Ripping
You can place a straight edge along your cut line and quickly pull the paper to make a neat tear. You need some skill for this. You also need to do this on a hard surface.
Shears and Scissors
If you have a paper shear large enough to do the task then use it. It cuts paper quickly and neatly. If not then use scissors.
Scissors are actually two opposing shear blades that cut because they come together at a single point. The blade itself does not need to be sharp, just flat. Both blades need to move past one another without a gap.
A good pair of paper scissors can last for decades. Just remember to never cut anything but paper with them. One snip of something harder and you will start to mess up the blade.
Good blades will make the cutting task more efficient. Good handles will make the cutting task more comfortable. Make sure they are the right size for your hand. If the blades are good you will not need to exert much pressure, but you will repeat the same motion over and over again so take the proper wrist and hand repetitive stress injury prevention steps.
Knifes
Craft knifes and rotary cutters cut paper quickly. But they need a backing. If you have a huge cutting mat that will work use it. If not the extra setup and cost is not worth the added benefit for only this task.
Specialty Cutters
One specialty cutter designed specifically for cutting wrapping paper is the Scotch Gift Wrap Cutter. It is an ingenious device that is safe, quick, efficient and comfortable to use and makes short work of cutting paper off the role. With the low cost of Gift Wrap Cutter this makes it a must have and the top ergonomic choice for cutting paper off of the roll.
