Rotary Cutter 45 234B / OLFA

• Model: 234B
• Blade Diameter: 45mm
• Blade Material: Tungsten steel
• Body Material: ABS resin
• Blade Replacement: One-touch, tool-free
• Handedness: Left- and right-hand compatible
• Packaging: Blister pack
• Compatible Materials: Fabric, washi, thin paper, film, rubber sheet, leather
• Note: Not compatible with 45mm pinking blade or 45mm wave blade
• Award: Good Design Award winner

Scissors and straight blades struggle with fabric because they require the material to lift and separate as they cut. A rolling circular blade avoids that entirely, gliding through layered or stretchy material that would shift or fray under a conventional cutter.

OLFA's Rotary Cutter 45 centres on the 45mm diameter, which hits the balance between a small blade (easier to manoeuvre in tight curves) and a large one (better for long straight runs through multiple layers). Tungsten steel keeps the edge sharp across extended use.

The one-touch blade system removes the spring clips and extra fasteners common on other rotary cutters. A single red slider on the back releases the blade, and the same slider locks the replacement in place. Fewer components means fewer things to drop on the cutting mat. The sliding blade cover, rather than a hinged guard, keeps the profile low and the mechanism straightforward. The design earned a Good Design Award, and the body is symmetrical so left- and right-handed users hold it the same way.