I use all of the above, depends on what is on the sewing machine where I am currently sewing--201, FW, 401, Elna, 99k, whatever. I have the small pointed thingys that my sister gave me years ago (they're great) but prefer the round handled Clover or F&P, even the old square Dritz if it isn't too dull, and I do love the Clover's little red tip that you can slip into the seam, and rip away......

I'm so sorry for you loss of your good friend and helper. We sometimes don't recognize these helpers as the lovely angels in disguise that they are until they are gone. He left you a good memory for every time you use a seam ripper.

I wonder if he used a Leatherman multi-tool or Swiss Army type knife with a hook sharpener?

I bought one of the brass seam rippers from Eleanor Burns site for half price a couple weeks ago and I just love it. The point is quite thin and is very easy to get under the stitches. Think half price was $7.50. Still a little pricey for a seam ripper but I was intrigued with the idea of it being brass. I've wasted $ on worse things LOL.

Me too.....

Like Old Hair Twister, I bought a brass one also, but it was from Pam Damour, the Decorating Diva. It looks like the same one offered from Eleanor Burns, but Pam's has a lifetime guarantee with it. There is an address to send it to should it ever need sharpening. Watch her video to see how to actually RIP the seams, not pick threads. It works like a dream and saves time. It was $26 with shipping but worth every penny. http://www.pamdamour.com/proportional-scale-clone.html

I agree w/sandygirl. they are cheap enough and not worth the effort.

I got a pair of those, guard them with my life I won't even take them to classes just in case :) I also use this Clover seam ripper https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=cl...ml%3B800%3B800 have had it for years and it is still so sharp, don't ask me how I know OUCH!!

If you rub one side of your dull blade on the edge of a piece of crockery, and then turn it over and rub the other side, back to the first side and so on, sort of like you ar stropping a straight razor, you can sharpen your blade on crockery. Also, good kitchen knives can be sharpened this way.

How about a stone sharpener? I wouldn't have thought of it myself. It was an ad at the top of my quilting board page.

I think I would prefer to replace the seam-ripper than try to sharpen it. Most of the ones you get today are made of much cheaper material and cannot truly be sharpened. As for the single-edge razor blades, yes, they are really good seam rippers, but I've been ripped by using those once too often. The cuts they inflict are painful!

Jeanette