What's the Best Paper Trimmer for You?

[@kokoroforyou1812]

I am so gladto find your video as I have been trying to decide on a rotary trimmer. I love the Rotatrim and found an older model online for a great price but not sure if it wil work due to age. Very good descriptions of each trimmer. Thanks so much!

[@AnnetteGreen]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for checking it out.

[@pattir9591]

Very fortuitous posting! I'm in the market for a new trimmer! I'm leaning towards the Spellbinders.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I think you'd be very pleased! Good luck, and come back and let me know what you decided on.

[@SweetLeighMadeScrapbooking]

I love the rotary trimmer for chipboard for my albums, and the spellbinder trimer is just like the stampin up trimmer which is my favorite slide trimmer ever, even though I did cave and buy the new one from Tim Holtz. I have the big WE R guillotine trimmer, which I use when I'm making bigger albums with 12x12 paper, but I think the measurements are off slightly, at least on mine....which I got at amazon, so who knows!....LOL

[@AnnetteGreen]

I am "learning" to love it. And yes, people are saying the Spellbinders one is the same as the SU one. How do you like the newest Tonic trimmer? I'd be curious to hear.

[@SweetLeighMadeScrapbooking]

You know, I am still getting to know the latest tonic trimmer. However, since I already had the SU and the Fiskars, I really did not need an extra scoring and cutting trimmer...lol...what can I say, I'm a collector of trimmers HA! However, you cannot fit both the scoring and cutting blades on the track at the same time like you can with the SU trimmer so that's kind of annoying, especially when I'm wanting to make card bases. The Tonic cutting and scoring blades are just too big to both live on the track at the same time....I'd say they're about an inch in length at least. Some of my favorite pros to having such a bigger sliding mechanism for cutting and scoring though, is that I can see the measurements along track a lot better on the new Tonic trimmer than I can on my SU trimmer (my aging eyes need bigger things these days!!) I like the fact that you don't have to lift the track and can just slide the paper under it. The thing that bothers me the most about the SU & Fiskars trimmers is having to lift that sliding track up out of its locked position to put the paper under it, and in doing so my scoring and/or cutting blades often pop out of that track a lot. The tonic blade hasn't popped out on me once yet, but the clear sliding track also doesn't latch shut when it's closed. In fact, it doesn't ever really touch the surface of the trimmer base itself at all, unless you are actively trimming or scoring. It's sort of spring loaded if that makes sense. I was thinking of putting a review up on my KZbin channel of the tonic trimmer after the holidays. Kinda hard to explain without the visuals! Hope this made sense...LOL. Have a merry christmas! Love love love your channel! And hoping that you can make it out to Texas soon to teach a class!!! I work at Big Mouth Scrappers in the Dallas area.

[@AnnetteGreen]

@@SweetLeighMadeScrapbooking Very interesting info Leigh, thanks. i went over to Simon Says Stamps' short video showing the features of that new Tonic trimmer. I do like the spring-action guide and how you don't have to keep lifting it when making a new cut. It appears to me, though, that you have to push down as you glide the cutting blade, which I guess we all do anyway, but the angle of how you have to hold your hand to trim and also push down seems like it could quickly get uncomfortable (at least after many many cuts). You know what I mean? That sideways pinch action? Also I see what you mean about not being able to have both the cutting blade and the scoring blade on the track at the same time. That's unfortunate. I will subscribe and be sure to watch for your review video. As for teaching at BMS, I never say "never" but I have made a promise to myself and my husband that I will start limiting my travel teaching in 2024. I'm booked for the creative retreat in Banff again and also for a September crafting cruise once again with Crafters Therapy Cruises. Otherwise, it's all online courses for me next year.

[@SweetLeighMadeScrapbooking]

@@AnnetteGreen well, we sell your online courses and kits in our store, so I'll be sure to pick up the next one!! :)

[@SweetLeighMadeScrapbooking]

@@AnnetteGreen oh and thanks for the sub!! I'm brand new on KZbin. After much persuasion, I finally created my own channel. I'm also creating project kits for BMS so I'll do project shares of the things I create on my channel, and then links to private videos for the kits I create for customers and will be sold in store! So excited for this crafty new adventure for me! I'm having surgery next week though, so videos will not start picking up until after the new year!

