Multi-blade Cutter
The multi-blade cutter is a multi-use-tool device used to cut various materials - from paper to metal. Its most common benefit is cleanly cutting of books, scrapbooking, paper decoupaging, photography, and paper objects as it cuts straight, with minimal waste.
Multi-blade cutters function by pulling a cutting blade over a surface material. It works by having multiple cutting blades on the same cutting platform and are therefore able to cut multiple layers at once. Results of the cut are traditionally more accurate and uniform than that of a hand-held cutter.
The most prominent versions of the multi-blade cutter include a rotary cutter and a round knife. Rotary cutters have one continuous blade which encloses a cylindrical cutting surface, as shown in the figure below.
When cutting materials with a rotary cutter, the user slides the blade along a cutting surface, or can drag the blade away from the edge. This makes it ideal for either in-line cutting or for cutting curves for scrapbooking. It is also recommended for curved stencils, artwork, and embroidery.
The rotary cutter is fit for both soft and hard materials such as cloth, cardboard, vinyl, film, and leather. It is ideal for long straight cuts with a ruler as a guide and can be used by left or right-handed users.
In contrast, a round knife is also a multi-blade cutting tool with a round blade enclosure. With blade diameters ranging from one centimetre to up to 10 cm, it can be used to either outline intricate shapes or to make long sweeping curves. It provides great clarity in cutting curves and advanced shapes, making it useful for creating intricate projects such as paper decoupage and die cuts.
The round knife blades rotate when cutting, which creates an effortless cutting experience and minimises damage to the material being cut.
Multi-blade cutters have revolutionised the way in which many people produce accurate, clean cuts. They can create intricate shapes with great clarity and relatively little effort. Those who are looking to cut fabric, paper, or any other soft material with exactness and precision would be well advised to consider investing in a multi-blade cutter for their project.
