the chances of accidental injuries.
A paper cutter is a small, lightweight tool that is easy to store and transport. This makes it convenient for use in both home and office settings.
If you are looking for a way to improve your accuracy, save time, and stay safe when cutting paper or other materials, then a paper cutter is the tool for you. With its many benefits, a paper cutter is a must-have for any office or home.
There are many types of paper cutters on the market, from simple guillotine-style cutters to electric trimmers. The most common type of paper cutter is the guillotine, which uses a large blade to quickly and easily slice through paper. Electric trimmers are popular because they offer more precision than manual cutters and are easier to use. Some trimmers even come with built-in scoring blades to make folding paper easier. When choosing a paper cutter, be sure to consider the size of your projects and the level of precision you need.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a paper cutter. First, always be sure to place your paper on the cutting surface before cutting. Second, use a gentle touch when cutting - too much pressure can cause the blade to go off track. Finally, always be careful when handling blades, especially sharp ones. Keep your fingers away from the blade and use caution when cleaning or replacing blades. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to cut through paper like a pro!
If you're looking for a paper cutter that can handle large projects, check out the guillotine style cutters. These cutters have a large blade that can easily slice through multiple sheets of paper at once. They're perfect for cutting down large stacks of paper, an. Guillotine style cutters are usually manual, but there are a few electric models available. If you need more precision when cutting paper, an electric trimmer may be the right choice for a variety of shapes and sizes, so be sure to choose one that's the right fit for your projects. Some models even have a built-in ruler to help you measure your cuts.
It's important to properly maintain your paper cutter so that it can continue to cut accurately and precisely. Here are a few expert tips for how to do just that:
Do you have questions that we probably haven't answered while reviewing the top paper cutters on the market? Here are some common questions people ask before or after buying their paper cutter:
The type of paper cutter you buy depends on your personal preference or business needs. As discussed earlier in the buying guide, there are different factors one has to consider before buying any paper cutter.
For instance, if you have a printing business and you expect to take heavy-duty work, it is only right that you buy a cutter that is very durable and has a titanium blade.
Another thing you might want to consider while buying a cutter as aforementioned in the buying guide is whether you will be cutting thick materials or light materials.
That said, you can then use this and many more factors to evaluate our top picks reviewed, and then pick which is best "for you".
The first benefit of a paper cutter is that it lets you cut paper into different sizes. However, there are several other benefits of paper cutters. They include:
There are lots of precise and super accurate paper cutters. The most important thing you need to consider if you are in the market for a precise cutting paper cutter is the type of blade the tool comes with.
For more precise cutting, you want to get a well-calibrated guillotine paper cutter or trimmer. This is better in the long run because you don't have to worry about the thickness of the material compared to if you buy a cutter with a rotary or sliding blade.
NOTE: This is not to say that a cutter with a rotary or sliding blade isn't accurate or best for precise cutting. However, they are only useful if the materials you will be dealing with are lightweight.
This is a bit technical to answer. Why? Because it depends on the type of cutter or trimmer you have as well as the type of material it is made from.
For cutters or trimmers that have titanium blades, you don't have to sharpen the blade or carry out much maintenance. All you have to do is properly store the cutter to prevent rusting and dust accumulation.
No, most paper cutters do not have the option to replace any of their parts. As a result, you won't readily find any replacement parts for a paper cutter or trimmer on the market. However, certain brands offer part replacement warranties on their products. Provided your tool is still under warranty, you might be able to replace any broken part of the cutter.
X-ACTO 24x24 Commercial Grade Square Guillotine Trimmer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Fiskars Craft Supplies: Paper Cutter, Paper Trimmer for Crafts, Photos, and Stationary, - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
Swingline Paper Cutter, Guillotine Trimmer, 15" Cut Length, 10 Sheet Capacity, ClassicCut - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
HFS 17" Blade A3 Heavy Duty Guillotine Paper Cutter (A3-17'' Paper Cutter) - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Firbon A4 Paper Cutter 12 Inch Titanium Paper Trimmer Scrapbooking Tool with Automatic - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
MARIGOLD Paper Cutter Corner Puncher - 12" Paper Guillotine 2-in-1 Paper Trimmer - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
VEVOR Electric Paper Cutter 0-330 Cutting Width, Electric Paper Trimmer, 40mm Cutting - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Fiskars Procision Rotary Bypass Trimmer, Orange 12 Inch - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Westcott 15'' TrimAir Anti-Microbial Wood Guillotine Paper Cutter & Paper Trimmer, 30 - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay
CARL 12 inch-Green Friendly, Professional Rotary Paper Trimmer, 12-inch, 15 Sheet Cutting - Walmart, Etsy, eBay
Paper cutters are very useful tools in the printing business. However, because there are a lot of paper cutters on the market, selecting one from the lot can be stressful and difficult. To make the job a lot more easy for you, we have taken the time to review some of the best paper cutters that caught our eyes.
We also came up with a list of critical factors you need to consider before buying any paper cutter. With these factors in mind, you can then easily decide how well the paper cutter you intend to buy fits your budget and business demands.
About Anthony Clark
Anthony Clark always had a passion for digital drawing and printing ever since he was young. He would wander around his parents' house in Phoenix, Arizona drawing various things with his older digital tablet. Be it just a memory collection or a portrayal of anything: objects, parents, school, events, etc. He received his BA in Graphic Design at San Jose State University - the heart of Silicon Valley. Now Mr. Clark is excited to present his experience coupled with some colorful dips to help shape the future of printing.
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