After trying more seam rippers than I can remember, I finally found the Clover white round handled one is wonderful. Now, if I could just find more of them...cause you know I've got to have one in each room w/each machine and then back-ups too. Right now I've got a table runner I need to take apart. Not cause my friend isn't happy, she is. It's me, I didn't make the oval ends rounded enough and every time I looked at it, it bugged me big time. So now it's on the redo pile. I don't mind redoing. If I could find the fabric, which I got at a yard sale years ago, I'd just make her another. But no, I've used it all up. It's it the case the odd pc of fabric you find is what is loved the most.
Anyway, about the seam ripper, check out Clover's, you might like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Allary-Combi-C.../dp/B00555I79G
Check out this one. I am on my third or fourth one in approximately 30 year period. They stay sharp a long time. It has a small point I slip under the stitches and cut every half inch or so. I have heard the eyebrow trimmers work good. I am not sure I am calling them the right thing. I grew up using a single edge razor blade to rip stitches out with. They work great but you have to be careful to not cut your fabric.

I have broken a Fons and Porter seam ripper. Guess I was ripping too vigorously. lol. My second F & P ripper is still going strong.

I, too, like the surgical seam ripper. Pooh on the ones that broke for everyone.

I use the little scissors doc;'s use to take out stitches. It has a small hook on one edge so you can get under the stitch you need to rip & is small & more controlable so you dont slip & maybe cut the fabric. the doc's throw them away. I have several from when my husband was in the Hosp. so when when gets dull I throw it.

I have a little foldable Dritz which has a slightly smaller blade which I love. I can't imagine breaking a seam, must be some heavy duty thread:)

I use the cheapest ones available, because they seem to get lost. There is an Amish place in Arthur, Illinois, Miller's Dry Goods that has them for under a dollar. I grab a double handfull ever time we go there. They are very sharp and I keep them at all my work stations, each sewing machine, the couch and family room. No excuse for not having them available. I would like to have one of those surgical ones they are posting about too.

oh sorry. i use my small rotary cutter to rip out stitches. like Eleanor Burns of Quilt in a Day show.

I have one like that also. 2 years. I guess I 'll be counting down. I have 3 other kind for spare.

WOW - no matter how we rip - seems like we have ripping in common!