7 Best Utility Shears For Cutting Mat Board To Use
Cut mat board with precision using our top 7 utility shears. Read our expert guide now to choose the best cutting tools for your next framing or craft project.
Precision in mounting finished needlework is as vital as achieving consistent gauge in a delicate lace shawl. When crafting custom shadow boxes or framed displays for heirloom tapestries, the mat board must be cut with absolute accuracy to ensure the fabric remains taut and centered. Choosing the right tool for this task prevents frayed edges and uneven borders that could otherwise compromise the final presentation. These seven utility shears offer the mechanical advantage required to slice through dense mat board while maintaining the control needed for delicate fiber arts projects.
Fiskars PowerArc Easy Action Shears: Best Overall
The PowerArc technology in these shears provides significantly more leverage than standard household scissors. When slicing through thick four-ply mat board, the mechanical advantage reduces hand fatigue, which is essential if multiple frame displays are being prepped at once.
The spring-loaded handle eases the strain on the wrist, mirroring the comfort required when working on long-term projects like knitting colorwork sweaters. Because the blades are designed for heavy-duty materials, they resist the bending that often occurs with cheaper alternatives.
The bottom line is that these provide the best balance of power and ergonomics. They are the ideal choice for those who want professional results without requiring the physical strength of a carpenter.
Klein Tools Electrician’s Scissors: Top Pick
Electrician’s scissors are engineered to cut through tough wire, making them surprisingly effective for dense paperboard. The compact design allows for highly intricate cuts, which is perfect for creating custom windows for varied textile display shapes.
These tools are built to last, often outliving standard craft shears by several years. Their sharpness remains consistent even after repeated contact with dense surfaces, ensuring the mat board edge stays clean rather than jagged.
Consider these if precision is the primary concern over bulk cutting. They are excellent for fine-tuning corners in an aperture where a standard craft knife might slip.
Kai 7250 10-Inch Professional Shears: Premium Pick
Kai shears are held in high regard for their incredibly sharp, vanadium stainless steel blades. For the fiber artist who treats mounting as an extension of the creative process, these provide a smooth, effortless glide through mat board.
The longer blade length allows for long, continuous cuts that minimize the risk of “stair-stepping” on the edge of the board. A smooth edge is vital when backing fabric, as any snagging can pull on delicate embroidery or woven fibers.
The price point is higher, but the investment is justified by the blade longevity and superior cutting action. These are the gold standard for those who value tools that require minimal force to operate.
Westcott CarboTitanium 8″ Shears: Most Durable
Durability is the defining feature of these shears, thanks to the CarboTitanium coating that keeps the blades harder than standard steel. This ensures that the edge stays sharp even when cutting boards that have a clay coating or dense fiber composition.
The strength of these blades prevents the slight separation of edges that often occurs when cutting thicker materials. When the blades separate, the mat board tends to fold instead of cut, which ruins the clean aesthetic of the final frame job.
If the work environment involves heavy usage or multiple projects, these are an exceptionally reliable workhorse. They handle the resistance of high-density boards with remarkable ease.
Singer ProSeries Bent Scissors: Best Budget Option
Singer has a long history in the sewing world, and their ProSeries transfer that expertise to utility cutting. The bent handle design is a familiar feature to anyone who uses dressmaker shears for cutting fabric, as it keeps the hand elevated above the work surface.
This alignment allows for better visibility when tracking a cut along a marked line. While they may not be as aggressive as dedicated industrial snips, they are more than capable of handling standard mat board projects.
Choose these for occasional use or when the budget is better spent on high-quality framing materials. They offer sufficient performance for most general-purpose mounting tasks without the premium cost.
Milwaukee Jobsite Offset Scissors: For Heavy Use
Designed for the construction site, these scissors are built to survive abuse that would ruin standard household shears. The offset handle is specifically designed to keep hands away from the cutting material, providing excellent leverage when dealing with tough boards.
The bolt-lock technology prevents the blades from loosening over time, a common frustration with cheaper shears. For projects involving frequent cutting, this stability is essential for maintaining accuracy.
These are best suited for those who frequently cut dense materials beyond just mat board. Their rugged nature makes them a reliable tool for any studio space where heavy-duty cutting is a regular occurrence.
Wiss W7T Utility Snips: Most Powerful Cutter
Wiss is a legacy brand known for industrial-grade cutting tools, and these snips feel like an extension of that engineering. They offer a serrated blade that grips the surface of the mat board, preventing the board from slipping out of the jaws mid-cut.
The sheer power behind these snips makes them ideal for thick boards or layered mounting projects. They function similarly to tin snips, providing a high-pressure cut that slices through material without requiring intense grip strength.
Use these when raw power is the priority for difficult, thick cuts. They may be overkill for thin, lightweight matting, but for heavy-duty display work, they are unmatched.
How to Choose the Right Shears for Mat Board
Choosing shears for mat board involves balancing the thickness of the board against the desired precision of the cut. Thicker, high-density boards require heavy-duty blades with a robust pivot point, while lighter boards allow for more nimble, standard-sized shears.
Always examine the handle ergonomics; a spring-loaded or offset handle is much more forgiving during prolonged sessions. Much like choosing a needle material—where slick metal needles might cause a fast knitter to drop stitches, or grippy bamboo might slow down a loose gauge—the tool should match the intended pace and pressure of the work.
- Check for blade adjustment screws to maintain tension.
- Prioritize ergonomic handles to prevent repetitive strain.
- Ensure the blade length covers the anticipated width of the cut.
Blade Serration vs. Straight Edge: What’s Best?
Serrated blades act like tiny teeth that grab the material, preventing the board from sliding away as the blade closes. This is highly effective for thick, dense mat board where slipping is common, though it may leave a slightly textured finish on the edge.
Straight-edged blades offer a cleaner, smoother slice that is ideal for visible edges where aesthetics matter most. Much like how a smooth-plied yarn shows off lace stitches better than a fuzzy, high-twist yarn, a straight blade creates a more refined finish on premium mounting projects.
Ultimately, if the edge will be hidden under a frame or mat overlap, a serrated blade provides better control and safety. For exposed edges, a straight, sharp edge is the superior choice for a professional look.
Tips for Safely Cutting Mat Board With Shears
Always cut away from the body, and ensure the board is supported on a stable surface like a cutting mat to protect the tabletop. Much like blocking a finished piece of knitwear, preparation is key; mark the lines clearly before beginning so that focus remains on the cutting motion rather than the alignment.
When the material feels too resistant, do not force the blades, as this increases the risk of the shears slipping. Instead, make a series of shorter, controlled snips or reconsider the tool’s leverage capacity.
- Always keep fingers clear of the cutting path.
- Clean blade edges regularly to remove paper dust and adhesive buildup.
- Maintain focus; fatigue leads to mistakes, just as it does when knitting complex cables.
Equipping the studio with the right cutting tools ensures that the final display of a finished fiber project is as polished as the work itself. By selecting the correct shears based on the thickness of the board and the required precision, the mounting process becomes a seamless part of the creative journey. Proper tool maintenance, combined with mindful cutting techniques, will result in professional-grade frames that honor the time spent at the needles.
