A mat cutter turns a sheet of mat board into the window that frames a photo or print. Some are board-mounted systems with a guide rail, some are hand-held push cutters, and one type cuts ovals and circles. Which one fits depends on the size of the mats you cut and how many you plan to make.
The six cutters below range from a compact Logan system to a hand-held NT Cutter. Sizes and contents come from each listing page and the claims are the makers’ own. We have not used these cutters ourselves. Follow the maker’s instructions for handling blades.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Cut length | Sets the largest mat you can cut in one pass |
| Bevel and straight | Bevel heads cut window openings; straight cutters size boards |
| Guide | A rail or guide bar helps keep lines straight |
| Blades | Check the replacement blade type and count |
| Mat thickness | Some systems list a board thickness limit |
Specs at a Glance
| Cutter | Type | Cut capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logan 350-1 | Board-mounted system | 32-inch cutting capacity board | Bevel cutter, straight cutter, five blades |
| Logan 301-1 | Board-mounted system | 32 inch; open-ended design | Standard 4-ply board; uses Logan 270 blades |
| Logan LOG2000 | Push-style cutter | Not stated | Made in the USA; carbon steel blade |
| NT Cutter MAT-45P | Hand-held bevel cutter | Mat board and foam board | 45 degree bevel; includes a blade and a non-slip sheet |
| Logan 201 | Oval and circle cutter | Ovals 3-1/4 to 20 in; circles 4-1/2 to 20 in | Five #324 blades; three-rotation process |
| XYGOVIA CZTZ-32 | Rail system | Title says 36 in; text says 32 in | 45 degree bevel and 90 degree straight cutters; 1-year warranty |
The 6 Best Mat Cutters for Photo Framing
1. Logan 350-1 Compact Elite Mat Cutter
A large-capacity cutting system with a 32-inch cutting capacity board. The listing says it works with standard thickness mat board only and includes a cutting board, mat guide stop, guide rail stop, straight cutting measuring bar and stop, a bevel cutter, a heavy duty straight cutter and five blades.
Suits: regular framing work with bevel openings. Strengths: a full set of stops and both cutter heads. Weaknesses: standard thickness board only. Skip it if you cut thick board.
View Logan 350-1 Compact Elite Mat Cutter on Amazon
2. Logan 301-1 Compact Classic Mat Cutter
A portable board-mounted system with a bevel cutting head, a mat knife for straight cuts and a parallel mat guide. The listing describes an open-ended design, so the cut length is not limited to 32 inches, and says it works with standard 4-ply mat board and uses Logan 270 blades.
Suits: a portable set for occasional framing. Strengths: an open-ended machine and a parallel guide. Weaknesses: 4-ply board only. Skip it if you want a rail with stops.
View Logan 301-1 Compact Classic Mat Cutter on Amazon
3. Logan LOG2000 Push Style Mat Cutter
A push-style mat cutter with a manual retractable carbon steel blade, made in the USA. The listing gives few other details, so check the maker’s page for board limits and blade type before you buy.
Suits: a simple push cutter. Strengths: a retractable blade; made in the USA. Weaknesses: the listing gives few specs. Skip it if you need a rail system.
View Logan LOG2000 Push Style Mat Cutter on Amazon
4. NT Cutter MAT-45P Mat Board Cutter
A 4.7 inch hand-held cutter with an aluminum die-cast slide grip and a 45 degree bevel straight cut. It ships with one blade and a non-slip rubber sheet for a ruler, and the maker says it cuts mat board and foam board. The listing advises scoring the mat and cutting over it a few times rather than forcing a single pass.
Suits: a small, ruler-guided bevel cutter. Strengths: compact size and a non-slip sheet. Weaknesses: you supply the ruler. Skip it if you want a built-in guide rail.
View NT Cutter MAT-45P Bevel Mat Cutter on Amazon
5. Logan 201 Oval and Circle Mat Cutter
A 12 inch wide plastic cutter for oval and circle openings, made in the USA. The maker lists opening widths from 3-1/4 to 20 inches for ovals and 4-1/2 to 20 inches for circles, a difference bar for up to 3 inches between width and height, and five #324 blades.
Suits: round and oval frames. Strengths: five blades and a scale for oval proportions. Weaknesses: it does not cut straight windows. Skip it if you only need rectangles.
View Logan 201 Oval and Circle Mat Cutter on Amazon
6. XYGOVIA 36-Inch Mat Cutter System
A rail system with an anodized aluminum guide rail, a textured rubberized base, a fixed 45 degree bevel cutter and a 90 degree straight cutter. The title says 36 inch, while the description and model name point to 32 inches, so confirm the cut length with the seller. The maker gives a one-year warranty.
Suits: a rail system with two cutter heads. Strengths: a rubberized base and both cut types. Weaknesses: the length figure conflicts on the listing. Skip it if you need to know the exact capacity before you order.
View XYGOVIA CZTZ-32 Mat Cutter System on Amazon
Setup Notes
- Work on a clean, flat surface.
- Measure the opening, then mark it on the back of the board.
- Practice on scrap board before the final mat.
- Replace the blade when cuts begin to tear.
- Keep blades and cutters in their original packaging when not in use.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Forcing a deep cut in one stroke.
- Using thick board in a system limited to standard thickness.
- Assuming every blade fits every cutter.
- Skipping a test cut on scrap.
Mat Cutter FAQ
Do I need a separate cutter for ovals?
Yes. The Logan 201 is the oval and circle tool here; the others cut straight lines.
Are blades interchangeable?
No. The Logan 301-1 lists 270 blades, the 201 lists #324 and the NT Cutter lists BMC-45P. Check the listing before you order spares.
The Short Version
For a full kit with stops, the Logan 350-1. For a portable open-ended system, the Logan 301-1. For a simple push cutter, the Logan LOG2000. For a hand-held bevel, the NT Cutter. For ovals and circles, the Logan 201. For a rail with two cutter heads, the XYGOVIA.
