I'm still using the blades I bought over five years ago so I don't know about the new ones. I do know the new packages of blades I have doesn't seem as heavy as the old packages. I thought it was just the package but it looks the same. I'm glad I have lots of 5 pack blades I bought on clearance when Hancock Fabric closed down. I bought every package there was, the clerk went in the back and brought out what was back there. None of the other customers wanted more then one pack thinking it was expensive at the time even with the clearance price. I bet they wished they bought more now that one blade is about $10 and the five pack then was marked down to $6.