Hasta La Ideas

The last time we looked at an over-engineered Japanese product design of dubious
utility, it was this highlighter with a see-through tip. I vowed not to fall
into this trap again but I can’t help myself. So today I’m staring at the order page for the Kadomaru Pro Corner Cutter, which has just
one function: To cut rounded corners into sheets of paper.

Well hang on, one function, but in three different
sizes! Sure the object is made from three different types of plastic, contains
multiple metal blades and a spring mechanism, which seems like a bit of
overkill, but we’re talking 3mm, 5mm and 8mm radii! I mean you can choose, just
by inserting the paper into the correct mouth, clearly indicated by the
“S, M, L” molded right into the handle! Because someone paid to have those
letters and indentations milled into the steel before they started injection
molding these bad boys, yet it only costs $14.99!

It’s got “Pro” right in the title, meaning this
thing isn’t for amateurs. And in my own defense, Amazon reviewers love it—five-star
product, baby. “Surprisingly strong and versatile,” “Will cut heavy
photographic paper and card stock up to 120 pound thickness with ease,”
and “Finally,
I’ve found the rounder to change my life.” (I swear I didn’t make that up,
read it yourself.)

Lastly, Mark Frauenfelder over at Cool Tools loves
his.

Photo by Mark Frauenfelder

Photo by Mark Frauenfelder

Photo by Mark Frauenfelder

So I’m not crazy. I just have to find a use for it.