Broke the tip off of one I had for 37 years once. Just threw it away couple months ago. It was the one I used in high school sewing class.

Are you picking the stiches with the point only or taking the stitch into the curve of the ripper and pulling? May make a difference.

Since I was using tiny stitches it seemed to happen when I had my hand to close to the metal end and was trying to get it into the stitch. I just kind of snapped it off. Guess I was trying to hard.

Oh, yeah, I've broken 2!!! My stitches generally aren't as small as you probably use. I think it's poor workmanship. My first one lasted me 40 yrs and believe me, it had LOTS of work!!! The next 2 broke on me! Those were the ergo ones, with special handles, The one I have now is a lancet type. I rip the first few stitches then separate the seam (in your case, the paper and fabric) and but between the seam. That seems to help.

I have one I paid $1.00 for that is forever old but it is the newer more expensive ones I seem to break.

i just got one at Walmart, pink and white, nice size for my hand, comfortable to hold and nice and sharp. My blue ones are hiding on me.

If you ever use the Gingher seam ripper you'll never want to use the others. I'm a spoiled quilter for sure.

I have never broken one.

I've snapped the tip off the blade more than once.

And once I broke one of those long loop turners (I think they're by Dritz)... I merely dropped it on my kitchen floor and it snapped as though it were made of china. And no, it's not a tile floor!

Mine too! I even have several but usually have to hunt to find one.

I have never broken a seam ripper. Maybe it's the type you are using. (?) The best seam ripper I have ever used is one by Clover with a large, smooth white handle. The second best is the one that came with my Bernina sewing machine. (you can buy one withOUT the machine lol) Both of these have sharp points that are thin enough to get under the stitches.

If I am frog-stitching (unsewing) a short area, I slip the tip of the seam ripper under every third stitch. Then I can pull a long thread from the opposite side. If I am unsewing a large area, I do as ponyriver does and use my rotary blade. It goes much faster.