seeking on advice on hand-cutting cards

Steve1124

If you have a Bazooka box (or panel that's cut well outside the lines), or Post Cereal card, and want to cut it out, to send in for grading, what method would you use? The idea would be to cut it as close as possible JUST outside the dashed lines, making a smooth cut, and leaving the corners nice and sharp. Scissors are too hard to cut STRAIGHT, but can you really chance using one of those blade paper cutters? Is there any place that can "professionally" cut them?

Opinions? Advice?

milbroco

I used a regular paper cutter and received a PSA 9 on a 1976 Hank Aaron. I think the best way is not to cut it close the first time, but rather cut several times until you get it close enough.

minibeers

I have a cutting wheel that is affixed to a board at work that I use. You can pick them up at office depot.
Don't go cheap

mb

milbroco

What is a cutting wheel?

cardfan07

I use a metal ruler with cork back for starters. hold the ruler with the cork side up for great leverage.
I then use a utility knife - one with those blades that snap off when they're dull.
Haven't had any problems yet. Of course, my $5 Nov special still isnt' graded so I can't tell you what I got on various hand cut cards!

royalbrett

Is there such a thing as too close or too far away from the lines? I mean, how would either one of those affect the grade?