XceliteMS54J Flush Oval Head Cutter, Diagonal, Flush Jaw, 4" Length, 13/32" Jaw length, Green Cushion Grip

Compared to the DIAMALLOY MS54G I've had for decades but was replacing due to losing them, (found them again after receiving this one), this pair is slightly bigger in every way.From the center of the pivot to the point, the handles, the thickness, the angle to the point from each side and from top to bottom it is chunkier.The friction of opening them up is overcome by the spring but is at a higher pressure on your hand. It opens far enough but does bind before opening fully.The metal is shinier and the green coating is thicker and less olive color.I filed down some of the sides to get the contact line to be centered not offset to the point, and at the top be thinner at the tip.I personally prefer the Flush Oval Head Cutter to other types.

I've used this brand for over 20years as a Broadcast Engineer....love them! They're sharp and cut great. I even use them as wire strippers. Some may say they are a little pricey, but I've had my last pair for over 10years...just needed another because they were misplaced.

I like these a bit less than the older, discontinued model they replaced, because of the shape of the nose. But they're the same great quality I learned to expect from Xcelite tools, and I'll get used to the shape.LS

I bought this to replace my Xcelite small cutter, which I bought in 1983 and worked great until I cut a live wire and burned a hole in the cutting edge. These new ones are a little different shape, but they are still very comfortable to use. I like the spring used in Xcelite cutters better than the leaf spring used in other brands. The cutting edge on this new one is sharp and lines up perfectly. I just hope it lasts as long as my old Xcelite cutter.

It cannot cut music wire, such as guitar strings. Well, the new tool does do the cut, but each cut leaves clear divots in the two blades. I suspect my entire tool will be blunt after 100 or so cuts. Maybe mine was not properly hardened and yours might be better. But if you need to cut music wire or other type of steel, you might be better off with a different product.

I have a whole collection of miniature hand tools like these. Very sharp and accurate. Xcelite tools are EXCELLENT quality.

Not as pictured. Blue handle weller cutters. Super squeaky and who knows how long they will last.

This has all the features you need. Spring open, ESD safe, rubber grip, flush cut.I only wish they made 5 and 6" versions. I would get them all.