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Are you looking for the best rotary cutter for paper? The best ones are capable of cutting faster than scissors and can go through many layers of paper at once! And even with continuous use, these don’t wear out fast—giving you quality cuts for a long time.
I’ve scoured the market to pinpoint the seven best rotary cutters for paper. See which one cuts best for you!
| ROTARY CUTTER | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! OLFA RTY-2/DX 45 mm Rotary Cutter |  | Check Price |
 | Cricut 45 mm Rotary Cutter |  | Check Price |
 | NICAPA 45mm Rotary Cutter | | Check Price |
 | Gingher 45mm Rotary Cutter | | Check Price |
 | OLFA RTY-2/G Rotary Cutter | | Check Price |
 | OLFA 235B 28 mm Rotary Cutter | | Check Price |
 | Omnigrid 45mm Rotary Cutter |  | Check Price |
Best Rotary Cutter for Paper – Our Top 7!
OUR #1 CHOICE
My pick for the best rotary cutter for paper is the OLFA RTY-2/DX 45 mm Rotary Cutter. It’s a 45 mm (also available in 60 mm variation) rotary cutter that cuts through stacks on stacks of paper at once! Quick and efficient, it’s all about timely results, providing fast cuts in one motion!
Moreover, this is one of the few brands that can cater to specialty blades. You can fit in pinking, wave, and scallop or peak blades with this specific product.
Performance and speed aside, the OLFA RTY-2/DX has some of the best safety mechanisms. It comes with a dual-action safety lock that prevents unwanted accidents from happening. This feature ensures your safety and those around you. Still, don’t make leaving sharp things around a habit.
Aside from that, this product’s design is also noteworthy. It has an ergonomically-designed handle that makes it easier to fit on any hand. Also, it’s made from rubber, preventing hand fatigue and stress.
But what stood out the most about the OLFA RTY-2/DX is its flexibility. Aside from paper, it can also cut through other materials like felt, tarp, fleece, and vinyl! And no matter the item, this rotary cutter can cut through several layers at a time.
Overall, this rotary cutter is one of the best in the sector, boasting excellent performance, design, and safety features that make paper cutting a breeze.
Summary
The OLFA RTY-2/DX is a reliable rotary cutter that lets you quickly cut through stacks of paper. Aside from a powerful performance, this product also has some of the best safety features available. And it has a comfortable handle that makes the entire process even more enjoyable.
RUNNERS-UP
The Cricut 45 mm Rotary Cutter is one of the best budget models available. Despite its low price tag, it uses a quality carbon alloy blade powerful enough to slice through stacks of paper like butter. Aside from that, it can also cut other materials like fabric or craft sheets.
I like the symmetrical design because it is usable for both left- and right-handed users. It’s ideal for ambidextrous users who need to switch between their hands for max productivity. And it has a comfortable enough grip that can make the cutting experience more enjoyable.
While the rotary cutter doesn’t have a guard, it comes with a slider button that lets you extend and retract the blade when needed. And you don’t need to worry about cutting your fingers off as its blade sits on a ring, so the chances of touching its edges are low.
Another downside is the hold button’s placement. Being placed in the center of the handle, while convenient, can be a hassle. After all, you may accidentally press it while you’re in the middle of cutting paper. Anyway, aside from this setback, I didn’t see any other issues with the rotary cutter.
Overall, if you’re looking to try cutting paper for your crafting hobbies but don’t want to splurge yet, choose Cricut. It does the job well at half the price of its counterparts!
The NICAPA 45mm Rotary Cutter guarantees quality cuts in style. It has one of the most stylish and comfortable handles among rotary cutters.
Although many recommend this for quilting purposes, it also works with paper well. Its loop handle makes you feel like you’re not holding anything, ideal for tedious tasks like cutting paper. So, even when handling several stacks of paper, the rotary cutter will stay in your palms—ready to cut!
Despite being pretty cheap, this rotary cutter comes with impeccable safety features. For instance, its blade’s upper side has a cover to protect your fingers from accidental slippage. And this is a pretty impressive feat as slippage often happens when cutting paper in a hurry.
Moreover, it also comes with a safety lock that holds the blade in “ON” and “OFF” positions for safety purposes. Aside from these safety measures, I also love that this rotary cutter comes with extra blades. And this is highly beneficial for cutting paper as the material wears out the blade fast.
With this, you’ll have five more replacements before buying a new blade!
Overall, the NICAPA rotary cutter is a reliable tool that guarantees quality cuts for a low cost. And it’ll last you for years!
As good as it is to have multipurpose rotary cutters on hand, sometimes you’ll need a specialized one! The Gingher 45mm Rotary Cutter is ideal for cutting harsh materials like paper. Gingher doesn’t wear out as fast even when cutting paper, unlike other models.
Being a sub-brand of Fiskars, it’s no wonder Gingher produces quality rotary cutters. But what makes this particular product is its heavy handle and sharp blade. This combo is perfect for cutting paper as it gives you complete control when cutting. And it doesn’t force you to apply as much pressure, thanks to its heavy design.
