Best Paper Trimmer For Scrapbooking And Card Making – Tested Review

The best paper trimmer to get the best crisp cuts.

If you are looking for the best paper trimmer for crafting, I have pulled together all of my reliable favorites! There are a variety of paper trimmers including handheld, guillotine, and rotary. Your preferred trimmer may depend on which specific crafts you are creating.

The two main things you want in paper trimmers are crisp, clean cuts and accurate measurements. Each trimmer listed below has these dependable qualities. I also included different options of varying price, size, and extra add-ons. For more scrapbooking and card making tools read up on the best adhesive tapes and pens.

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What Is The Best Paper Trimmer For Accuracy?

1. Best Paper Trimmer For Card Making And Scrapbooking

My number one, ultimate tool to cut paper for scrapbooking and cards is the We R Makers trimmer.

This metric trim and score board is my top recommendation for beginners. Not only does it provide accurate and clean cuts on cardstock, but it has other uses too.

The measurements at the top make it super easy to measure your paper to ensure you get accurate cuts. Both inches and centimeters are marked along the top and bottom. You can cut things as large as 12×12 inches, or smaller sized embellishments.

Additionally, there are ridges along each of the measurements that allow you to score paper and cardstock. The trimmer comes with a scoring tool, or bonefolder, to get crisp folds. If you tend to make handmade cards like I do, this feature is incredibly helpful.

Likes:

• Measurements
• Score board and bonefolder tool
• Affordable
• Cuts 12×12 paper
• Easy to replace blade & comes with second replacement

Dislikes:

• Plastic may wear down over time
• Can only cut one paper at a time

With all the helpful features you can probably see why this is one of my favorite paper trimmers. This is also a more affordable option if you are new to crafting and don’t want to invest in a heavy-duty tool.

An accurate and reliable paper trimmer for paper crafters.

2. Best Guillotine Paper Trimmer

Another great, heavy-duty option is the guillotine paper trimmer.

The heavy-duty nature of a guillotine paper cutter makes it easy to trim thick cardstock and ephemera.

I recommend using guillotine trimmers over other cutting boards if you find yourself cutting multiple papers at once. You will be able to save time while getting a precise cut each time. This tool specifically can handle paper up to 400gsm!

Likes:

• Ability to cut thick cardstock
• Built-in ruler for measuring
• Sturdy grip on the handle
• No need to change out blade

Dislikes:

• Large/ may be difficult to store
• Cost

Although this tool is on the pricier side, I find that it still works well after many years of use. You will find that you won’t need to replace it every few years unlike some paper cutters. Just make sure you have enough room in your craft room to store it!

If you want the best paper trimmer that is heavy-duty and gives your precise cuts, then I recommend the Guillotine trimmer from Tonic Studios.

3. Lightweight Paper Trimmer For Photos

This compact paper trimmer is the best for cutting photos.

Since I do a LOT of scrapbooking I find myself always trimming photos and smaller sized cardstock. At times, larger sized paper cutters can be too big to get precise cuts. Especially when you just want to trim a really small edge off of a photo.

I prefer guillotine trimmers to runner blades for trimming photos because the runner blades can snag the glossy texture. Plus, with a smaller sized guillotine trimmer you can trim down your photos to an exact size and get straight edges.

Likes:

• Compact size
• Great for photos and small items
• Great quality for price

Dislikes:

• Not great for large papers/ projects

There is a plastic guard to protect your fingers when cutting. This guard also prevents smearing the glossy photos when touching them with your fingers which I find super helpful.

Although this 8.5×6.25″ trimmer is best for photos, you will likely need a larger sized paper cutter for larger projects.

4. Rotary Cutter

A rotary cutter has a sharp, circular blade that works perfect on a variety of materials. Including paper, acetate, ribbon, and fabrics.

You have the option to either get a handheld rotary cutter or one that comes on a cutting board. If you are left-handed, a handheld rotary cutter is the best paper trimmer for your needs. Since you can hold it in whichever hand you want to.

I specifically love the rotary cutter for it’s versatility. There are so many materials it can cut out of. There is also more freedom in the placement of where you cut. For instance, if you want to cut a slit in the middle of cardstock it’s easy to do so with this tool.

Likes:

• Great for left-handed crafters
• Cuts variety of material
• Ease of use/ comfort grip

Dislikes:

• Handheld rotary does not have measurements
• May have to cut over material multiple times before cuts

If you’re worried about cutting things in a straight line, We R Makers has a straight edge ruler to help guide you. Simply guide the rotary cutter along the edge of the ruler to achieve straight cuts. This will also allow you to measure as you cut.

A rotary trimmer is a great option if you want more versatility.

5. Fiskars Deluxe Trimmer

One of the most beloved paper trimmers in the crafting community is from the brand Fiskars.

Fiskars is known for their high-quality craft supplies. And their paper trimmer is no exception.

I love this paper cutter for its wire cutline that show exactly where the blade will trim. It gives you a precise cut every time without any guesswork. This Fiskars tool will also cut through paper, photos, and other lightweight material. (Source: Fiskars “Trimmer Selection Guide”)

Likes:

• Precision cutline
• Lightweight and portable
• Arm swings out to 15 inches

Dislikes:

• Replacement blade sold separately
• Can only cut one paper at a time

A huge benefit of this paper trimmer is that it will work on large sized projects. Out of all the tools listed, this is the only trimmer that measures out beyond the traditional 12×12″.

Keep in mind that you will eventually need to replace the blade after a while. Replacement blades are sold separately and easy to install.

For a high-quality, portable paper trimmer, this Fiskars tool is great for larger projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best paper trimmer for beginners?

For beginners I always recommend the metric trim and scoreboard by We R Makers (#1 on the list). Not only is this tool a great product for it’s price, but it also has other functions.

The attached scoreboard allows you to make score marks and folds along each of the measurements. You’ll be able to create cards, boxes, envelopes, and more! Otherwise, you would need to buy a separate scoreboard machine to do what this tool does all-in-one.

2. What is the difference between the guillotine paper cutter vs rotary?

A guillotine paper trimmer has a lever blade that cuts paper from the top-down. While a rotary cutter holds a circular blade that glides across the paper as it cuts.

If you are debating which one is best, the answer depends on what you need to use it for. A guillotine trimmer is best for thicker cardstock, or if you need to trim multiple papers at a time. On the other hand, the rotary works best for small, precise cuts. (Source: Craft Stash “Review: Paper Trimmer or Guillotine”)

3. How do I choose a paper trimmer? Things to consider

Before deciding on what paper trimmer is best, think of what will you need it for. Ask yourself what kinds of materials will you be cutting and of what sizes. Also think about the thickness or volume of the paper. Review each paper cutter listed above based on your answers to find the one that will work best with your needs.

This post is all about the best paper trimmer for crafts

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