Pen+Gear 12" Guillotine Trimmer vs NEU MASTER 12" Guillotine Paper Cutter

Both are 12-inch guillotine trimmers with a 10-sheet capacity, a guard rail and a blade latch, so the cut itself is close to a tie. The Pen+Gear has the sturdier plastic base and a dual-scale inch/cm ruler, and its higher rating from more owners suggests fewer complaints. The NEU MASTER adds a steel blade and a paper lock, and at under a pound it travels better, but owners of this class of trimmer report flex in the plastic. Buy the Pen+Gear for a desk that stays put; buy the NEU MASTER if you carry it to classes or craft sessions.

• Choose the Pen+Gear if you want a trimmer that lives on one desk, with a dual-scale ruler and a sturdier base.
• Choose the NEU MASTER if you need a light, packable cutter with a steel blade and a paper lock for crafting on the go.