Okay, so I don't like change. I know most people say that but I really don't like change. Of course, this
translates into my quilting life as well. When I find a tool I like, I like it for life. That would be why I am using the same rulers (Quickline designed by Nancy Crow) as I did 30 years ago. My square rulers (Bias Square from the Patchwork Place) and rotary cutter by Kai. When they wear out, I just check on ebay for replacements.That all said, I still keep my eye out for what's new in notions. That became a goal of mine on my recent trip to the Sewing & Quilting Expo in Cleveland. There was a lot of notions there ... I mean lots and lots. But even with all there was there, I didn't really see anything that made me say Oh....My....Gosh! Well, until there was.
I was sitting in a talk by Kathy Ruddy (who is a trip by the way) and she mentioned that she had a rotary cutter in her booth that worked with a ball bearing system. Oh, that caught my attention. In my experience, ball bearings make everything run smoother. Over at her booth, I got to try it out for myself. That's when I said - OMGosh!
It's the Famore (Fa-mor-ay) Rotary Cutter sold by Famore Cutlery and it costs me about $24. Price wise you can get an Olfa for about $15 and a Kai for about $20 (which is what I used for the last 30 years).
My old Kai |
Things I like ....
- It has the same type of handle as my Kai - so it pretty much feels the same
- Changing the blade is super easy because it has a big twist knob which easy twists on and off. My Kai also has a twist nut change system but it's much smaller and it can be finicky. Olfas use a washer system which is just one more piece to worry about when you are changing the blade.
- The Ball Bearing system is just amazing. I never couldn't believe how much smoother and easier the rotary cutter slides through my fabric. Less friction means less pressure on your wrist and hand. You need to try it out for yourself to have your own OMGosh moment I swear!
- It has a push button safety shield mechanism (much like an Olfa's). I'm used to my Kai pressure safety mechanism. The push button is much easier though than ones I've used on Olfa's.
- The color ....I know there are a lot of quilters that are into the whole pastel palette but that pink thing is not my vibe. I did see other versions with light blue and yellow but I would rather just have some dark color.