There seem to be alot that don't like the rotary sharpener. I bought one with a coupon at Hancock's simply because they had several of the refill sharpeners in a clearance bin for really cheap. I admit the first time I tried to use the sharpener, it didn't seem to work that well, but then I handed it to my son who is 35 and much stronger than me. Trust me, it works, I guess you just might need some more umph behind it.