I got an off brand blade sharpener from Joanns and it has saved lots of time and money. I change my old blades out then when I am ready to start a new project I sit down and take a few minutes to sharpen my blades. They are just like new again. Saved me lots of time and money because I live in a rural, isolated area and the nearest Joanns is over fifty miles away and the walmart here stopped carrying any fabric or notions.