Cutter for Beading Wire

I’ve often been asked by jewelry makers what tool is best for cutting beading wire, aka coated wire, and up until now, I’ve always suggested a good pair of wire cutters – the sharper the better, But, of course, the folks at Soft Flex got on the ball and realized jewelry makers could use a tool specifically designed to cut their bead wire: the Professional Soft Flex Flush Cutter, available in long and short handles.

I tried out the long handled variety of cutter ($59.95 - Item #: SF-300SFC) and tested it on a few different thickness of Soft Flex beading wire. I found them very easy to use, comfortable (with a nice cushy handle), and required little pressure. You barely have to squeeze the handle on these cutters and your wire is cut quickly and very cleanly.

Now, I know a few folks will wonder if you can use wire cutters for beading wire, can you use this particular pair of beading wire cutters on metal wire as well. According to the company website: “These Professional Soft Flex Flush Cutters are manufactured by Soft Flex Company for our top of the line, bead stringing wire: Soft Flex Wire and Soft Touch Wire. This cutter will cut all 4 of our diameters: .010, .014, .019 and .024. They will also cut stainless steel, tungsten and nickel in diameters up to .065 mm. The blade exceeds 64 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale. Each cutter is hand tested and will get up to about half a million cuts!”

The avid bead stringer will find these super handy and comfortable to use with its ergonomic handle. Soft Flex offers more specifics on these pliers as well as a close up of its flush cut tip under the tools section of the Soft Flex website.