Although this rotary cutter comes with other features, I’d like to focus on its metal handle. Aside from looking fantastic, this makes the cutting process more manageable. As I mentioned earlier, it only requires little pressure to cut through thick stacks of paper!
Metal handle aside, this product’s automatic blade retraction function is just as impressive. This feature is thumb-activated, meaning you can place the blade in an “ON” or “OFF” position.
The only drawback with this rotary cutter is that its blade can skip if you mess with the pressure. Anyway, you can adjust your angle to prevent this from happening. Usually, it’s best to cut paper in a slanting position with this rotary cutter.
If you’re handling a lot of crafting at home or in your store, this is the rotary cutter to get for paper cutting.
If you’re looking for a versatile cutter that can go through papers and other materials, look no further than the OLFA RTY-2G. It’s one of the cheapest OLFA rotary cutters you can get, giving you a complete bang for your cash!
It uses a 45 mm blade that’s easy to assemble, change, and replace. Even though this product isn’t the sharpest around, it can handle most jobs you throw at it.
Whether cutting stacks of paper or tweaking a car’s leather upholstery—the OLFA RTY-2G has you covered! So, as good as it is to have a specialized cutter, sometimes, you need something that can come in handy in all situations!
Flexibility aside, this rotary cutter also has an impressive ambidextrous design. That means left- and right-handed users can enjoy this product equally! And it takes a mere 20 seconds to switch the blade.
Aside from that, it has an ergonomic handle and safety lock that ensures your safety and those around you! All these make it clear why this OLFA product has become a shared favorite among families.
If you’re looking for a rotary cutter that can handle any task you throw at it, go for the OLFA RTY-2G. It’s ideal for cutting paper, fabric, vinyl, leather, and more!
The OLFA 235B is one of the best rotary cutters for papercraft or paper cutting. This 28 mm rotary cutter works well in most craftwork projects. And it’s safe enough for even young kids to handle!
It uses a 28 mm perforation blade that helps you do intricate cuts while making it powerful enough to slice through stacks of paper with ease. Its perforations come at seven cavities per inch, where each is larger than the non-cut area. And this also makes the cutter flexible enough to handle all kinds of paper, whether origami or vinyl.
Aside from home use, you may also use this product for ticket-making. With this, you can perforate sheets of paper that you can tear off and pass as tickets.
So, you can see why this handheld rotary cutter has become the top pick for satisfying your crafting needs! Whether creating perforations on wrapping papers or seams for your art project, the OLFA 235B has you covered. And it also has an easily replaceable cutting blade.
Flexibility and performance aside, this product also has an impressive safety feature. It has a protective shield covering the blade and protecting your fingers. Because of this, even young children can handle this tool.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe, flexible, and reliable rotary cutter for paper crafting, the OLFA 235B is your best bet.
My last pick for the best rotary cutter for paper is the Omnigrid 45mm Rotary Cutter. It’s one of the most efficient models for papercraft available, complete with all the necessary precautions.
The brand behind the rotary cutter is famous for its simple yet efficient craft tools. And the Omnigrid 45 rotary cutter doesn’t disappoint! It’s a handheld rotary cutter that can handle just about any task—or material.
Moreover, cutting has never been this comfortable, thanks to the product’s cushioned handle. It boasts a comfy grip that lets you slice through paper for long periods with ease.
But the best part about this rotary cutter is that it doesn’t need adjustments to work for left-handed users. You must extend its blade, hold it straight across any paper, and cut! This feature makes it ideal for ambidextrous users to use both their hands to multi-task!
Although simplicity has its perks, the lack of hard squeeze handles can make it dangerous to handle. Anyway, you can prevent unwanted accidents by making it a habit not to leave sharp items unattended.
Overall, the Omnigrid 45mm Rotary Cutter is an excellent no-frills tool that’s affordable, easy to use, gets the job done, and is safe!
How to Choose the Best Rotary Cutter for Paper? (Buying Guide)
The following is an in-depth look at the features when choosing a rotary cutter for paper. These should help you understand these tools better and make it easier to find one that suits you best. Check them out below:
✔️ Blade Size (Diameter)
Regardless of the purpose, we usually specify rotary cutters by their blade diameters. Here are the four most common blade diameter sizes for rotary cutters:
- 18 mm is ideal for small and intricate cuts or cutting curves on paper.
- 28 mm can cut through several layers and cover some details, but not as refined as the previous one.
- 45 mm is the most common and flexible option. It’s maneuverable and capable of cutting through several layers of paper. Generally, this is the best blade size for newbies.
- 60 mm blades are best for heavy-duty materials like cotton or leather. If you’re working on stacks of paper, this is your best choice.
Generally, I recommend rotary cutters with 45 mm blades for cutting paper. They’re versatile, can cut through the material fine, and won’t wear out as fast.
✔️ Blade Type & Material
Aside from the conventional standard-cutting blade, here are other variations to consider:
- Pinking blades work like shears, preventing the fraying of the fabric. Once they become dull, they can be excellent alternatives for cutting paper.
