At a recent sewing event sponsored by Walter Floriani, we were told that titanium needles heat up when used for embroidery and become brittle enough to break. From now on, I'm just using them for regular sewing!

Blades
 

I have also tried the blades from harbor freight. They are soooo terrible. I purchased them since it was a recommendation on the board. I don't know how anyone cuts anything from them. They come two in a pack and both were terrible. Never mind trying to find a good pack. What a waist of time!!! Name brand will be my way t go!!!!!!:thumbup:

I have a pack of Olfa and they are pretty dull. How long should one blade last? I cut sashings for a twin size quilt and went through 2 blades.

I have noticed the varying experiences with blades in this thread. Just want to point out that the brand of mat you have can make a huge difference in how long your blades last (and probably also how easy it is to cut with them). It would be helpful if people making comments would include the brand of mat they are using. Maybe that way we could narrow down which mats are bad or good (no pun intended, what with it being Christmas!) for blades.

in the long run I prefer brand blades the Harbor Freight for me and one use and cannot be sharpened

I only use Martelli blades. They are so very sharp and cut like butter. I have Harbor Freight blades in my sewing room. They are stuck together and I cannot get them apart. I have been able to use some. They are not that sharp so I will no longer waste my time or money on them.

Have a look at these compatible blades - from the UK. Their international postage is very low, the blades are good. Lots of other supplies too, and they are excellent to deal with.
http://www.barnyarns.co.uk/replacement-blades/

I have and do also - found their blades great and cost a lot less. If I do get a bad one I won't feel bad about throwing it out due to the cost - but haven't gotten one yet. (Knock on wood!)

Marysewfun