I've been using an ordinary hobby knife with a #11 blade for cutting the pieces off the sprue, and I admit I sneered at those who bought and used "expensive specialty" tools for such a simple task. Of course, when you use a straight blade to cut, there is always the danger of tear out, left over stub with it's associated sanding, and the danger of scratching the surface, so I finally broke down and bought the Xuron Micro Shear cutter.
WOW! What a difference, it cuts so cleanly and neatly, leaving little behind to sand off, and does it so easily I'm tempted to cut all the pieces off the sprue at once!
I apologize to those who I once sneered at, and am glad to finally get this tool! Sorry for doubting you...
Recommended to everybody!