- Scallop or wavy blades are best for creative cutting. They can help you make decorative edges for paper crafts.
- Skip-cut blades punch holes along edges to create an embroidered or crocheted finish. These usually don’t do well on paper crafting as they can tear the material fast. Still, once it dulls, you can use it to cut paper.
- Slash cut or chenille blades cut straight, or wavy lines close together. And these often come with a spacing guide.
Those are some of the most common blade types you’d encounter in rotary cutters. Meanwhile, when it comes to the material, the ones you’re likely to see are tungsten and steel. Although these two have pros and cons, both don’t rust, are durable, and have edge retention. That means rotary cutters with blades made of these materials can last long, even when used to cut paper!
But if you want something that’ll last you a long time, titanium-coated blades are your best bet. Unfortunately, these are more expensive.
✔️ Rotary Cutter Design
Crafting or cutting, in general, can be tedious if you’re working on stacks of paper. So, I suggest looking at the rotary cutter’s design to ensure it won’t place any strain on your wrists or hands. Aside from that, I also recommend getting a rotary cutter with an ambidextrous design. It should have an interchangeable blade to make the item usable for left- and right-handed people.
✔️ Ease of Use
Since cutting paper can be a tedious task, even with a rotary cutter, it makes sense to get one that’s easy to use. After all, this material requires more pressure than usual, which can tire anyone out fast! Generally, you shouldn’t have issues using the tool or attaching accessories.
I recommend seeking how easy you can use the product when looking for a rotary cutter for paper. And if it requires you to use other items in the process, skip it. Moreover, ensure the model comes with a user manual to make it easier.
✔️ Comfort & Safety Features
You’ll often encounter rotary cutters in three different designs. Each one can shield its blade when unused. The most basic design is the “stick cutter,” with a plain handle with a button or slider. This feature helps you place the cutting wheel into position. But though this is workable, they aren’t best designed for long-term usage.
Another design you’ll encounter for rotary cutters for paper is a squeeze or trigger grip. These help you expose and hide the blade when not in use. As the name suggests, you’ll need to squeeze its handle for the edge to descend. Not only is this convenient, but it’s also relatively safe.
The final design for rotary cutters for papers offers a similar knife-like hold. But these usually have thicker grips and come with a finger guard or loop. You’ll find a slider on the back to move the blade forward for cutting paper and a lock that holds it in place. Generally, this is the most comfortable design you’d find.
✔️ Blade Handle
Since you’ll be gripping your rotary cutter for long periods, you’d naturally want to make it as comfortable as possible. And this is especially the case if you’re working on stacks on stacks of paper. You’ll want to have a comfortable handle you can hold at any angle.
Ergonomic handles are best for cutting paper as they adapt to any angle. But you may also find other specially designed ones, such as rotary cutters built for those with arthritis.
✔️ Rotary Cutter Accessories
Many accessories can improve the usage of the best rotary cutter for paper. Firstly, don’t underlook the value of a reliable crafting table. And though it may sound extravagant, these give you a comfortable workspace. Here, you can cut paper to your heart’s content without worrying about damaging the table.
Aside from that, self-healing cutting mats are also excellent investments. These feature convenient grids for aligning materials. As a result, you can now cut paper easier and cleaner! Moreover, cleaning mats prolongs your rotary cutter’s blade life even with heavy-duty cutting.
Finally, you might want to consider getting rulers. These can help you cut paper cleaner and straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to use a rotary cutter for paper?
A: Cutting paper with a rotary cutter is possible and can last a few months of continual use. Fortunately, even once the blade dulls, you can still use them to cut paper. But note that when it becomes blunter, it’ll be more challenging to cut thicker stacks.
Q: Is a rotary cutter better than a guillotine paper cutter?
A: Rotary paper cutters are better for large-scale cutting tasks. On the other hand, a guillotine paper cutter is best at handling large volumes of paper. So, if you’re looking to cut photos and posters, rotary cutters are the way to go! It pays to know the difference between a rotary cutter and a guillotine paper cutter to see which one best suits your current needs.
Q: Will cutting paper dull out my rotary cutter?
A: Cutting paper with a rotary cutter eventually dulls up its blade. Luckily, you can help it last longer by not cutting any other material than textile fabrics. So, only use a rotary cutter if necessary as they wear out the blade fast.
Q: How to choose the best rotary cutter for paper?
A: When picking a rotary cutter, you must consider how thick the paper will be. For instance, if you’re talking about stacks on stacks of paper, a rotary cutter with a 60 mm is your best option. Meanwhile, if you’re referring to more intricate work, anything below 28 mm is your best bet!
Q: Can a rotary cutter wear out?
A: If you cut paper and other materials like cardboard, expect your rotary cutter to wear out fast. These can make the blade dull over time, so it’s best to keep cutting them to a minimum.
Final Words
With the best rotary cutter for paper, you can now cut the material faster and cleaner every time! The listed products guarantee quality results, whether for crafting or general paper cutting. So, all you must do is find the best one that makes the “cut” for your unique needs and preferences.
