See that clear little ledge right below the 1″ and 2″ mark? That functions as a T square that is, when you place your paper in the trimmer and you pull it flush against that ledge, you know your paper is straight in the trimmer. You are usually more stable and able to control the trimmer when you are pulling the blade towards you rather than when you are pushing the blade away, which would mean you would have to clamp down tightly on the trimmer so it doesn’t slide away from you. Second, pulling is easier and more accurate than pushing. First, now your measuring guide is closer to you, which just makes it easier to see. Now, there are other actual functional reasons I keep my trimmer turned like this. When you turn the trimmer the opposite way, so that the numbers are right side up, the zero ends up on the right and the numbers ascend to the left, which is just odd. That is, zero is still on the left and the numbers get higher as you move to the right, just like on a number line. However, if you think about it you’ll realize all is right with the world… first, the numbers ascend correctly. Things to note: first, this is the way I always use my trimmer – most people think it’s upside down because the numbers are upside down. You can see it better if you click on it. Sorry – I tried to show some detail but the tags are smaller than I thought they’d be. Fiskars has attempted to solve the blade wobble problem by inventing the triple track system: Pros for this trimmer – they’re inexpensive, they’re light weight, and they’re quick and easy to use. You still have the sharpen the pizza cutter every once in a while, but not nearly as often as you do a paring knife. You do have to change the blades on these trimmers much more frequently than the rotary style… think of the difference between keeping a pizza cutter sharp versus a paring knife. However, for me, the rest of the features make up for the very slight wobble you experience. Cons – These trimmers are not the most accurate in the world… the tracks wear down over time and spread apart as you pull, causing a little blade wobbliness. There clear “track” that the blade rests on has a little divot on one side that makes changing blades quick and easy… you literally pop the old one out and pop a new one in. The little orange square is the blade… it’s sharpened on both sides so as it gets dull you can flip it around. This trimmer works by pulling a stationary blade straight through your paper. So this is what I’m referring to when I say “standard” trimmer… The blades in these trimmers are also slightly more complicated to change than with a standard trimmer, although that’s only important if you like to be speedy. Maybe that’s just what I’m comfortable with. At least for me – I’ve tried several versions of these and I always end up going back to a standard trimmer. Cons – They again are usually a little more expensive, it’s hard to see where you’re cutting sometimes, they’re bigger and bulkier and slower to use than the standard style paper trimmer. They do also have blades for scoring and perforating, which is nice if you’re not comfortable with paper folding or your making complicated folds. That’s a pretty cool feature that no other trimmer can claim. Some of them also come with blades that cut in patterns – like waves or scallops. They’re also pretty sturdy and can cut slightly smaller pieces than the guillotine style trimmers. Pros for rotary trimmers – they are very accurate and the replacement blade last a fairly long time compared to a standard paper trimmer.
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