This is a very high quality tool. It cuts very well on 18 gauge CR steel which I use for old auto patch panels. The only problem I have is that there is no mark on the cutter for you to follow the line. To cut a straight line, it's best if you can clamp a straight edge (wood or steel) to a fence. If you try it by hand, you will most likely end up with a wavy cut line. It cuts really fast and yes it produces a lot of little crescent shaped shreds but I don't see that as a problem. When I cut wood with my circular saw, I have a lot more clutter to clear than the small pieces of metal this cutter makes. I took off one star because of the missing markings on the knife.