I usually get two or three projects out of one blade. I tried a sharpened but didn't care for the results so just switch out when needed.

Has anyone tried the new Gingher rotary cutters? OMG! They are wonderful. Pretty expensive, but I looked on ebay and they are cheaper. Plus classier - lol.

I recently purchased my first Fiskars TITANIUM blade. I cannot believe how great it works. It also has an adjustment on the side for heavy or light pressure. I have not found anything that cuts as well through so many layers. I can't recall the price but I found it at Joann's with a coupon. If I recall it was about the same price as the regular Fiskars. I really like this one.

I thought it was just me being careless. I've noticed a decline in quality too. I accidentally got several packets mixed up and used the newest blades first then went back to the older packet. The older ones lasted longer and didn't get those irritating nicks that leave just a thread or two uncut. Does anyone know if the company out of the midwest that sharpened blades is still around? I can't remember the name, but they did a fabulous job.

Quite by accident, I bought very large blades for my rotary cutter. It seems like they are lasting much longer then the size that is intended for this rotary cutter. I have used this one blade for cutting 2 quilts, lots of pieces, and even some batting.
I was told by someone in quild that to cut batting with the same blade will really dull it. I got "lazy" AND JUST used the same blade, and it is still sharp.
Don't know that there is a scientific reason for this, but it is working for me!
Mariah.

I have noticed the issue with the blades being dull or not cutting out of the wrapper for about six months now. I did buy Harbor Freight blades and went through four new, untouched blades that didn't cut at all before returning to Fiskars blades. I looked at the Harbor Freight blades and saw big nicks in the cutting surface; poor quality!! My local sewing buddy has noticed the same.

I just wish Joann's online carried more Fiskars or Olfa blades when they have a sale. I've ordered them at least 6 times in the past 6 months only to be told they are out of stock.

Has anyone tried the titanium blades, and how do they hold up?

What brand do you use?

Well, I have an Olfa cutter and mat of which I have had appx. 22yrs. Only this least year a quilting friend from Okla. ask me about changing my blade and I said: Huh, dada what for? She explained I needed to so I did but it seemed to work the same. She then gave me a bigger cutter which I sure do appreciate greatly for cutting all those layers. My #2 cutter still has the same blade in it and it still works ok. (I used it for upholestry and vinyl and decided I needed one just for fabric so bought another of the same years ago.) I have no idea except the new blades are a bit lighter I noticed. That may make a difference; probably does? not sure?

Jo Ann's has a sharpner cheaper than blades easy to use and really puts a nice edge on dull blades i take it where ever my cutter goes

I thought that the rotary cutter was designed to be used with a self healing mat. If that is the case, then cutting on any other surface (or mat) would likely dull or damage the blade. Instead of spending more money replacing blades, I think buying the appropriate mat would over the long run be more cost efficient. Not to mention saving a bunch of headaches and aggravation.