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Japanese Over-Design FTW: The Kadomaru Pro Corner Cutter

All it does is cut rounded corners into paper. And I want one

By Rain Noe - March 19, 2015

in Hand Tools | Product Design

The last time we looked at an over-engineered Japanese product design of dubious utility, it was this highlighter with a see-through tip. I vowed not to fall into this trap again but I can't help myself. So today I'm staring at the order page for the Kadomaru Pro Corner Cutter, which has just one function: To cut rounded corners into sheets of paper.

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Well hang on, one function, but in three different sizes! Sure the object is made from three different types of plastic, contains multiple metal blades and a spring mechanism, which seems like a bit of overkill, but we're talking 3mm, 5mm and 8mm radii! I mean you can choose, just by inserting the paper into the correct mouth, clearly indicated by the "S, M, L" molded right into the handle! Because someone paid to have those letters and indentations milled into the steel before they started injection molding these bad boys, yet it only costs $14.99!

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It's got "Pro" right in the title, meaning this thing isn't for amateurs. And in my own defense, Amazon reviewers love it—five-star product, baby. "Surprisingly strong and versatile," "Will cut heavy photographic paper and card stock up to 120 pound thickness with ease," and "Finally, I've found the rounder to change my life." (I swear I didn't make that up, read it yourself.)

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Lastly, Mark Frauenfelder over at Cool Tools loves his.

Photo by Mark Frauenfelder

So I'm not crazy. I just have to find a use for it.

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Sarah Flieger

9 years ago

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But it does what it does perfectly

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Dan Lewis

9 years ago

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We produce packaging comps, models, etc. We have 3 hand corner trimmers that we purchased years ago -- they are a huge time saver even though the cost was about $70.00 each. And, it's difficult to trim a beautiful corner by hand. One tool, three corners, for $14.99 is a steal, even if you only use it once. I'm ordering several -- thanks for the tip.

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