Rotary cutters are a staple of crafting, sewing, and quilting projects.
They are used so often that their design has evolved to be more convenient and effective over the years. To make sure you’re getting the best possible rotary cutter for your needs, you’ll need to know about the two most popular brands: Olfa and Fiskars.
Both brands have various blades and handle types, but one may be better for you than another.
This article will look at whether Olfa blades are better than Fiskars regarding price, size, durability, and blade sharpness:
Here’s How Olfa and Fiskars Rotary Cutters Compare:
Olfa blades are easier to use and to change out. Fiskars blades last longer and are better for beginners. An 18mm Olfa cutter can cost about $10, and an 18mm, Fiskars cutter costs about $6. They are still high-quality blades that will last over time, but they are not as expensive as Olfa cutters.
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Are Olfa Blades Sharper than Fiskars Blades?
It is worth noting that the Olfa blades are a little sharper than the Fiskar’s blades. Depending on your sewing skill level, this could be an advantage or a disadvantage.
The Fiskars blade will be better for beginners who don’t have as much experience with controlling a rotary cutter yet. It is also preferred by people who find it somewhat difficult to change their rotary cutter blades. The Fiskars blade is harder to change, but they last longer.
On the other hand, some sewists prefer using the Olfa blade because it is easier to change when they dull or break.
In addition, if you plan on doing any scrapbooking at all, you should probably choose the Olfa blade because it can cut through more layers of paper than the Fiskars blade can handle.
Are Olfa Cutters More Expensive than Fiskars Cutters?
Olfa rotary blade cutters are more expensive than Fiskars cutters, but they are also more high-quality and durable.
Olfa rotary blade cutters are made with tough, long-lasting materials that can stand up to repeated use. The blades are sharpened on two sides, so they last longer than those found on other brands of rotary blades. In addition, the cutter’s design is optimized for comfort and control.
Fiskars cutters are also affordable, but their blades need to be replaced frequently because they dull quickly. The handles are not ergonomic and provide less control than Olfa’s handles.
An 18mm Olfa cutter can cost about $10, and an 18mm, Fiskars cutter costs about $6.
They are still high-quality blades that will last over time, but they are not as expensive as Olfa cutters.
Can You Interchange the Blades in Olfa Rotary Cutters?
Yes, you can interchange the blades in Olfa rotary cutters.
Olfa rotary cutters use two or more blades that rotate around a center point and cut through paper and other materials. The blades are interchangeable, so you can switch out the blade if it becomes dull or damaged.
To change the blades on your Olfa rotary cutter, you’ll need:
- Screwdriver (preferably one with Phillip’s head)
- A new blade for your rotary cutter
- Pair of scissors
- Cutting mat (optional)
Step 1:Â Remove the old blade from your cutter by unscrewing it using your screwdriver and turning it counterclockwise until it comes free from the handle; set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Insert the blade into the handle of your Olfa rotary cutter. Align its notch with the notch on top of the handle. Push down firmly until it clicks into place; make sure that both notches are flush before continuing! This may take some force—don’t worry if it feels like it’s not going all.
Are Olfa Blades Easier to Change?
While the Fiskars rotary cutter has a lot of benefits, changing its blade isn’t one of them.
It can be not easy to take apart, and you’ll need both hands to do it. If you change blades often because they get dull quickly or if you’re swapping between different types of blades, that process might get old quickly.
Olfa makes its blades so that it is very easy to change the blade without taking the entire tool apart. You don’t have to worry about cutting or hurting yourself when removing the blade and replacing it with a new one.
You have to rotate an exposed area of the blade and pull back using your thumb before letting go and snapping it in place! This means that you can even switch out blades with just one hand.
Do Olfa Blades Come in More Sizes than Fiskars Blades?
Olfa offers various blades that include extra-fine, fine, medium, and coarse. The rotary blades are made from carbon steel with a chrome coating to make them last longer.Â
They are available in different shapes, including square-pointed, round-pointed, chisel-pointed, and straight-bladed. The straight-bladed Olfa blades have both left and right-hand options available on either blade side.
The Olfa range also includes carbide-tipped scissors, which are ideal for cutting through thick materials such as cardboard or paper; they can also be used by left or right-handed people depending on what you need them for (drawing curves).
They differ from traditional scissors because they have an additional blade on the inside, which makes cutting easier; this means fewer strokes are needed when using these scissors, so they save time too!
They are available in four different sizes: 18 mm, 28 mm, 45 mm, and 60 mm.
However, the only blade shape available from Fiskars is a straight one designed for use with their products, such as pruning shears, but it can be used with other brands if desired. These rotary cutter blades are available in four sizes to accommodate craft projects of all sizes.Â
They are available in four different sizes: 28 mm, 45 mm, 60 mm, and 65 mm.
Which Brand is Better for Quilting?
While both Olfa and Fiskar are well-respected brands in the quilting world, it’s important to know how they measure up against each other.
Now let’s go deep into each of these brands so you can determine which is better for your needs:
Olfa Cutter
The Olfa rotary cutter is a popular brand for quilters because of its high quality and affordability.
It has a very sharp blade that can cut through multiple layers of fabric at once and comes with an adjustable blade guard that helps you avoid accidentally cutting yourself while working on your project.
This cutter will allow you to make precise cuts on thick fabrics with ease because the blade is strong enough to do that without becoming dull.Â
The blade guard also makes it easy to replace when it gets dull and damaged over time, which might happen if you’re using a lot of pressure while cutting through thick materials like denim or leather.
Plus, it has a double-retracting feature that protects against injury when not in use as the blade retracts from both sides.Â
Fiskars Cutter
If you’re frequently using your rotary cutter for quilting, the Fiskars cutter will last for years without breaking down or losing its sharpness, making it a popular choice for this type of craft.
With the retractable blade cover and the included safety knife holder, you won’t have to worry about someone else accidentally using the tool without knowing how to use it, which could lead to injuries.
It has a plastic guard that protects you from getting hurt while cutting with this tool. Thanks to the clear plastic bag, you can see exactly where you’re cutting.
Also, because it rotates so quickly, it’s perfect for cutting paper, which tends to move around on your work surface as you roll it over.
Which Brand is Better for Apparel Sewing?
Olfa rotary blades are the better choice for sewing apparel. The blades are sharper, have more size options, and are easier to change and replace.Â
Olfa blades also tend to be cheaper than Fiskars.
Olfa offers small 45mm round rotary cutters that fit snugly within your hand’s grip, making them easier to use on fine fabrics such as silk.
Fiskars offer more cutting width choices than Olfa, but this is not an issue if you use a larger cutting mat such as a 22-inch by 24-inch.Â