New rotary cutter?

I have had a mezzaluna for ages. Love it. Sure has saved a lot of pain in the hands and arms. Got mine at an antique store and has a wooden handle.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention

Butterfly (Still working on the Warm Window Drape.)

The Martellis get rave reviews from so many people that I've already decided to give them another try while I'm at the Houston show in a few weeks, Pati. I'd never order one (and I haven't seen them in my LQS), but getting to try them is a definite possibility at the show.

BTW, does anyone know of a source for reasonably-priced replacement blades for the Martelli? DT was told not to use the easy-to-get Fiskars or Olfas, since the holes are shaped differently and would end up messing up the Martelli cutter.

And look what it got them - a heck of a lot of good will, and with the hundreds of people reading this, they're bound to more than make up for it. Yup, good business sense.

Doc

Hi Pauline,

I couldn't find the sharpener, so I had to look up the post...

Yes, I think it's worth it. It's a little elbow grease, but not bad. All standard opinion disclaimers apply.

Doc

Fortunately, I can get my Martelli blades locally. (I also usually carry one of my Martelli cutters when I am teaching, and allow students to try it out. That way I can also coach them on some of the differences in holding/using it.) The major difference in the blades is that the hole is round for the Martelli cutters. Olfa/Fiskars blades have notches in the holes which means corners that can actually cut through the screw holding the blade in place. (Which is why there is a "washer" in the Olfa/Fiskars assembly.) Do try to find and try out a Martelli. Next time (??) you are in the Phoenix area we could also get together just so you can try mine, and get some coaching. LOL

Have fun, Pati in Phx

obvious)

Thanks, Pati, but I suspect your cutter wouldn't work for me. ;) I'm left-handed .... Anyway, yes, it's the round vs. notched thing that's the problem.

I have three rotary cutters, two 45s and one of the smaller ones, they are all made by Olfa. My favorite is the 45 with a squeeze handle that exposes the blade, it can be night or left handed, it has a safety lock so that it cannot be accidentally opened. I love the curved handle, one of my Friday bunch buddies used it and promptly went out and purchased one for herself. She has now purchased a second, one for upstairs, the other for downstairs. I use the small, straight handled, one for doing the frog stitch, much safer than the double edged razor blade that my mother used to use, and easier than the regular seam ripper. Of course, I rarely have to seam rip, NOT....

Bonnie, in Middletown, VA

The trouble with resharpening blades is it the original temper is lost through resharpening, they go dull faster. It's good if you don't have any extra blades.

I think it's a better-than-even-money bet that quilters talk to other quilters and word gets around. It comes down in part to knowing your customers. ;-)

Doc

Ooh, a techie! That is absolutely correct, but they still make blade sharpeners for all kinds of things. It's a matter of choice and weighing all things concerned.

That is Right handed not night.... geeesh

I guessed that! Do I get a prize >gg