Quilting and patchwork
Cut strips, squares, triangles, blocks and suitable fabric layers cleanly against an acrylic ruler.
The 45mm cutter with a squeeze-to-cut safety action
Comfortable everyday rotary cutting with a blade that retracts when you release
The OLFA RTY-2/DX Deluxe 45mm Rotary Cutter combines the most versatile blade size with an ergonomic ComfortGrip handle and dual-action safety mechanism. Unlock it, squeeze to expose the blade, cut, then release the trigger so the edge retracts back into the body.
- 45mm all-round blade size suits quilting, dressmaking, strips, shapes and suitable fabric layers.
- Squeeze-to-cut trigger exposes the blade only while the handle is held.
- Safety lock prevents the blade from emerging when the cutter is locked for storage.
- Right- or left-handed setup lets the blade and components be reversed for the chosen cutting hand.
Made in Japan
45mmVersatile rotary blade
Squeeze-to-cutRetracting blade action
Left or rightReversible setup
RTY-2/DXExact OLFA model
What arrives: one genuine OLFA RTY-2/DX Deluxe cutter with one standard RB45 45mm straight rotary blade preloaded, supplied in OLFA retail blister packaging.
Why 45mm is the everyday rotary-cutting size
A 45mm blade balances cutting depth, visibility and manoeuvrability. It is large enough for efficient straight cuts and suitable fabric layers, yet still controllable for common curves and pattern shapes.
Dressmaking and patterns
Work around garment pieces, longer edges and broad curves without lifting the fabric as ordinary scissors do.
Fabric and craft work
Cut cloth, paper, rubber sheet, film and other suitable materials on a proper cutting mat with a project-appropriate blade.
ComfortGrip handle and dual-action safety
The blade appears when you need it and retracts when you release
Rather than sliding a blade cover open and closed between cuts, RTY-2/DX uses the lower trigger as part of the handle. Squeeze to cut, release to retract, and use the red lock button when the cutter is not in use.
Reduced hand fatigue
The rounded ergonomic body and cushioned black grip spread pressure across the hand during repeated cutting.
Blade retraction by release
When the cutter is unlocked, squeezing the trigger exposes the edge and relaxing the grip returns it into the guard.
Positive storage lock
When the lock is engaged, squeezing the trigger does not bring the blade out of the cutter.
Three deliberate states
Unlock, squeeze, then release and lock
The safety system reduces the chance of leaving a blade exposed, but the edge is still extremely sharp. Treat every squeeze as a cutting action and keep hands away from the blade path.
1. UnlockPress the red lock button before the cutting session.
2. SqueezeHold the lower trigger to expose the blade while cutting.
3. ReleaseRelax the trigger so the blade retracts, then engage the lock.
Comfort does not replace careful technique
Four steps for controlled rotary cutting
Use a fresh blade, a stable self-healing mat and only the pressure needed to complete the cut. Never force a dull or damaged edge.
Prepare the surface
Lay the material flat on a cutting mat and remove every pin, clip and hard fastener from the cutting path.
Unlock only when ready
Position the cutter on the work, press the lock button and keep fingers well inside the edge of any ruler.
Squeeze and cut away
Hold the trigger, keep the blade vertical and move the cutter smoothly away from your body with controlled pressure.
Release and lock
Relax the trigger so the blade retracts. Engage the lock before setting down, carrying, changing blades or storing the cutter.
Sharp blade safety: the retracting mechanism reduces blade exposure but does not make the tool child-safe or injury-proof. Keep hands clear, cut away from your body, use a proper mat and lock the cutter whenever it is not actively cutting.
Suitable for both right- and left-handed sewists
The blade, washer and fixing components can be installed in the mirrored orientation for left-handed use. Correct reassembly matters because the components control blade alignment, free rotation and safe retraction.
A particularly useful choice for...
- Regular quilting and patchwork cutting
- Dressmaking pattern pieces and broad curves
- Strips, shapes and suitable fabric layers
- Longer sessions where handle comfort matters
- Right- or left-handed cutting
- Sewists who prefer a retracting trigger action
Choose another cutter or size for...