[@melodiebushaw9261]

I love your break down of all these different trimmers, thank you💕

[@valeriemartin3506]

just in case you are interested, I have had a lot of success sharpening my dull blades. I use a fine grit nail block (file). I have recently switched to one of those glass nail files. I hold the file still and I slide the trimmer blade back and forward several times. I flip the trimmer blade over and repeat. Once I have sharpened it, it does not last as long as it did when it was new. Foe me, it is not a problem b/c I just keep repeating the process. I have about 4 dull blades that I cycle through (only b/c I don't want to stop crafting to sharpen thw blade) and I have not had to purchase a new blade for several years.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Well that's a great tip Valerie. Thanks so much!

[@amandafredregill8300]

I have the same Fiskers trimmer, and never thought about titanium versus regular blades. I’ve inadvertently bought both. Now it’s titanium all the way! Thanks for the info. And I agree about the Tim Holtz trimmer. I had great expectations for it. I’m used to being able to seeing that wire for exactly where I’m going to cut. But I’ll pull it out now and then. Thanks Annette!

[@AnnetteGreen]

Those titanium blades make all the difference! I'm glad you found the info helpful. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@PonceStibbo]

Thanks for your comparison, it is very informing! The Spellbinder trimmer is the same trimmer as the Stampin' Up! as well as the one from Paperfuel and many other brands. Always the same trimmer just other logos... and a ridiculous price range depending on the brand. However, it is a decent trimmer which I used and loved for years. Nowadays I work with the Tonic trimmers (Tonic's own and the Tim Holtz Precision Trimmer where you do not have to pull up the lid) because they are definetely more precise in cutting and scoring. Their blades show their exact position by pointing to the x/y-directions so, for example, you can cut out a window precisely.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I appreciate the info about the Tonic Precision trimmer. I've seen it advertised quite a bit lately. I'm glad you're happy with it. Thanks for watching.

[@deborahcox3214]

I have the Dahle lg rotary trimmer, I like it, but like yours, heavy! I bought the Tim Holtz one for this reason. I, too, had the learning curve but now am happy with it. I did see where Tim says he asked tonic to make a replacement housing/blade even though technically it should not be needed as it is self sharpening. Time will tell! I love my little We r Makers guillotine! Funny story, I thought my first Fiskars was tearing up, I didn't know about the removable plastic, LOL! Thanks for the reviews!

[@AnnetteGreen]

Hey Deb! I guess I'm happy I got the replacement blade carriage anyway, just in case. I didn't realize the blade in that trimmer was considered "self sharpening" so I thank you for that. Clearly, I haven't watched Tim's video on this particular trimmer yet. Probably should've watched that long ago. And that's funny about the plastic lining. I also didn't know that at first. Even funnier, after years of teaching a monthly scrapbook club back in Florida, when I used to pre-cut everyone's papers for them, I finally decided to stop doing that and instead instructed the students to cut their own papers in class. It was at this time one of my students discovered the ruler arm extension! She had no idea because she never had to use it before!

[@dianelorello6938]

Thank you for all the info. I just recently bought the Spellbinders Trimmer and love it. Never thought about not being able to see the inch numbers at the top. I mostly use it for making card bases. I have a Fiskers I bought to cut vinyl for my Cricut and the We Are Memory keepers. Won't part with any of them. I bought a big guillotine from Amazon that I hate. I think it will be in the garage sale this spring. Thanks again.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Glad you liked the video and info I shared. It's an ongoing process finding the perfect trimmer, and each of us has our own needs and preferences. It's frustrating though to spend money on one only to be super dissatisfied. I hope you sell yours for a good price.

