Best Paper Cutter

A paper cutter is a practical aid, especially when you have to cut a lot of paper in the same size. It works much faster and gives a uniform result. Among other things, a paper cutter is also used for the production of invitation cards or when you’re scrapbooking.

Best Paper Cutter of 2020

A cutter: What is it?

The 2020 best paper cutters are machines that cut paper and sometimes also sheets and cardboard. The paper cutters are equipped with all the functions necessary for this purpose. They usually have a contact plate and a stabilizer element that holds the paper while cutting. If cutting work is relatively frequent, it is worth buying a semi-automatic or fully automatic device.

Conventional paper cutters are manual and can often cut multiple layers of paper at the same time. Standard corner markings facilitate custom cutting.

Classifications of paper cutters

How does a paper cutter work?

Papercutting machines are used by both hobbyists and professionals in the office. They ensure the exact cutting of paper, laminated documents, sheets and partly also cardboard.

The function is based on precise adjustment of the stopper and allows the paper to be cut to the nearest millimeter. Even the thinnest stripes can be cut. The integrated cut indicator allows you to plan the cut line in advance to avoid a practical test. 

Paper cutting machine test winners have angular guides that help produce perfect shapes. Usually, paper cutters are equipped with a blade guard that protects the cutting blade on the one hand and the fingers on the other. The paper cutters tested in 2020 test are fixed on a table or on a stable workbench during use. 

Depending on whether it is a lever or a spool cutter, the cut is done by lowering the lever or pulling the spool cutter. In both cases, only minimal force is required. The design and dimensions of the guillotines allow cutting of standard paper in DIN A4 or XXL format.

The advantages and applications of a cutter

Cutters support a perfect cut where there is no visible approach. It is often possible to cut several papers at the same time. With the products on the top, you can even cut an entire stack, including the foil and cardboard on the back. 

Paper cutters are also frequently used to cut lamination sheets.
The machines thus save the user a lot of effort and at the same time offer high precision. This makes them suitable, among other things, for doing crafts at home and preparing reports in the workplace. The exact measurements on the grid, which serves as both a ruler and a protractor, make it easy to cut to size. 

It is therefore not necessary to use additional utensils such as a geo-triangle. Typical markings for paper cutters are conventional DIN formats, photo and credit card formats, angle specifications as well as horizontal and vertical millimeters, and centimeters.

These markings already indicate the many application possibilities of paper cutting machines. The photographs that you print yourself are cut to measure with precision for placement in a frame or to fill out certain request forms. A paper cutting machine can also be used for crafts with children.

Compared to working with sharp paper scissors and open knife blades, the paper cutting machine is also much safer. Of course, you should always make sure that your fingers do not come in contact with the sharp blade like a razor. However, since the blade remains in its guide rail, the risk of injury is much lower than when handling scissors.

What are the types of paper cutters?

The paper cutters which have been tested have different techniques that influence the respective field of application. One of the most important variants is the slitting reel. 

Here, the paper is cut by a circular knife that rolls along the edge. Typically these splitters are used for DIY.

It can also be used to crop photos and images. These devices are often equipped with interchangeable blades, which allows a sample to be produced. 

This creates a zigzag pattern or the typical look of a deckle on the outside edge of photos or other papers. The cutting machine works with a conventional blade that is pulled over the paper to be cut. The basic design is similar to that of the slitting rewinder. 

Compared to the rewinder, slitters are often less expensive, but you have to reckon with a more frequent replacement of the blade, also known as the mandrel. Paper cutters are convincing in many areas. Here, a long, sharp blade is pressed through the inserted paper along its entire length. 

Thanks to the leverage effect, these machines are also suitable for cutting thicker cardboard boxes.

And even …

Roller and lever knives only look the same at first glance, as there are a few differences in construction. With the roll slitting machine, it is possible to cut out images and individual sheets with precision, which offers many possibilities for patterns. 

With the long knife of the lever cutters, only straight cuts are possible. Therefore, slitting rewinders are used more for crafts and fine work, while lever cutters are used for processing stacks of paper. Another model is the battery cutter. 

It can also cut thicker stacks of paper and was developed primarily for professional use, such as a printing house. It is possible to cut up to 100 and sometimes even 400 sheets at a time.

A studio cutting machine is mainly used by graphic designers. It can be compared to the lever cutter and usually has a particularly long cutting blade, so XXL formats can also be cut with it.

