I can relate to your statements completely. I just ordered a Fiskar's scissor sharpener for $7.14 from Amazon. We'll see how that works out, but for that price I was willing to take a chance. I have a pair of Fiskar's shears that are only for fabric and so far, after five years, they still perform fantastically. My kitchen is another place that drives me bonkers when my knives are dull. I bought a camping knife sharpener from L.L. Bean when we were in Maine and it is without a doubt the best sharpener I've ever had. I'm in the process of teaching myself applique and if there was ever a time when a sharp pair of scissors was needed it is now. What's that old saying about not being the sharpest tool in the shed? I believe that might apply to me. So if it is any consolation know that there are a lot of us who like sharp things and hey, I run with scissors.