[@dianebarnes484]

Thanks for the comparison. I have 4 cutters -- the smaller Cutterpillar Pro, a Fiskars (which I rarely use), and the newer Creative Memories cutter plus the small portable Creative Memories cutter (which I primarily use for cutting photos) which is a guillotine style while the larger one has blades (a variety of styles, inlcuding a scoring blade) which are housed on the back of the trimmer. This is my go to trimmer and I love it.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I have heard great things about the CM trimmer. I feel it's pretty similar to the Spellbinders one. Thanks for checking this out, Diane. Merry Christmas!

[@celineworotniak4349]

Great information Annette. Thanks for sharing.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Glad you found it helpful, Celine. Thanks.

[@JonH415]

My wife owns a card making business and she tasked me with finding the best cutter for her to use. We have been frustrated with the Cricut cutter not performing as well as we'd hoped. (We typically cut 110lb cardstock.). I'm so glad I stumbled upon your video. After reviewing other videos and Amazon reviews, I think your recommendation at 5:27 for the Fiskars Precision Paper Trimmer is superb. We're going to give that one a try (of course with the Titanium blade attachments)! Thank you!!

[@AnnetteGreen]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! I hope you're satisfied with that one. You'll have to come back and let me know. Thanks for watching!

[@JonH415]

@@AnnetteGreen Well, we've had the Fiskars trimmer now for a few days. As we inspected our "Linen 110lb cardstock", we discovered that our paper was not aligned from the factory. We complained to the paper manufacturer and they are now sending us a new replacement batch. Back to the trimmer, we're thrilled that it's been working out well for us. We plan to continue using it and buying only the triple track titanium blade replacements. Thanks again for your great video.

[@pasu1119]

Thanks for the video. Cricut trimmer cuts very well with official blades. The only problem is that the blade holder is not purchasable. If it is lost or broken, the trimmer will be useless. Spellbinder trimmer looks very nice. It cuts and scores without having to change anything.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Now that some time has passed since I made this video and I've used the Spellbinders trimmer regularly, I am very happy with it. It's my everyday, reliable trimmer for basic paper crafting. Thanks for the info about the Cricut trimmer.

[@janewebster7661]

Thank for the information. I have four .my tonic one i use the most.but led do line up with the rule. And it does wobbled . 😊

[@AnnetteGreen]

Glad to help. Thanks for watching.

[@deborahwilson3534]

I love the Stampin up trimmer and also the Creative Memories trimmer. The CM one cuts like butter.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I hear good things about both, and some say that the Spellbinders trimmer is an exact copy of the Stampin' Up one, just a different color and brand name change.

[@LoesOcreations]

Hi Annette, thanks for doing this video. It was very helpful. Fiskars also has scoring blades. The orange ones are for cutting and the black ones for scoring. I love the Tim Holtz rotary cutter. The only reason you would need to replace the carriage is when you mess it up somehow. Tim said in case that happens, you must be able to replace it on such an expensive trimmer. Tonic has great customer service. If your top ruler is not lining up well, I'm sure you will get another trimmer. Please contact them.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Thanks for the advice. That's helpful to know Tonic is good with customer service. I will definitely look into getting a replacement now that you've told me that. And I'm glad you're happy with yours! Thanks for watching and also about the Fiskars scoring blade. How am I a lifelong crafter and didn't really know that?

[@lindakf27]

Annette, thank you for a really helpful video. I like my Fiskars for everyday use. I've been looking at the one from Spellbinders, but when you brought up the inches measuring guide, that was a dealbreaker for me. Thanks for saving me the purchase price and shipping charge! 😊

[@AnnetteGreen]

I'm glad you found it helpful. It's those little details that are important to us as crafters, so I'm happy I helped in your decision by sharing my thoughts. Thanks for watching.

[@mariebinkin4365]

Thanks for the comparison video, Annette. Very interesting. I have the Fiskars and I like it. Does take several passes for chipboard but suits my needs. I always buy titanium blades on sale or with a coupon.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Thanks for checking it out Marie. I'm glad you found it interesting. Titanium blades only from here on out!

[@crschwartz380]

Thanx for the review. When I need a new one I'll watch again. For now ill keep the we r memory keepers 12x12 trimmer

[@AnnetteGreen]

That's the key, Chava. If you're happy with what you have, stick with it! I have heard good things about that trimmer as well. Thanks for watching today. See you soon!

