What Range of Glass Cutter Styles are Available?

Is there any cutter that fits all people?

Probably not, given the number varieties there are on the market. Cutters seem to fall into two groups – the straight or pencil cutter and those with grips.

Some examples of cutters

The pencil cutter gives the most freedom of movement. It is very versatile, and direct in use. However, many do not have the grip strength to use the pencil cutter for long periods. It can often be because the pressure that is being applied is excessive. If that is the case, reducing the scoring pressure may make the pencil cutter suitable.

Whatever the case, many move on to variants of the pistol grip cutter to ease the stress on their hands. This does relieve the pressure on the fingers, but it puts the wrist into an awkward position that transfers the effort into the shoulder. This creates tension in the shoulder and neck, which is also uncomfortable after a time.

 

 

 These photos show two of the many variations on the standard pistol grip cutter.

If excessive pressure is not the cause of changing to a pistol grip cutter, there are alternatives which will relieve both kinds of pressure. These are an apparent compromise between the pencil cutter and the pistol grip cutter. What is important is that it allows the hand to have the same orientation as for the pencil cutter, which is good for smooth flexible score lines. The user has the pressure transferred to the palm of the hand. thus relieving both the strain on fingers and the stress on the shoulder and neck. It is not a compromise, but an improvement in function.

Assembled Toyo cutter

The neatest version of this compromise is the Toyo Custom Grip cutter. When in use the fingers are along the side of the barrel, but the pressure is between the “shelf” and the thumb pad. In addition the length can be adjusted to the length of the user’s fingers by shifting the parts of the barrel, allowing four lengths to be chosen.

Disassembled cutter

Assembled for small hands

    

                                         Assembled for larger hands

Assembled for the largest hand

The other major version of this is the Silberschnitt cutter handle. This can be attached at any height that is desired. It shifts the pressure to the base of the thumb just as the Toyo does. Additionally, the Silberschnitt fits almost any pencil cutter, so there is no necessity to buy a special pencil style cutter.

A cutter with the Silberscnitt universal handle

Although I prefer a pencil cutter, the Toyo Custom and the Silberschnitt cutter handle are my recommendation to those who have difficulty with the pencil cutter. It changes the whole outlook on scoring and breaking glass.