The Single Slitter Reel works like the Slitter Reel, but it is a manual tool with only one handle. Here, you have to hold the paper well so that it does not slip when you cut it. Rotary paper cutters are used for crafting with paper and often also for cutting textiles.

The advantages listed below refer to conventional paper cutting machines:

1. Precise and straight cut,
2. unclean edges and approaches are avoided,
3. Several sheets can be cut at the same time,
4. from a stable position,
5. safe handling
6. The disadvantages of paper cutters:
7. Difficult to transport,
8. Occasional blade change required,
9. Need space.

How should a cutter be tested?

Before deciding on any of the tested paper cutting machines, you should take a closer look at the selection criteria. The overall quality is reflected in many details, from the basic stability to the sharpness of the blade. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the main application, as not all paper cutters are suitable for all areas.

• Blade quality
• Cut height
• Cutting length
• Security equipment
• Device weight
• Wear properties

What should I pay attention to when buying a cutter?

The decision to purchase a particular paper cutter should be based on many criteria. The focus should be on operational safety. These can be recognized by the control gaskets (GS and TÜV), which indicate that the risk of injury is very low and that the devices can withstand many shocks.

After this safety check, you must be wondering if this is a roller or lever cutting machine. Among other things, this raises the question of what work should be done with the paper cutter and who uses it. The lever chainsaw is a greater challenge for children and also presents a higher risk. 

The slitting rewinder usually requires more precision in preparation and can only cut small amounts of paper at one time. This purchasing advisor provides information on the different types of paper cutting machines and gives advice on suitable devices for each area of ​​application.

For the production of sample edges, there may be interchangeable cutters, while other paper cutting machines can only produce straight cut edges. In addition, the question arises as to how often you use the cutting device and whether you want to leave it on the table.

 Some of the die-cutting machines are available with a cover or with housing: these accessories offer a certain degree of protection while ensuring greater order. Other parts of the delivery, such as replacement blades or additional alignment rails, may also influence the purchasing decision.

What to know and advise about a cutter

So that paper cutters can cut as precisely as desired, some models can be equipped with two angular systems at the same time. At least one such plant should be present in any case, so that the paper can be inserted correctly. The winners of the paper cutters matched these angle systems exactly to the length of the cut, making it easy to achieve an exact 90-degree angle.

When looking for a suitable cutting machine, it is important to choose the right size of the cutting table. The material to be cut should not be larger than this underlay, otherwise, it may cause unsightly creases in the paper or film. 

The information in the description indicates the dimensions of the length and width of the table, but in most cases, this area cannot be fully utilized. Indeed, the fastening elements of the blade and the square systems require a little space. 

A glance at the cut size information in the instructions can determine the actual usable area of ​​the paper.
In general, it is possible to cleanly cut thicker and relatively hard materials on larger machines. It may therefore be worth purchasing a more robust paper cutter for frequent manual work with cardboard.

The following chapters provide background information and facts about paper cutting machines as well as practical advice on use and maintenance.

The history of paper cutting machines

Papercutting machines were invented as early as the 17th century. Until then, the sheets of paper were cut by hand: either with a knife or with scissors. However, the bookbinders, in particular, have called for the job to be made easier. This is how the cutting slicer was designed, a device that allowed to obtain a uniform cut of books.

On the one hand, bookbinders could work with it easier and faster, on the other hand, flipping pages became easier. A third advantage was the possibility of decorating the cropped areas. Before the trimming plan was applied, the book was placed in a press where it was secured. The disc-shaped planer knife was then used to cut off the unclean edges until all sides were the same size.

In the first half of the 19th century, the first paper cutters were developed. Thirault was one of the first inventors to build a machine whose knife was longer than the cutting width of the machine. A similar device can be seen in a museum in Hofheim. In 1944, Guillaume Massiquot patented his cutter.

The exact guidance is provided by two cast plates which move vertically. Two sliding blocks are responsible for inclined guidance. The diagonal guided cut reduces the force required for work. Little has changed since then in this basic system for guillotine cutters. The Krause company in Leipzig paved the way for the industrial production of these machines.

The three main functions of the old paper cutters were the adjustable stopper, optimal pressing, and clean paper cut. They have been developed from then until today to facilitate the task of users. This is shown by a look at today’s devices, which are not only used in printing shops, but also for office work or in private households. 

