has anyone ever used these? do they really work? I'm wanting a new blade and was curious if I should buy a new blade or the sharpener
http://www.quiltersreview.com/articl...t/010507_a.asp

I use one and it helps alot.
It is a little scary handling the blade but worth it.
I bought mine at Joannns with a coupon so not too expensive.
You do need to twist it back and forth more than a few times.
I havnt tried the oil yet sounds like a good way to go.

thanks :D

I also have one and like it. Doesn't sharpen a blade to new quality, but does help extend the life somewhat.
Rose

I have one, for me I have found the resharpened blades don't seem to keep their sharpness.

so in the long run, its best to just buy a new blade?

For me i would rather buy a new blade!But the sharpener will work in a pinch. :D

http://www.tooltron.com/productpages..._sharpener.htm

Bev, I requested the Orbital blade sharpener for Christmas and am really happy with it. I throw a blade into it between cutting pieces for my quilts and it does a good job. (Link is just an example, I'm sure you can get it from a variety of places)

Bev I use the one you pictured and I got it at Joann's several years ago and I am on my second one I just bought recently. I love mine. It extends the life of my blades just fine. And I sew everyday so mine get a lot of use and my friend Dorothy who does my prep work uses one too and she loves it.

I find that it will extend the life of the blade but it is important to apply even pressure and inspect the edge for burrs. It does not fix nicks. Sharpened blades are great for those projecs that do not require 100% precision, when you might have to run over the cut a few times.

I went to Wally world today. Saw a 5 pack for $14? I think I'll get that next payday. Even the gal that was working there didn't like the sharpeners.

Ohhhhhh? this is good to know. I guess it would work til I could get more blades huh?

I get my blades from House of Hanson, they have Olfa's and generics. No shipping and handling, excellent service, great prices $32.00/10(last time I purchased)

I have one of these but like some of the others that have responded, I prefer a new blade. These sharpeners don't seem to work to well, better to spend your money on new blades.

I have one, use it rarely...BUT.... if you have it on hand it's wonderful for those times when purchasing a new blade aren't an option. In my opinion it won't bring your blade into "NEW" condition....but it will certainly help your wrists out if you're cutting alot of strips for an "immediate" project.

Thanks for asking this question, Bev. I was considering one, too. Maybe not now.

Hi all re: blade sharpener If you have one of the older (blue) ones it won't work if you move the blade back and forth as every time you bring it back to first position you are undoing the sharpening. Only move the blade round and round in the same direction and it should work better. And always use the heavy side of the sandpaper first then the other sidse helps also.
Hope this helps!!!

thanks everyone for all your inputs. its really helped me alot to decide what to do

.....and the decision is? (call me nosy)

Ok Nosy (giggles). I'm buying a pack of blades.... I can get I believe it's 5 in a pack for $14 something at Walmart. The gal there is also gonna help me put a new one in. I sew love those 2 gals up there (CarolAnne, & Sylvia). They are sooooooo awesome and a big help to me.

Do you have to use the sharpener that is only for the rotary cutters? I have sharpeners for scissors, etc. Could I use this?
Marla

Hey, I never thought of that. Hubby works in a Rstraunt and I'm thinking they have a knife sharpener... I should ask hubby...

I have one of these sharpeners and use it all the time. I have had better results with it when I rotate the sharpener in the same direction rather than back and forth. Also, using the oil with it is important to do a really good job. For a little 'touch up' sharpening, I don't alway use the oil. Saves a lot of money (which you can then go out and spend on fabric!)

I was just cutting some today and noticed that my blade was dull. forgot that I have a sharpener. haven't used it for ages but it worked well when I used It. :oops: :oops: Thanks for reminding me! :D

I was often tempted to buy one of these, but always held off. On one of my Yahoo groups, an old sharpening trick was posted and I've had tremendous success with it - with scissors, pinking shears & rotary cutters.
Take a sheet of aluminum foil, fold it over 2 or 3 times and cut with scissors or rotary cutter as many times as needed to sharpen. IT REALLY WORKS!
Terry in N :D

I have one Bev and love mine. I havent used it in awhile because i lost part of it, but when i did use it i just kept sharpening the same blade over and over, worked really well for me, but i'm going to try terry's idea of cutting through aluminum foil too.

Wow! I told hubby about the alum. foil and he said he never heard of it. He said he's think it would Dull the blade. He's been a cook for over years. I'll have to check that out.....THANKS :D