Tamiya Sharp Pointed Side Cutter NO.123 (74123) Review (2026)

Built for close, precise cuts

This is Tamiya's item 74123, a 115mm side cutter sold under the Side Cutters and Modeling Knives line as NO.123. The jaws are described as slimmer and sharper pointed than the brand's standard cutter, which lets the blade tip get closer to a part before cutting, reducing the amount of sprue nub left behind on crowded sprues with little clearance between parts. That precision matters most on miniature kits where fine details like weapons, hands, or thin components sit close together on the sprue tree and a bulky cutter simply cannot reach the connection point cleanly.

Blade material and construction

The blades are made from chrome-vanadium alloy and are hand-finished for sharpness, which is the same premium blade approach Tamiya uses across its modeling tool line rather than a stamped generic blade. Chrome-vanadium is a common choice for cutting tools because it holds an edge well under repeated use on plastic without chipping or dulling quickly. The handle uses a black, non-slip PVC grip designed to keep the tool steady in hand during long build sessions, which matters when clipping dozens of small parts from a sprue in one sitting. That focus on blade quality is a big part of why Tamiya's side cutters carry a premium price over generic nippers sold for the same basic sprue-clipping job.

Double-bladed design and what it means for nubs

This cutter uses a double-bladed cutting action rather than the single flat-blade design found on some newer hobby nippers marketed specifically at leaving a flush cut. A double-bladed cutter tends to leave a very small raised nub at the cut point rather than a perfectly flush surface, so builders doing highly detailed work sometimes follow up with a hobby knife or sanding stick to clean the connection point fully. For most miniature assembly this is a minor extra step, and the tradeoff is a tool built with premium materials and a slim profile rather than a single-blade design optimized purely for flush cuts.

How it compares to the 74035 and other options

Tamiya also sells the 74035 Sharp Pointed Side Cutter, a shorter tool at about 4.5 inches built with the same chrome-vanadium blade material but aimed at even finer parts with less clearance, such as detail work on ship models. The 74123 reviewed here sits between that finer tool and Tamiya's standard side cutter, offering slim jaws without going as specialized as the 74035. Compared with budget generic nippers sold for Gunpla and plastic kits, this cutter costs more but is backed by Tamiya's reputation for consistent blade quality and durability over repeated use. Owning both tools lets a builder match the cutter to the part instead of forcing one blade profile to handle everything from thick runners to fine antenna and weapon details.

Bottom line

For anyone assembling plastic miniatures or scale models who wants a durable, precise tool rather than the cheapest option available, this side cutter delivers clean cuts close to parts thanks to its slim, sharp jaws and quality chrome-vanadium blades. It costs more than generic nippers with a similar look, and its double-bladed design means a small nub may still need light sanding on the most detail-sensitive parts. Builders who already own basic modeling tools and want a reliable upgrade for close-clearance sprue cutting will get long-term value from the blade quality here. It is a tool built to last through many kits rather than one that needs replacing after a season of regular use.

Frequently asked questions