When I first saw these products, I love how they looked, but I wondered why would I need these, I already had something simliar. After I saw them I realized these were something that I wasn’t sure I needed. Then after trying them, they are things that I cannot live without, as I use them everyday. These new products are something that is familiar. As similar products have been on the market for years, but these are so much better. They are beautifully designed in pretty colors (mint, rose, lilac, and blue), but don’t let that deceive you, these are work horse products, that will last for years to come.
Truecontrol Knife:
Let’s start with the truecontrol knife, it looks similar to a cutting knife that are on the market. It has a safety cover for the blade, a handle, and replacement blades. That is where the similarities end. It has a nice ergonomic grip, with a small stopper that prevents it from rolling off the table. I cannot tell you how many times over the years I had to jump back from almost getting cut by one of the other brands on the market. It has a clearly marked locking system towards the top of the truecontrol knife. Which gives you confidence that the blade isn’t going to fall out. What makes this true control knife truly unique is how to replace the blades.
With this knife you never have to touch a blade again, this is one of my favorite safety features! To change the blade, just twist the top to unlock it, place it into the refill holder. Push the plunger at the top, just like clicking a pen and eject the blade. Pick up the new blade and twist the top to lock into place, it’s a genius, safe way to change the blades. The clear safety cap fits snugly in place, with no more worries if I put it in a bag will I cut myself (I speak from experience). This truecontrol knife can be purchased by itself, with the truecontrol knife and replacement blades, or the replacement blades by themselves.
18 inch Aluminum Ruler:
The 18 inch aluminum ruler is a serious WOW! If there was a ruler that is a serious must, it would be this one. At first glance beautifully designed is a pearlescent finish, but it’s clear that this ruler is a game changer. With its raised safety edge to protect your fingers while cutting, and clear increment markings. It really sets this ruler apart from others on the market. Turn the ruler over and it has a no slip strip that runs the length of the ruler. To ensure that it stays put to give cleaner cut or drawn lines. Whether you are cutting or drawing on paper, vinyl, or even fabric. This ruler has a good weight to it, and feels like it will last for many years to come.
The Self Healing Mats:
The self healing mats come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs, (12×12, 18×24, or 24×36). I love that the markings on either side are clearly visible. With the exception of the mint, rose, and lilac mat in size 18×24. These have a printed color and no number grid on the bottom side.
I have a couple of other brands that are on the market, and these mats feel more substantial, they’re a bit thicker and really withstand cutting. When comparing the depth of the cutting lines on these compared to the leading brand, the lines on the Cricut brand are less visible. This will insure that these mats will be useful for a long time, especially when working with draw lines, since there isn’t an uneven surface to prevent straight drawn lines.
These three items are a great addition to the crafter, maker, or artist, I love a product that has features that really have a use to withstand the test of time. I use one or more of these daily in what ever type of project I’m doing, these products really are a game changer.
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