[@doodahgurlie]

I have a TON of trimmers and keep collecting them as I'm always searching for the PERFECT one. But I've realized there isn't a perfect one as your needs vary. So it's probably a good idea you divided the trimmers into lightweight vs heavyweight. The thing about Fiskars is that they do make really good trimmers (I have the Procision, SureCut Delux, small guillotine, etc). I love that Fiskars trimmers are reliable, have accurate measurements, have 1-2" measurements on the right side of the cutting blade (something all trimmers should have), and when/if you need to replace the V-blades they can purchased anywhere (unlike some trimmers that are discontinued). That SureCut Deluxe is awesome in that it is lightweight, portable, amazing wire guide, etc., would be used 90% of the time if it weren't for having to replace the expensive blades all the time, I also like the Procision, but it's a bit buiky and awkward due to the size, but it works really well and is made well and the blade is self-sharpening. I recently acquired the Cutterpillar Crop and I really like it, but it doesn't cut as well as the Procision (sometimes the cut comes out a bit ragged) and you have to really hold down the paper well to get an accurate cut because the paper often moves as you move the blade down. The light on it is cool, although rarely used, and is pretty darn blinding...a big con is that you can barely see the measurements because it's the same ugly green color as the base. Other trimmers I have are two Dahles, which are too big/long, but work well for heavy duty and bigger projects (no need to replace the blade much like the Procision and supposedly the Cutterpillar), the 12" Carl trimmer (works well, but I hate anything that requires replacing parts like cutting pads...but at least they are relatively cheap to replace and lasts a long time), Xacto (old guillotine trimmer with a laser that cuts really well, but the measurements were off by about 1/16 to 1/8...which annoys me to no end...then the measurement mat fell off and so I had to jerry rig it with a tape measure...ugh), etc. I'd never buy the Tim Holtz trimmers because they are overpriced and just feel cheap - I hate the feel of the plastic used on it. As a crafter, I often cut strips from small pieces of leftover papers. A lot of the lightweight trimmers have the paper guards or the blades that get in the way of say cutting a 1-2" wide strip of paper down into 1/4" slivers.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I agree that it's necessary to have different trimmers for different purposes. I use my new Spellbinders for most everything now, and have stuck with the Tonic one just because it is lightweight and easy to pop onto my table to cut chipboard, but there's no way I would consider it my essential, everyday trimmer.

[@jessicanapolitano1527]

Thanks for this informative video. I get my Fiscars blades at Hobby Lobby when they are on sale

[@AnnetteGreen]

Hi Jessica! Good to hear from you here. I will only be using Titanium blades from here on out, and will watch for the sales because they ARE a bit pricey. Thanks!

[@cherylwells1266]

What a well-thought video, Annette!!! I swear you filmed that at my house - I either have or had everything I see, even to having a Dahle 550, which cut great, just didn't like the layout. As I look around, I see 5 trimmers, and I know there are 3 in my bedroom!! I have a hard time finding which is the best. Thank you for taking the time for your honest opinions of the trimmers.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I'm sure you and I are NOT alone in this, Cheryl. Sometimes it's just about trying out different ones to see if I've found the perfect one, and sometimes it's just about needing a certain trimmer for a certain purpose. That whole "best tool for the job" thing. Thanks for watching today. I'm glad you liked the info.

[@caroleanderson1106]

Great video, Annette. I have several trimmers and they are mostly fiskars. I really do like the cricut one.

[@taljasusec]

Thank you for this video! I bought Fellowes neutron plus and was dissapointed because it didn't cut straight. Now I watched your video and bought Spellbinders. Hopefully will work for me.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I have been using the Spellbinders one for a while now and I am VERY happy with it. I use it every day.

[@willowroundtree-ross2167]

Thank You Kindly for all of your sound information.

[@AnnetteGreen]

You're quite welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@joanbardee5135]

helpful. thanks. every tonic trimmer I've purchased (3) I have not liked so I continue the hunt!!

