Is there another way to cut the dowels easier than using a kitchen knife or sawing it?? Any suggestions are appreciated!

I use pvc pipe cutters. They are a ratchet type cutter and cut through the dowels with ease. You can find them at any hardware store.

I use pruning shears from the gardening center. Bring a dowel with you and ask the sales associate at Lowes or Home Depot which set of shears would be best to cut that diameter of dowel.

I use jhay's approach as well. However, do NOT use these for gardening as well. You really need to keep them separate. (I know, I'm weird that way, but I firmly believe that tools are either for food use or other use)

thanks ladies!!

I also use a racheting cutter and it's like cutting butter.