Die Cutter Review: QuicKutz Squeeze
I invited five women to try out the QuicKutz Squeeze die-cutting system and review it based on the ease of use, price, size, versatility and die selection. The following is our evaluation of the QuicKutz Squeeze:
Ease of Use
With the QuicKutz Squeeze, the die is held to the top inside of the cutting area with a magnet. You then place the paper inside the cutting area and squeeze the handles of the tool together to apply pressure to the cutting area and make the cut.
Positives
- It makes clean, sharp cuts nearly every time.
- There is very little prep time involved in making each cut.
- Cuts are made quickly.
- You don’t ever have to replace a cutting mat.
Negatives
- If you use the cradle, you have to stand up to get the leverage to make each cut.
- Several cuts in a row can be tiring on your hands.
- On some of the 2” x 4” dies, the letters are hard to cut individually because of their placement on the die.
- The machine itself is a little top-heavy and may fall over when using it in the cradle.
Price
The QuicKutz Squeeze comes with a full uni-case mini alphabet set, one foam ejection sheet, one sheet of clear top-loading EZ Store pockets, and the desktop cradle.
- QuicKutz Squeeze Tool (includes a mini alphabet) - $119.99
- Alphabets - $69.99 - $169.99
- Shapes - $6.99 - $12.99
QuicKutz products are available for purchase directly from the QuicKutz web site or select scrapbook stores. To find a retailer near you, visit the QuicKutz store locator.
Size
Certainly the most uniquely shaped tool of the bunch, the QuicKutz fits easily on a shelf, in a tote bag, or even inside a drawer. It’s relatively lightweight, making it a very portable option. Of all the tools, this tool has the smallest cutting area, but the storage considerations for both the tool and dies are pleasingly compact.
- Footprint - 11” long x 4” wide x 8 ˝” high
- Cutting Area - 2” x 2”
- Dies - wafer thin, stored in a mini 3-ring binder
Versatility
The QuicKutz was not designed to use other manufacturer’s dies, so you are limited to QuicKutz dies and other small-sized dies such as Boss Kut, Spellbinders™, Zip’eCuts™ and Zip’eSnaps™. QuicKutz does offer a variety of embossing dies called “Goosebumps” that allow you to emboss any QuicKutz die-cut letter or shape with various textures and designs.
Alphabet & Shape Die Selection
Summary
Our reviewers really liked how easy the QuicKutz is to use, that you can easily take it with you to crops, and that the dies didn’t take up much extra storage. Limitations we found included the size of the die you can use and the fact that it does not work with other manufacturers dies. This tool would be most appealing for those who want only dies from one manufacturer and have space limitations for storage and traveling with the tool.
Studio Alphabet by QuicKutz
Flower Die Set QKDS-10 by QuicKutz
Dots Goosebumps GB-005 by QuicKutz
Ribbon by Offray
Pink Zig Writer pen
Green cardstock by Die Cuts with a View
Patterned Paper by unknown source
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