It's really a matter of personal preference, (I know that's not what you wanted to hear). You're going to have to try it to see how it feels, of course only take a little off at a time. Naturally the narrower the bars the less leverage you have, and the more it feels like you're constantly about to go into a world class tank slapper. I run the bars on my WR at 30" including handguards and wouldn't be comfortable with anything narrower. Also, if you're going to mount a roll chart holder or anything else that's a consideration too. As far as cutting goes, I've had good luck with a pipe cutter, from Home Depot for $3 or so.