I have several, and actually like them all equally. The main thing is use olfa blades and buy a very good mat. If you buy a cheap mat, like June Taylor which is quite hard you will dull your blades quicker.

i think the quality of the blade is more important than the handle. as long as the blades are interchangeable, choose the handle that's most comfortable for your hand. i buy only generic blades, they fit all my brands of handles, and i'm satisfied. the money i save let's me throw them away a leeetle bit sooner, but really not too much sooner. they hold up pretty well.

the problem is that the handles come blister packed and you don't get to try them on. not every place lets you open them or has a sample. i know that joann's doesn't let you return anything once it's opened, so if it's not comfortable, too bad.

i think starting with the 45's is most sensible. it lets you do wide curves (not tight ones) and of course straight lines. the 18''s let you do tighter curves but they wear out faster because they turn so many more times. and the 60's are really only good for straight lines. in the end you have to decide how you'll use it. you can always add another if there ends up being a size you wish you had.

My joints aren't that great, so the Fiskers gray 45mm with the handle that your fingers fit through really works well.

I have had all types, and I don't see a lot of difference, but since I had a habit of cutting my self, I use mine with the automatic blade shield!

I like the self healing mats... as for the size ( of the cutter) I like the 45mm cutter, not too big, not too small :lol: I have several cutters, it just depends on what feels best in your hand . And when you get replacement blades I would stick with a name brand. Just my 2 cents
Sharon

most people would, but why do you feel that way? i'm curious. i always did before and now i don't and i notice a very, very slight difference but not enough to spend 2x the money. maybe i just had good luck with mine. i can still cut at least 2 queens on one blade. sometimes 3. one blade cost me $1.50 in a large lot.

My Clover cutter cuts just as good as my Fiskars cutter. What makes a difference to me is to change cutter blades when they get dull, or you are skipping all over the fabric, making a mess. the June Tailor cutting mat is hard, and not a good choice. It was my first mat, and I didn't know any better. I LOVE my Olfa mat. Self healing and much easier on the blades.

i definitely agree. if the blades are sharp, it shouldn't matter what brand they are, should it? that was why i first tried the generic blades. as soon as i realized i got good value from sharp blades and they didn't get dull fast, i bought a lot of 100. i have a friend who worries about dying before she uses up her stuff. if i die before i use them up, so what? i'll be dead.
right on the mat. self-healing! and shower scrubbies for cleaning out those little lints that get caught in the cuts!

I have three Olfas - one of each size. I use the 60 most often and they work great.

However - that being said - they are uncomfortable to hold I think. I was at a quilting Expo - and saw the Martelli ergo 60mm and tried it out - It was fantastic and fit the curves of the hand perfectly. When I get the chance I will order it from Hittle. Here is the Hittle link

http://jhittlesewing.funoverload.com/sewing/catalog.php

Here is the Martelli Link as well

http://www.martellinotions.com/products.asp

Thanks for all the great advice! I'm going shopping in the morning and will come home with something. In my area, the selection may not be great, but I'm sure I can find a 45mm blade and a self healing mat. I'll let you all know what I get.

Thanks again! Lisa