Reviewed: Hero Arts Stamp & Cut

Clear stamp and matching die set.

  • “Universally compatible metal cutting dies”.
  • Stamps produce a clear image.
  • The cutting edge is located on the inner edge of the die, making it easy to align around the stamped image.
  • Great price point for the set.

They are affordable, fun to use, stamp clearly, and the dies cut easily.

Reviewed: Memory Box Steel Craft Dies

Thin steel dies that may be used in most leading die cut systems.

  • Cuts very easily and cleanly through cardstock.
  • Thin but not flimsy, very durable.
  • Made in the USA.

Drawbacks: 

  • Not found at your larger craft stores.  These dies are most easily found online, although I was able to purchase Memory Box dies at a specialty scrapbooking store. 
  • Somewhat expensive.

Reviewed: Lifestyle Crafts (formally QuicKutz) Cutting Dies

  • Thin metal dies that can be used with most die-cutting machines.
  • Cuts easily through cardstock.
  • Great value!  Most sets come with 16 – 20 dies which makes nesting designs very easy.  With so many size choices in each set, framing any size stamped or digital image is very easy.

Drawbacks:

  • The dies are very thin and warp easily.

 The ease of use, the number of dies, and nesting ability makes these dies a great value.

Reviewed: Whimsy Stamps – Dies

 Dies

  • Very detailed and unique designs available.
  • They consistently cut easily through cardstock.

The designs and the detail in the dies as well as the consistency of the cut makes them a good choice.

Reviewed: Sizzix and Hero Arts Framelits

Framelits

  • They cut consistently and easily through cardstock.
  • Each die is paired with a matching sized stamp.  The cutting edge is on the inside of the die and matches perfectly over the matching stamp.  A small border around the image is left after die-cutting giving the image an outline, helping the image to “pop” on your project.
  • Easy and quick to use.

The ease of use and the quick card possibilities are almost endless.  

C.C. Designs Dies

Reviewed:  C.C. Designs Rubber Stamps – Dies

  • Thin metal dies that can be used in most die cutting machines.  
  • They consistently and easily cut through cardstock.
  • Although they are thin, they are very sturdy metal dies and are pierced with tiny holes to allow you to push the cardstock off of the die without damage to the design.

The sturdiness and consistency of cut make these dies very useful tools.