Do I need specialty scissors? What are all the different kinds of paper trimmers? Let’s discuss cutting tools!
I am including shopping links, but mostly so you can read additional details about each item if you would like to do that. (Seriously, I’ve made about $10 lifetime on Amazon links, so I don’t care if you use my shopping links or not. The main benefit is the much-shorter link addresses without an extra step.)
Scissors and other hand-held cutters
Scissors are scissors, right? Mostly, but you may want one or more types of specialty scissors.
Non-stick – great for anything sticky, like foam tape. Check the children’s art section for a bargain.
$10.77 Fiskars 3-pack for kids https://amzn.to/3DV4LaY
Micro-serrated – great for anything that might slip from the scissors’ grip like ribbon, lace, or tiny pieces of paper. If you sew, this is the main feature of Karen Kay Buckley’s Perfect Scissors. If you are long-time paper crafter, this is the main feature of several Tim Holtz for Tonic scissors. Check out the pet grooming section for a bargain.
$8.99 https://amzn.to/40wLoOh
Wire snips – this is to cut apart dies, if you are a die cutter. You will ruin your scissors if you use them to separate dies. You may have one lying around the garage, and if so that’s perfect.
$6.99 https://amzn.to/4h2HvWQ
Very sharp detail scissors – these are perfect for fussy-cutting small images, and should have a sharp point.
$7.36 Westcott https://amzn.to/3BUi1Mp
Box opener / cardboard cutter – this is life-changing if you get a lot of boxes, and it is perfect for cutting corrugated cardboard without crushing it and without wearing out your hands using scissors.
$7.90 https://amzn.to/4fTyEFN
Decorative edge – these are mostly terrible, and I’ll say the ones I’ve ever actually used over the years are the pinking edge (for tiny bags), the scallop edge (for paper doll braids), and the deckle edge.
$7.84 6-pack https://amzn.to/3E38p2f
Recoil scissors – great if you struggle with hand strength, since the recoil gives you extra leverage.
$8.34 Tonic https://amzn.to/429jAjY
Craft knife – if you go this route, you 100% need a cork-backed steel ruler, a self-healing mat, and steady hands. This is not ideal for the casual crafter. I used these for years when I worked in newspaper production and they do have their place, but primarily for long straight cuts.
Rotary perforator
$5.17 Tonic https://amzn.to/4g3L1iM
Paper trimmers
I consider this an essential craft room tool. Some crafters will argue that one type or another gives a straighter cut, but in my experience it’s all down to the user. I promise I can produce an inaccurate, wavy cut on any trimmer.
Guillotine trimmer – sharp blade that you bring down like a guillotine, hence the name. Blade is self-sharpening. I’m linking the one I bought five years ago – never replaced the blade, it’s working like a champ. It will handle about three sheets of medium-weight cardstock. These do come in heavy-duty varieties that will handle more sheets of paper, but those also heavy in weight and harder to move.
$30.99 Fiskars https://amzn.to/4je7Hj2
Rotary trimmer – these use a self-sharpening blade and can handle two or three sheets of cardstock. I find this a little less flexible than the guillotine trimmer, but the Dahle I have is solidly built.
$49.99 Dahle https://amzn.to/4fWRSKK
Cartridge trimmer – these are the mostly flat trimmers suitable for one sheet of paper. The blade needs to be replaced periodically. There are an endless number of these, but get the trimmer for which you can EASILY find replacement blades! The advantage is that you can easily swap out the cutting blade for a scoring tool, and it is easier for tiny measurements than either a rotary or guillotine trimmer.
$25.99 Fiskars https://amzn.to/3C6c3YD
Prices are current as of the day I typed this out (obvs.) and do not include coupons, taxes, or shipping. Amazon links (if any) are affiliate, others are not. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Or I would, theoretically, if anyone ever followed a link and bought something, which I do not encourage. Use your craft supplies!
Short video discussion: https://youtu.be/qPvFR4E6M7I
Papercraft Crystal 