[@AnnetteGreen]

Good luck! It's very frustrating.

[@stylesformiles79]

Hi Annette, I have 4 trimmers. The large Fiskars rotary which Ive had for many years. I did just get the bew Tonic light weight rotary trimmer and I am liking it better than my Fiskars large rotary. I also have the small Fiskars guillotine cutter which I really like and a mini, no name for cutting photos and its soso.

[@AnnetteGreen]

It's rare to hear that anyone has just one trimmer, so to hear you have four makes perfect sense to me. They each can serve their own purpose. As long as you're happy with what you have and they work well for you, that's all the matters. Thanks for checking out this video.

[@jacquelinegirouard2913]

Did you try the fiscars guillotine 4x6 trimmer? I love the small size for picture trimmer

[@AnnetteGreen]

I actually had one and donated it to my local ReCraft store recently. It worked just fine, but I just found it to be too small for my needs.

[@leslieheilman7938]

Very informative. I have quite the collection as well. It would be tough to pick a favorite.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Thanks Leslie. I agree. Each has its own pluses for specific tasks.

[@lisettelacoste2977]

Annette I buy the titanium replacement blades for the fiskars trimmer and I don't find they last as long as they use to.....thought maybe it was badstock but several packages have proven the same....not sure why this is......very frustrating...thanks for the review.

[@AnnetteGreen]

Hmm, that's not good news. I will be going out to get some this weekend and see how long they last. Sadly, I bought up a BUNCH of these regular ones that I am just going to have to burn through also.

[@gayleschultz8383]

I would like to hear your thoughts on the Cutterpillar trimmers.

[@AnnetteGreen]

So many people on my Facebook post commented that they LOVE the Cutterpillar. I personally don't have one of that brand (yet) but if I get one, I'll talk about it for sure.

[@karenrosser]

I have 3 different Fiskars trimmers including the rotary precision trimmer and the small guillotine and none of them cut straight. I have a really old trimmer that my husband used to use to trim photos and it cuts straight every time.

[@AnnetteGreen]

That's a true bummer Karen. But I'm glad your husband's is reliable. What type is it, if I may ask?

[@karenrosser]

@@AnnetteGreen it’s an Officeworks (Australian stationery store) brand, 18” metal base with a rotary cutter.

[@honbun100]

I have had 3 Fiskars trimmers with the wire and the wire eventually failed on all of them. It first started to fray, strand by strand, until there was no wire left.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I've had that happen once to a Fiskars trimmer. The company is VERY good about replacing it, so reach out to them before going out and buying another whole trimmer.

[@rhonies9229]

Tim Holtz made a comment about small guillotine trimmer to cut middle to bottom and not at the top. Thank you for the review.

[@AnnetteGreen]

I'm trying to envision what you're saying. So do you mean, move the piece of paper to the middle of the trimmer?

[@rhonies9229]

@@AnnetteGreen Yes. Don't push it all the way to the top, he uses the grid lines. He did a video on trimmers a few weeks ago if that helps.

[@suzannelanglois8153]

It helps cutting smaller pieces straight if you line up the paper against the ruler at the bottom. It prevents shifting of the paper. Game changer.

[@pacools]

Thank you great information

[@AnnetteGreen]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks!

[@amandahauspie2996]

Thank you for your video! Which trimmer cuts easily through laminated paper? I was thinking about the Fiskar precision, but maybe it's a bit too heavy

[@AnnetteGreen]

I would think the Tonic trimmer would handle that just fine.

[@Eagleye11700]

Thanks for the great video! I had my eyes on Dahle rotary trimmers. What are your thoughts on that German brand?

[@AnnetteGreen]

Thanks for watching. I don't know of that brand personally, so I don't have an opinion there.

[@christinecaronnabeard1369]

THANK YOU for this video!!

[@AnnetteGreen]

Thank you for watching! Hope it was helpful.

