Mat cutters are important for fitting mats to your frame.
The major difference between the Logan 301-M mat cutter and the 301-S mat cutter is the style of cutting heads the cutter comes with. The 301-S includes both bevel and straight cutting heads, while the 301-M includes only the bevel style. The more experienced user might prefer the 301-S brand for its wider range of uses, while a novice might prefer the 301-M's simplicity.
Methods of Framing
Framing your photo is the final step in polishing your print to be hung in the home. The manner of framing is important in that it can make a big difference in how it looks when placed on your wall. To get the right kind of cut, you might like the option of having a beveled edge or a straight edge, though if you aren't picky, the simplicity of always having a straight cut might be for you.
Beveled Edges
A beveled edge provides depth.
A beveled cut is an edge that is cut at less than 90 degrees along the edge of the mat. This gives a slightly more intricate look to the print, as it appears more dramatic, while a straight cut will appear plainer. The slant also appears to feature the framed image more prominently as it brings the eye in toward the image from the frame. A bevel cut is often considered more polished and fancy, while the common viewer might not notice much difference.
Straight Edges
Straight cuts are clean
A straight cut doesn't have the same drama of the beveled cut, but also might appear more modern in that it has no frills. It simply lets the mat end where the images begin, and thus appears more spare. The straight cut would probably be used more often than a bevel in most regular modern framing situations, though having the option between the two with the 301-S might be desirable if you don't mind a slight price hike.
Price Considerations
At the time of publication, the 301-S retails for about $25 more than the 301-M, depending on where you shop. The 301-M is actually a bit rarer in 2011, having been replaced by newer models of cutter created by Logan, and thus you'd likely need to buy from secondhand dealers. The phasing out of the 301-M suggests that the 301-S overall is a more versatile and popular option. Either way, with both cutters you'll be able to get a nice look for your print, sized correctly for your frame.
