I have not heard good things about the sharpener, so I just watch for the 50% off coupons at Joann's (sometimes they have all quilting tools at 50% with no coupon so I get to use the coupon on something else!) and just buy them every couple times I am there and "stock up" on them. I get alot of use of them.. just two days ago I changed to a new blade, but the one I had I know I haven't changed that in about 6 quilts! But it was taking more pressure to cut and I know that cutting iwth a dull blade can pull on the fabric and distort the square size you are cutting.