[@PauPauPauPauPauPau]

Hi,,, may i ask the thickest chipboard you can cut for the rotatrim? thank you for this video, been thinking about buying, i dont know which

[@AnnetteGreen]

I've cut up to 3mm chipboard on mine with no trouble

[@S0liD4CE]

which do you recommend for 350gsm card? i think that is about 130lb. eyeing up the fiskars, but I see too many models to decide. i see a 12" deluxe model and a 12" scrapbooking model which only look different in width

[@AnnetteGreen]

For that thickness, I would go with the Tonic trimmer for a lower price option, otherwise the big Rotatrim if you're always using that thick of paper on a regular basis.

[@kdgowdy]

I think you should still try the Creative Memories trimmer! You are missing a good one!

[@AnnetteGreen]

I think I'll need another closet if I buy anymore paper trimmers! LOL!

[@tfernandez6806]

I’ve found that my old Creative Memories trimmer is the best for photographs ! Not paper it snags

[@TracysPlans]

When I was packing to move I discovered that I like to collect paper trimmers and hole punches.

[@AnnetteGreen]

LOL! It's amazing what you find when you have to start packing things up to move. Thanks for the giggle this morning.

[@winterrain1947]

Right now the high profile replacement blades for the fiskars trimmers are so high in price that I cannot buy them. Am on here looking for an alternative, wondering if some other less spendy option is out there. $11 US right now in my area for a 2 pack of those blades is just...well... I am back to using my scissors for now and hoping the price goes back down to something 'reasonable'

[@AnnetteGreen]

It's crazy, isn't it? If they lasted longer than they do, that would maybe make it worth it. The best thing we can do is what you're doing. Don't buy it until the price comes down.

[@winterrain1947]

@@AnnetteGreen For sure It Is too crazy! I used to be able to get the fiskars two pack of blades for around $3 and then the store would do sales all the time and I think I'd get them for $1 per blade sometimes. So, I would buy like 3 packs at a time. But now that same two pack is almost $12 !!!!!!!!! Screw that! But GOOD news!!! A friend of mine gave me one of the older paper cutters that use a regular razor for a blade--It's the kind of razor that you put into a utility knife, and you can buy a pack of 100 for $10 at any place that sells basic hardware. I am still using my fiskars cutter for the scoring blade and the measuring parts. The older trimmer is not as streamlined or as convenient as the more modern version. There's no swing arm for measuring the width. There's no ruler at the top part. You have to do all the measuring and marking before you put your paper into the cutter. It's sort of like going from a cell phone back to using a rotary dial phone that is stuck to the wall. BUT, it works very well and I can actually afford to replace the blades, so I'm going to go make a new origami pencil stand now and not worry about wearing out my blade.

[@doodahgurlie]

@@winterrain1947 Had I known the prices of the Fiskars blades were going up that high, I'd have loaded up years ago on the titanium blades when they were on sale at Michaels/JoAnn for half price (they used to have those sales all the time back then). I really love the Fiskars Surecut Deluxe because it is the BEST light weigh trimmer...but the blades have become a deal breaker. Fiskars needs to make a blade sharpener yesterday.

[@valeriemartin3506]

​@@doodahgurliejust in case you are interested, I have had a lot of success sharpening my dull blades. I use a fine grit nail block (file). I have recently switched to one of those glass nail files. I hold the file still and I slide the trimmer blade back and forward several times. I flip the trimmer blade over and repeat. Once I have sharpened it, it does not last as long as it did when it was new. Foe me, it is not a problem b/c I just keep repeating the process. I have about 4 dull blades that I cycle through (only b/c I don't want to stop crafting to sharpen thw blade) and I have not had to purchase a new blade for several years.

[@doodahgurlie]

@@valeriemartin3506 Yeah, that sounds okay, I just wish for a simple tool that actually works like a nice knife sharpener. I actually have sharpening stones and such, but I need it specifically made for those V blades as I think different blades have different angles they are sharpened at.

[@gaylemora1390]

I don’t like the Tim Holtz trimmer 3:42

[@AnnetteGreen]

That's a bummer. I assume you're talking about the rotary one I show in this video? They have a new one that isn't rotary I'm curious to hear about.