Best strap cutter?

[strathmoredesigns]

I'm teasing the idea of getting some sort of a strap cutting tool and I'm wondering what type people think is best. Looking at the Tandy site, it seems like I've got two real (and easily) accessible options. The draw gauge (https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-draw-gauge) and the strap cutter (https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-strap-cutter). I'm totally new to strap cutting and in general I think I'd be wanting to cut straps between 1/2" and 2" wide. Does anybody have any experience with either or both of these tools or an opinion?

P.s. I'm also open to another tool that's not too hard to get your hands on/won't break the bank if anybody knows of anything.

[Mattsbagger]

Tandy strap cutter works fine for me. 

[bikermutt07]

The strap cutter from Tandy will be fine. It will work much better if you can polish the blades though.

Hard to imagine sharpening such a tiny thing but it will reap benefits.

I hated mine and threw it in a drawer until someone suggested sharpening it. Now I like it fine.

[Sanch]

I have one similar to the Tandy draw gauge only mine is all aluminum. And I put a handle on the blade. It works fine

[Bodean]

I have both. The one in the second link works best for me.

[fredk]

I too use the wooden Tandy strap cutter. I just never trust the measurement gauge printed on it, its not accurate at all. For buckle straps I cut a bit of card to fit thru the buckle and use that to set the strap cutter

[bikermutt07]

5 hours ago, fredk said:

I too use the wooden Tandy strap cutter. I just never trust the measurement gauge printed on it, its not accurate at all. For buckle straps I cut a bit of card to fit thru the buckle and use that to set the strap cutter

I saw the other day that Black River Laser has an inexpensive gauge for the strap cutter.

[Instinctive]

I have had the original wooden version (link #2) that was made in California for about 40 years. It still works very well.

[strathmoredesigns]

Thanks for the tips guys. Think I'm leaning towards the strap cutter as it looks a little less like something I'd cut myself on.

[billybopp]

I have both, and find the wooden cutter a little easier to learn to work with.  The draw gauge works well too (even at 150 years old like mine).  If money were no object, tho, I'd try a plough gauge - folks that have them seem to love them.  If I were doing a lot of straps, I'd consider a rotary strap cutting machine too.

Bill