- Tiny intricate curves better suited to 18mm or 28mm
- Very thick stacks requiring a suitable 60mm cutter
- Cutting without a protective mat
- Hidden pins, clips, zips or fasteners
- Any material requiring excessive force
- Users unable to maintain the trigger grip comfortably
Keep a dedicated blade for fabric: paper and abrasive craft materials dull an edge more quickly. Reserving one RB45 or RB45H for textiles helps protect clean quilting and dressmaking cuts.
Switch between straight cutting and decorative edges
Only the standard RB45 straight blade is included. Decorative WAB45 and PIB45 blades and the RB45H Endurance blade are optional purchases. A decorative cut may help with some fabric edges but does not replace a secure seam finish where one is required.
Blade changes with the edge protected
Lock the cutter before removing any blade component
The RTY-2/DX uses several parts to hold the blade in the correct position. Lay them out in order and follow the OLFA diagram for the blade style being installed.
- Engage the lock and confirm the blade is fully retracted.
- Place the cutter on a stable surface rather than working in your palm.
- Remove the retaining components and keep them in order.
- Install every component in the correct orientation for right- or left-handed use.
- Secure the assembly and check rotation and retraction before cutting.
OLFA RTY-2/DX Deluxe 45mm Rotary Cutter specifications
| Brand | OLFA |
|---|---|
| Model | RTY-2/DX |
| Direct Sewing SKU | RTY2DX |
| Product type | Deluxe ergonomic safety rotary cutter |
| Blade diameter | 45mm |
| Installed blade | One standard OLFA RB45 straight rotary blade |
| Compatible straight blades | OLFA RB45 and RB45H Endurance |
| Compatible decorative blades | OLFA WAB45 wave and PIB45 pinking blades, sold separately |
| Handle | Ergonomic OLFA ComfortGrip squeeze handle |
| Safety mechanism | Dual action: release the lock, then squeeze the trigger to expose the blade |
| Retraction | Blade retracts into the cutter when the trigger is released |
| Handedness | Suitable for right- or left-handed use when assembled correctly |
| Recognition | Patented; OLFA Good Design Award product |
| Country of manufacture | Japan |
| Recommended surface | Suitable self-healing cutting mat |
| Packaging | OLFA retail blister pack |
| Included | One RTY-2/DX cutter with one RB45 blade preloaded |
OLFA RTY-2/DX FAQs
How does the squeeze-handle safety system work?
Press the red button to release the storage lock, then squeeze the lower trigger to expose the blade. The blade retracts into the body when you release the trigger. Re-engage the lock when cutting is finished.
Is the blade always exposed while the cutter is unlocked?
No. Unlocking enables the trigger, but the blade only extends while the lower handle is squeezed.
Can a left-handed person use RTY-2/DX?
Yes. OLFA specifies the cutter for right- and left-handed users. The blade and every retaining component must be installed in the correct mirrored orientation.
Which straight blades fit?
Use OLFA RB45 standard blades or the compatible RB45H Endurance blade. One standard RB45 is preloaded.
Can it make pinked or wavy edges?
Yes, with the optional OLFA PIB45 pinking blade or WAB45 wave blade. These decorative blades are sold separately and must be installed according to OLFA's diagram.
Is it suitable for multiple fabric layers?
The 45mm format can cut suitable fabric layers when the blade is fresh, but capacity varies with fabric thickness, weave and finish. Test first and never compensate for a dull blade with excessive pressure.
Does the safety mechanism make it safe for children?
No. It remains an extremely sharp cutting tool. The retracting action and lock reduce exposure but do not remove the risk of serious cuts. Store it locked and out of children's reach.
What is included?
One OLFA RTY-2/DX Deluxe 45mm Rotary Cutter with one standard RB45 straight blade preloaded, supplied in OLFA retail blister packaging.
Make the 45mm OLFA Deluxe your everyday cutter
Choose RTY-2/DX for general quilting and dressmaking, ergonomic grip comfort, right- or left-handed setup and the reassurance of a blade that retracts when your hand relaxes.
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