I just bought 2 different types of pins and mine are not sharp. I am really disappointed. For our quilt show coming up in Aug. 2017, I have made about 15 pin cushions with the English walnut crushed shells inside. I had to order it online from a pet store. But that is what is in the strawberry. I will put my pins in it, and use it. Every time you put the pin in, it will try to sharpen it. With continued use, they should all stay sharp. I made some out of denim, one of a kind patchwork pieces, other nice fabric, etc. I have to decorate them yet. On some, I put a little pocket for a thimble.