I am going to look into the de-baller -
I haven't tried the Fons & Porter one - if something is going to break easily, I'm the one to break it
I do like the seam rippers with the small end/point better than the bigger ones - it's easier to get under the threads
I tried using a rotary cutter to cut the threads in the seam - that didn't work out real well for me
I had one of those little scapel like ones - mine got rusty and dull - plus it was so small that I tended to misplace it a lot
I'm also not that skillful with the razor blade
Thank you for your input. I'm always amazed at how many things are out there that I've never heard of - or thought of using.