The 5 Best Rotary Cutters

Whether you sew on a regular basis or create scrapbooks and other crafts, you will need a good rotary cutter at some point. The round blade of a rotary cutter lets you continuously cut your fabric or other material. You can get more precise corners, have straighter lines, and gets more done at once when you compare it to using scissors. However, not all rotary cutters are created equal. Here are the 5 best rotary cutters.

Olfa 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter

Fun and Effective

The cute and versatile choice.

Top Pick

Find on Amazon

Olfa is a big name in the world of crafting. They offer a ton of high-quality products that help to get things done efficiently. The 45mm Splash Rotary Cutter is an excellent example of their ingenuity. This rotary cutter has specially designed ridges to prevent injury, a quick-change blade system, and a contoured handle for easy handling. In addition to all of that, it comes in several colors just for fun.

There is a blade cover on this rotary cover that can protect little hands and fingers from accidental injury. You can easily find replacement blades when this one goes dull, but that will take quite a while. Meanwhile, let’s check out some pros and cons.

Pros:

The blades can cut through up to 6 layers of fabric depending on the thickness
It is hard to accidentally hurt yourself with this rotary cutter
Olfa has great customer service
It is great for smaller projects
There are several bright colors to choose from

Cons:

You only get one blade with this rotary cutter
It would be more comfortable if the handle were curved a bit more

Somolux 45mm Rotary Cutter

Long-Lasting

Super sharp blades and a well-made handle make this rotary cutter last a long time.

Most Durable

Find on Amazon

The Somolux 45mm Rotary Cutter is a well-made tool that works easily whether you are right or left-handed. Each of the 6 blades is made of Japanese steel that goes through several stages of sharpening for maximum cutting power, meanwhile, replacement blades are more affordable than nearly any other brand. You can’t go wrong.

This rotary cutter is made with a non-slip grip and has a built-in blade cover. In addition, you can get through thick materials with it. It is safe and powerful. Here are some pros and cons.

Pros:

The blades are very sharp, yet affordable
You get 6 blades in all
There are safety features to protect little fingers
You don’t need to press down hard to cut
It is great for any type of fabric or material

Cons:

You can really only cut through one layer of thicker fabric at a time
The blades have a lot of oil on them

Fiskars Crafts 01-005875 Rotary Cutter

Easy to Use

The versatile rotary cutter that works for everyone.

Best for Beginners

Find on Amazon

Fiskars is another household name in the crafting industry. They pride themselves on affordable, yet durable tools. The 01-005875 Rotary Cutter is a 60mm rotary cutter that comes equipped with a powerful titanium blade. It easily slices through several layers of fabrics and each blade lasts much longer than the average steel equivalent.

This rotary cutter is curved and has a uniquely designed handle that allows you to hold onto it easily without danger to your safety. Meanwhile, you also have the added benefit of less pain in your hands and joints from long cutting sessions. We all know how those can go with your average rotary cutter. Now, let’s check out those pros and cons.

Pros:

Fiskars is proud of their products so they offer a lifetime warranty
The titanium blade is extremely sharp
You can use it left or right-handed
There is a safety button that locks the blade open or closed
The unique shape of the handle is easy on joints

Cons:

You only get one blade with this model
It is necessary to ensure that the blade screw is not coming loose often because it tends to loosen up on its own

Olfa Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter

Sharp and Precise

Cut through more with this rotary cutter.

Most Powerful

Find on Amazon

The Olfa Deluxe Handle Rotary Cutter is a great cutting tool that any crafter would be excited to have. The curved handle is easy on the joints, and the squeezing action allows you to open and close the protective blade cover automatically for extra precaution. You can use this rotary cutter with your right or left hand. You can also use several decorative blades in place of the normal straight edge.

On top of having excellent versatility, this rotary cutter offers more safety than most. It has to because it is so sharp that it can cut through 6 layers of even thicker fabrics. Here are some pros and cons so you can decide if you want to give this model a try.

Pros:

You can choose to automatically lock the blade open or closed
By default, the blade cover engages automatically
The blades are very sharp
There are 2 size options
It is comfortable for your hands and wrist

Cons:

It only comes with one blade
Olfa advertises the ability to use decorative blades but does not include any with the rotary cutter

Fiskars Classic Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter

Effective and Affordable

A basic rotary cutter that lasts a long time at a great price.

Best on a Budget

Find on Amazon

You shouldn’t have to give up quality in order to get a great price. Now you don’t have to. The Fiskars Classic Comfort Loop Rotary Cutter is super affordable while also being very sharp. Meanwhile, Fiskars once again proves that they care about their customers by offering a comfortable handle and several safety features.

In addition to the anti-slip looped handle, the blade cover gives you the option to engage automatically or with the push of a button. It has all of the features you could want in a rotary cutter for less than the rest. Check it out for yourself. Here are some pros and cons.

Pros:

It is comfortable to use
This rotary cutter is very safe to use, even around kids
It is affordable
There is a lifetime warranty
The blades cut through several layers of fabric or other materials

Cons:

If you push down too hard the blade can come loose
It only comes with one blade

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you use a rotary cutter for?

Rotary cutters are great for cutting fabric for sewing. They can also be used for scrapbooking, cutting carpet, and more. In general, they are used for cutting straight lines continuously.

Why use a rotary cutter instead of scissors?

Scissors require that you manually cut over and over again. They can create more frays and less even lines. Rotary cutters are more consistent and easier to use.

How often should you change the blade?

Each blade is different and there is no one right answer. If you keep your blades well-maintained and clean in addition to avoiding pins and other hard things, one blade can last months on average. However, if you beat your blades up, use them non-stop, and don’t maintain them well, you may need to change it weekly.