Clay Cutter Guide - Types and Materials

A clay cutter is any tool used to cut and shape clay. Potters and polymer clay artists use very different tools, so this guide covers both: the classic pottery tools for wet clay, and the shape cutters used for polymer clay jewelry.

Clay cutters for pottery and ceramics

Wire clay cutter

The most basic pottery tool: a wire strung between two handles. Pull it through the clay to cut a large block into smaller pieces, cut slabs, or release a finished piece from the wheel.

Ribbon tool

A flat, straight-edged blade with a handle, used to cut slabs into shapes and to smooth and level clay surfaces. Ribbon tools come in different widths and thicknesses.

Fettling knife

A small, sharp knife for trimming and refining the edges of a pot. It is also used to make incisions and carved designs.

Loop tool

A small loop of metal on a handle, used to carve out clay, make small cuts and shape or smooth surfaces.

Clay extruder

Forces clay through a die to make long, uniform shapes such as coils, handles, tubes and beads.

The pottery wheel is not a cutter, but it is the main shaping tool in a ceramics studio: the clay spins while you shape it by hand.

Clay cutters for polymer clay

Polymer clay artists mostly use shape cutters: a cutter with a thin, sharp edge that you press into a rolled slab to cut a clean outline, sized and detailed for jewelry.

Shape cutters for earrings, pendants and charms, usually 0.5 to 2 inches. See all polymer clay cutters.
Micro cutters, around 0.25 inch, for studs and tiny details. See micro cutters.
Trinket dish cutters, around 4 inches, for ring dishes and small trays. See trinket dish cutters.
3D cutters that cut and press in raised detail at the same time. See 3D cutters.
Tools such as depth guides for even slabs and line tools for stripes. See clay tools.

Need help choosing shapes and sizes? Read Best Polymer Clay Cutters for Jewelry Making.

Which clay cutter should you use?

For wet pottery clay, start with a wire cutter, a fettling knife and a loop tool. For polymer clay jewelry, a set of sharp shape cutters in a few sizes, an even slab and a smooth work surface such as a ceramic tile make the biggest difference.