What Not To Do With A Rare Stamp

When using hingeless mounts for a rare stamp, any stamp actually is not to cut the mount to size whilst the stamp is inside, or this will happen (left stamp), totally ruined. This injury was caused by a guillotine.

Only 30 of these stamps exist. An unfortunate end to a very expensive stamp. I do not own the left stamp.

A pity ...

I always cut my mount to size while the stamp is in the mount. However, I learned my lesson early, and very carefully cut the mount on the more expensive varieties. No issues in over 40 years.

Don't drink and cut.

Whenever there is a chance of a miscut, or shifting, I use a scalpel or sharp craft knife with a metal rule, or triangle on the graduated cutting board.

For large items (souvenir sheets, etc), I make a slight cut/nick at the top and bottom edge of the mount and remove the item before cutting.

Some sellers on ebay would describe the lefthand stamp as a "very representative" copy with great centering.

Practice Safe Snips

OUCH!. For odd sizes, I have cut some with the stamp in but always cautious. I have not cut one yet. Generally I will put the stamp in, make a mark where I want the cut to be and cut it without the stamp. For standard size stamps I just use the guide and cut a bunch in advance.

I don't put my stamps anywhere near my roller cutter. I'm way too clumsy! I measure the stamp and add 5mm to each dimension, find the right mount and cut. It leaves me with a 2.5mm edge on every side. Then I insert the stamp to check my cut.

Dan

Dan, that's the right way to do it!

I have cut my stamps whilst in the Mount for 10 years.
Never an accident.
Caveat, I employ Fiskar Cutting machine Paper Trimmer (Very expensive)
has a plastic mount gripper to prevent movement.

Titanium carbide blade, that can cut down to 1mm strips
(3 times harder than steel)

That said, if I ever had a stamp over $500 for example,
I would no doubt change my routine.
I doubt if that is ever going to happen.

Hi shermae

On ebay it would be described as a rare error.

Hi rod222

I'll be getting a Fiskar cutting machine paper trimmer today.

Rob

Really!
Wow. Hope you enjoy it.

Pros (other than above)
Made completely of recycled plastic

Cons
The baseboard will lose its graduations after multiple use
(I have mounted perhaps 12,000 stamps?

Now I guage by eye, and that's OK

Be on watchout for replacement blades, dashed expensive as well.
I think I paid a whopping $58
I have used just 1 (double sided blade) in 10 years

I cut plastic mounts, and VERY occasionally paper.

I use Hawid top opening mounts, lay a strip on desk,
place stamps in strips (up to 10 stamps) leaving desired distance between each, then cut height off, then each individual stamp,
feeding them through the trimmer.

I accept no responsibility for boo boos

I use the Fiskar rotary blade trimmer as well and love it. Perfect tool for the job.