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Gyro Cut (rotating blade): Useful for cutting illustrations and washi tape!

gyro cut
Cutting illustrations with the Gyro Cut

A few weeks ago I saw this video on Instagram by someone who uses a very handy knife to cut out a piece of washi tape. The Gyro Cut seems so handy and quick that I asked asked around of someone of my friends knew this knife. Before I knew 10 ladies where so enthusiastic and agreed to order together to save shipping costs! It was a bit of a wait until we would see each other again but last weekend I got my Gyro Cut.

In short: The Gyro Cut is a precision cutter especially for thin materials like paper, washi tape, sticking vinyl, Solartex and tissue paper. With the 360 ​​degree rotating blade made of hardened steel, you cut as you draw. It costs €15.95 and you can buy it here, at Café Analog, where you can also order extra blades.

Gyro Cut
Gyro Cut + extra knife

First experience with the Gyro Cut

During the Stationery Cafe where I was at that moment I tested it right away because the enthusiastic reactions of others I had become so curious. Enthusiastically I started to cut and the knife turned in all directions except the good one and I thought “this is such a fail!” As it turned out, I immediately started to cut washi tape while you should start with paper! Ofcourse you can’t expect to be able to cut well with the knife right away. You need some time and practice to figure out how fast the blade turns, how much (little!) pressure you have to put on and the best way to hold the Gyro Cut. That same evening I started practicing and now I will take you into that process, are you coming?

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Practising with the Gyro Cut

Okay, this time I just start with paper. I choose a shell with a simple shape and test the difference between with a white edge and drawing over the edge of the illustration. Someone else gave the tip to just follow the lines, the knife follow you. I believe that I have a knife with a own will and that I put too much pressure because I don’t get the smooth line I hope for! Another tip is to try to cut as much as possible in one line / movement with the tip. The knife ends in a tip, and you have to use that tip to cut. As I practice more, it’s getting easier and smoother!

Tip! Stick your paper wirh some washi tape of adhesive spray, this gives you some grip.

Below you can see a video of me cutting the rabbits, wich I did after the shells:

Once I get the hang of it, I choose illustrations to cut out. Just because it is a nice job ánd it succeeds better and better. Now that the paper is already working better I’m going to try the washi tape!

Gyro Cut
Capricorn cutted with the Gyro Cut

Cutting Washi tape

It’s funny that my first washi tape cutting that afternoon seemed much more difficult than the one I’m doing now. The big difference is that I now understand the blade better. Because now that I cut out some mushrooms, I notice that it actually works pretty well! Below is a video in which I cut washi tape, perhaps superfluous to say but halfway I accelerate the speed of the video, in real life I do not go that fast 😉

If you wonder why I cut out illustrations and washi tape … I like to use these illustrations for my mailart and in my journal . I mainly use the cut-out washi tape for washi circles (Here is a step by step description) while I use the illustrations for the collages on my envelopes or on cards.

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The mushrooms you can use on letter writing paper, in your journal of on your mailart!
uitgesneden paddenstoelen
Mushrooms cutted with the Gyro Cut

Now that I got the hang of it, I am very happy with my Gyro Cut, especially for the washi tape I find it very useful. Normally I stick the washi tape on a piece of parchment paper to cut it out. Wich is not always easy due the sometimes small pieces. So on a cutting mat and with the blade, it’s faster and better. The knife is also handy for the small legs and compartments where it is difficult to get in with your scissors!

Or the Gyro Cut wins from my scissors, I still doubt about that because I am very attached to my scissors but I do notice that last week I always grabbed my Gyro Cut instead of scissors when I wanted to cut out a illustrations. Because yes, it’s easier and faster. Th Gyro Cut absolutely wins from the normal knife/scalpel I used to use, because I can only make ugly, angular shapes or straight lines.

Another big advantage is that this knife does not cut into skin, only in paper etc. Making it a relatively safe product to use! I am very curious how long the knife stays sharp but you will hear that later.

Gyro Cut
Illistrations and tape cutted with the Gyro Cut

Are you curious about this knife? You can find it here at Café Analog , Desirée is currently enjoying her holiday but there is a nice discount code: ‘ love4analog´ where you get a 10% discount! The orders will be sent at the end of the month!

Love, Ruchama

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