Review: Kutsuwa Ribbon Bon Washi Tape Cutter Set

Washi Tapes are so versatile. There's so many uses for them and every new cutter product just seems to expand their versatility. 

The Kutsuwa Ribbon Bon washi tape cutter set is one of those very products. 

The set includes 3 cutters, a ribbon/flag, a jagged edge and a half width cutter. 

 

There are simple instructions at the back but I recommend looking for a video on youtube for a better understanding. It took me awhile to figure out how to use the half width cutter. 

Using the cutters is simple. They are only for use with 15mm wide washi tape and you place them on the tape with the end of the tape in the opposite direction of the cutter. 

You then pull the tape in the direction of the shape and voila! 

Having used tape cutters from 100yen stores and not being impressed with the cutting ability. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about this cutter's ability to create a clean shape, especially as on first glance it didn't look like the cutting edge was going to be effective.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that cutting a shape was really easy and smooth, no special technique required, except for the half width tape cutter.

The half width cutter. 

It requires a few tries and can be fiddly but once you figure out, it cuts the cleanest looking half width tape I've ever seen. No need to buy thin rolls of tape. 

Now, isn't that neat. 

If you use a lot of washi tape, I would recommend this set. 

It's versatile and quick and a great addition to any craft project. 

What do you think? 

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Review: Daiso Washi Tape Cutter

There are many types of washi tape cutters in the market, one of my favourites is the Kokuya washi tape cutter and Daiso has released a version that looks really similar to it.

You get 2 cutters in the packaging which is such a good deal. 

However one of the cutters turned out to be faulty, but I had another one, so it worked out. 

Left: Kokuyo Right: Daiso

The Daiso cutter is slightly bigger and more boxy than the Kokuyo cutter. 

The clip mechanism is quite different too.

 Kokuyo's has 2 parts so it can adjust to the thickness of the washi tape roll, and it also has a series of grooves for better grip. 

Daiso's is more simple, it is just a plain clip with a small lip so the roll of tape doesn't fall off, in theory anyway. 

Kokuyo's has 1 set of fine metal teeth for tape cutting whilst Daiso's has 2 sets of plastic teeth, 1 fine, 1 coarse. 

The fine teeth on both are quite comparable when it comes to the cut tape edges however I found the metal one on the Kokuyo easier to use. 

I do like the coarse teeth on the Daiso tape cutter too, it gave the cut tape edge a more unfinished look which would look great in layouts. 

As you can see, Kokuyo's washi tape cutter is rounder, smoother and more ergonomic. 

It also has grip, so once you position the cutter, tearing the tape is super simple. 

This tape cutter also comes in 2 sizes to fit different widths of washi tape. 

Daiso's tape cutter is more basic and simple, it's longer which would mean it would fit most washi tapes without the need to own more than one. The disadvantage of the shape however, is that you would need to hold on to the cutter to get a good tear on the tape.

Both tape cutters are great however the Kokuyo tape cutter can cost 2-3 times more than Daiso's. The Kokuyo cutter also comes in more designs and colours. 

Kokuyo is more ergonomic so if you're someone who tears a lot of tape, I would recommend the Kokuyo tape cutter. 

However, if you only use the cutter occasionally, the Daiso would suffice, it is easy to use, produces nice cut edges and you get 2 pieces! 

Which one are you planning to buy? We'd love to know! 

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