The 2020 test mechanical paper cutters have proven their worth in many applications and allow easy manual use. A glance at the fully automatic machines shows that there are also computer-driven systems that meet the demands of industry and paper processing.

Figures, data, facts about paper cutters

The facts about paper cutting show that just using a sharp blade is not enough to create a perfect edge. Exact positioning also plays a major role in paper cutting. That is why the paper cutting machines are test winners equipped with various orientation aids that help the user in the precise cutting. 

Professional devices have full labeling of lengths and angles, as well as a greater choice of dimensions and cut length. That is why a higher price must be reckoned with for this paper cutting machine trial winners.
The measuring scale located on the sides of the cutting table optimally aligns the material to be cut. 

German cutting machines have a specification in millimeters and centimeters, while some international machines operate in inches and inches. For office use, DIN markings are especially handy, helping you cut letter and card sizes to size.DIN A 5, DIN A 4 and DIN A 3 are standard specifications and can be cut up to DIN A 0 depending on the total tool size. 

Frequently, an auxiliary grid is also marked where the paper can be placed. This way even the smallest shapes can be cut to size.If there is no right angle to cut, but a beveled edge, the angle specification guides are useful. With the corner grid on the cutting table you have a good orientation. 

Those who make such angle cuts more frequently will find a paper cutter with the proper marking worth it. Measurement using the simple auxiliary grid is also possible, but requires a bit more precision work.For those who cut a lot of paper, it is worth using a cutting machine with a large cutting height. 

This saves you from having to constantly adjust the material to be cut, as the paper can be cut into stacks in it. On the other hand, the work is longer with devices with low cutting height. 

Only a few sheets, or even individual sheets, can be inserted here before the lever or take-up reel is actuated.

Ten maintenance tips for your trimmer!

Paper cutters do not keep their knife blades sharp all the time. With frequent use, the blades may become dull over time, which can lead to an improper cut. 

Sometimes they are still sharp and still do not achieve a clean result. This may be due to the buildup of dirt or debris on the blade.

Especially when using cutting tools for crafts, residues of glue or other substances stick to the knives, which affects the quality of the cut. Such inaccuracies can be avoided with proper care.

Tip 1

A soft, lint-free cloth helps remove residue that adheres firmly to the blades. Here you have to work with care, because with the sharp blades the risk of injury is very high.

Tip 2

To prevent the blades from oxidizing or rusting, you can rub them with oil. This lubrication reduces instant rust and the material retains its cutting force. It is best to use a cloth to apply the oil. Since the blades and knives are extremely sharp, you must be careful not to injure yourself. After a short time, wipe off the metal parts so that the next cut is not contaminated with oil.

Tip 3

Some users use aluminum foil to sharpen the knives. However, experts widely advise against this method for your trimmer, as there is no evidence of a positive effect of this method.

Tip 4

Knives as well as the blades of paper cutting machines usually cannot be sharpened without professional help, unless you find a corresponding note in the manufacturer’s manual. Instead of disassembling the device yourself to sharpen the blades, you should send it for repair instead. There are replacement blades for many cutting machines that save you the hassle of re-sharpening them. The replacement of the blades is explained in detail in the description of the paper cutting machines.

Tip 5

When cleaning, don’t just focus on the blades and knives. The worktable should also be free of dust so that the cuttings are not soiled. The angle brackets, the discharge rail and other elements must also be kept clean. In this case, treatment with a damp cloth is sufficient to remove dust and traces of dirt.

Tip 6

Harsh cleaning and stripping agents can attack the cutting table surface and erase grate marks over time. It is therefore difficult to work with precision after a while. In addition, the table can become porous and dull, which has an unattractive appearance and also affects the cutting result.

Tip 7

When not in use, it is recommended to cover the paper cutter. A large cover serves both as protection against dust and against injury.

Tip 8

Do not use the cutting machine for materials other than those specified in the product manual. Otherwise, the cutting edge may become dull.

Tip 9

Even if the cutter is used for frequent manual work, be careful that the cutting edge does not come into constant contact with glue or other firmly adhering materials. Such traces can only be removed with great effort.

Tip 10

To cut paper, cardboard and film, the machine must be stable and secure, even if you only need it for a short time. A tilted crutch is a high risk.