Paper does not cause blades or scissors to become dull. Paper can leave a residue that can be wiped off periodically. The reason we have always kept "weapons" out of reach of family members is that they use scissors for cutting plastic, rocks, wood, etc. All the things that can ruin blades. I do lots of paper piecing and have never had to use a separate blade. I have Gingher scissors for years that Ive not had to sharpen and I use them for everything. Getting nicks on blades is another matter.