06/06/25
OLFA offers safe, reliable tools for creatives
by Victoria Ritter
Whether they’re working with fabric, foam or vinyl, artists and crafters put a lot of trust in their instruments. OLFA steps up to the plate with its range of handheld cutting tools.
The Japanese company got its start when Yoshio Okada, tired of the inferior Japanese-made Western-style knives on the market, invented the world’s first snap-off blade cutter in 1956. A longtime knife aficionado, Okada went on to invent the world’s first rotary cutter in 1979. These products were the basis of OLFA – the company’s name comes from two Japanese words which mean “to break a blade.”
Today, OLFA makes a range of blades, knives, mats and more for construction, industrial safety, craft and outdoor industries; in total, the company has more than 200 SKUs. Under its craft department, OLFA offers rotary cutters, art knives, graphic knives, scissors, cutting and rotary mats, circle cutters and chenille cutters.
Tools of the trade
Depending on who you ask, there are a few products that are popular among crafters. Sewers and quilters tend to favor OLFA’s rotary cutters for their comfortable handles and sharp blades. Meanwhile, OLFA’s 9mm snap-off knives are admired for their sharpness and convenience. Once a blade edge becomes dull, the user just has to snap it off, revealing a fresh, pointed blade.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand with paper crafting for OLFA art knives for the same precision sharpness,” said Yvonne Busdeker, brand marketing manager for OLFA. “Those tools can work across the board. We have people who make leather aprons for woodworkers using our rotary cutters. People make cosplay costumes using the rotary cutter for the fabric part of it, and one of the utility knives from our pro section for foam. It just depends on what you’re making and what tool is going to be the best fit.”
With OLFA’s tools in hand, artists and crafters have created intricate, colorful masterpieces. Michael Velliquette, a papercraft artist in Wisconsin, uses OLFA’s AK-4 art knife and the SAC-1 graphics knife to fashion elaborate 3-D paper sculptures. Designer Amanda Brown utilizes the 45mm RTY-2/C Quick-Change Rotary Cutter, 5-Inch SCS-1 Serrated-Edge Stainless Steel Scissors, 24- by 36-inch Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat and 6- by 24-inch Frosted Acrylic Ruler to make vibrant art quilts.
OLFA typically releases new products in January and July. New products come in a new format or in a new color. The most recent releases include a utility knife that now has a wood composite handle rather than a plastic handle – which came out in January – and a 28mm rotary cutter featured in aqua.
“Japan takes pride in everything that they do. We may not crank out new products frequently because we got it right the first time with the straight handle that’s been around since 1979,” Busdeker stated. “Those changes are constantly being made on tools across the board. As soon as they find something that can be a little better, they will make that adjustment and put it out in the next run of the tool.”
Busdeker went on to explain that OLFA stands out in the market due to the quality of its products. She proudly uses OLFA’s knives for her own projects. While she has used its art knife for a long time because she doesn’t have to worry about the blade getting loose due to couplings coming undone. She also appreciates the feel of the handles; some cutting tools like the AK-4 have a little cushion built in, allowing users to cut for longer periods and be comfortable.
“That’s where the design of OLFA’s products rise above a lot of the other competitors – they put that time effort into the design, making sure that you have a lifetime warranty on those handles,” Busdeker said. “You want to make sure that it’s comfortable to use for that long.”
Another staple of OLFA’s products is safety. Features such as textured finger rests and padded handles prevent slipping. Blade caps for art knives feature holes so that if the cap was accidentally ingested, it won’t obstruct a person’s airway. “Safety continues to be a primary focus in the development of OLFA products.”
Supporting the creative industry
OLFA’s catalog of niche products are not typically found at large chains, making it an ideal choice for independent retailers to stock. Retailers interested in selling OLFA products have access to the company’s Distributor Toolbox, including packaging, lifestyle and product photos to use on their website or newsletters.
Additionally, there are videos on our YouTube channel that they can embed on their site, in their newsletters, etc.,” Busdeker said. “Our product pages are also packed with information that they can use and share with their customers.”
While OLFA Corp of Japan distributes worldwide, its OLFA North America Inc. subsidiary covers the U.S. and Canada. OLFA regularly attends trade shows including Creativation by Namta, Quiltcon, h+h Americas and International Quilt Market.
“OLFA is a trusted brand with a great reputation,” Busdeker commented. “OLFA has also invested in efforts to engage with end-users and understand changes in the markets we serve and adapt.”
