Jim's Gem

Hmmmmm I use mine until it starts giving me some thread skips. Like it is today. I have used it for a lot of cutting though, probably 5 quilts worth, including trimming the batting after quilting. I have a Martelli ergonomic cutter and their blades and they last longer than Olfa's. I think that I may need to change the blade here now.

cutebuns

There are ways to help make it last longer, like switching it around and making sure that it has a little oil on it, just a smidge though, you don't want it all over your fabric. I tend to buy my blades when I see them on sale and some last longer than others, I don't pay to much attention to how much I get out of each. even the same name brands don't last the same, could be what I am cutting and how I am cutting, I am not the only one that uses it though it is strictly used for sewing.

littlehud

Most of the time mine last a long time, but if I'm cutting flannel it dulls quickly.

Lisanne

I've noticed that "fabric dust" tends to accumulate on the backside of mine. I've barely used mine yet, but noticed a definite difference after wiping off the fluff.

JoanneS

Sometimes taking it out, cleaning out the fluff, turning it over and putting a drop of sewing machine oil on it makes it last a little longer. Also, try cutting through several layers of aluminmu foil - it seems to sharpen the blade.

IMHO Olfa blades last longest - but they're the most expensive.

www.lpsharp.com has good deals on line. And you can send in used blades & get a discount on new ones. They have Olfa & others. There's an interesting discussion about whether or not Olfa blades are worth the extra expense. I also buy blades with JoAnn's and Michael's coupons.

dizzy

you can get a thing to sharpen your blade at jo-anns & hankock fabrics there abought $14.00 forthe regular sized cutter an it does keep you from having to buy so many blades.

ginnie6

well I ordered new blades last night but I am going to look into that sharpener.

redkimba

I use a sharpener for mine - it seems to help them last long.

I do need to replace mine though; it has started not to cut as well.

Lisanne

Really cool tip - thanks!

butterflywing

i buy them on ebay. and i don't wait until i'm desperate. i do it when i see a good deal and then i bid low. sometimes i raise my bid, sometimes i take a pass. if you wait until you really need them, you end up paying more.

last ones i got were 100 blades, really nice and sharp, weren't labeled with a manufacturer's name, but didn't say 'china'. cost $150.

i had to take all of them as a lot, but i plan to live long enough to use them all up.