beware: the quilt police will be coming soon to confiscate any and all rippers pocketed during sit 'n sews.
I had the same seam ripper for about 20 years. I was, needless to say, always hunting for it. One day, in 1999, while out and about with my son, he said, "let's go in here," and he proceded to walk me into a quilt shop (!!!) He led me to the ripper section. "it's time to buy a new one, mom."
So I did. And threw the old one away, even. It's the one I currently use. I do have a 2nd one that came with my bernina in 2000. It's my absolute favorite. so tiny.