I use a "TRI-Sharp" sharpener. I sharpen my blade before each project. Being a retired meat cutter ( yes, I'm female) I learned the care of knives from my husband. Most of the time your blade is not dull. Just the edge is curled over and the more you use it in that condition the less likely you will be able to "sharpen" it. If you are doing a big project you might have to straighten you edge sooner.