question on seam rippers
 

I have a terrible time with seam rippers. They get dull so fast. I have tried different ones but have the same problem. What is the best one that stays sharp for a longer period of time.

i never use my seam rippers as rippers.
i use them as stitch pickers.
sometimes i use it in the same way as tartan does.
sometimes i just pull 3 stitches at a time one one side.
if the stitch tension was right, that's about as easy and i don't have to pick any tiny threads away with tweezers.

This is the way I use mine also

The one I am using right now is called seam-fix and is good, it has the rubbery end to help wipe away the cut threads. I was gifted the same brand but larger and it is so big (and has two ends) that it is useless as a seam ripper. I just looked at my assortment and most don't even have a name on them. Good luck!

I love your signature line thimblebug6000!

I love the ones that came with my machines. Other ones I have purchased such a Driz become dull so quickly. Ones made by Brothers can be purchased individually and I have some that are many years old and you would think were brand new.

I hate those pointed seam rippers. i tend to use my small scissors or my small rotary blade like Eleanor Burns of Quilt In A Day does.

When I first started quilting, Clover #463 was suggested. I have since also purchased a Clover #482. Both are great and I have not noticed them getting dull. I have always been impressed with Clover -- they have great quality sewing equipment.

A wonderful trip I've discovered...
 

Sqeeze the seam gently with ends on thumb going to finger tip. The squeezing makes the stitch "loosen" just a little as it now "bridges" the gap in the fabric caused by squeezing. Makes a tiny space between the thread and the fabric like a little bridge. Point of ripper slides much easier under thread and allows thred to be cut with ripper or fine scissors.

I like a nice, inexpensive Dritz (blue handle usually) cause the handle is large enough and is flat so it doesn't roll off my sewing table. I do both pick out and rip (the red ball goes down/not seen and the point up--you can rip a nice straight longer seam quickly) and have at least 4-5 of these rippers. At the price, I try to pitch my dullest one when I buy a new one--about once a year.

I haven't used seam rippers in decades, not that I don't "rip" but use these snips from:https://www.mygoodscissors.com/ThreadNippers.htm(Item #6204 4.75 tweezer snips with curved blades). The company has very good customer service, prices and shipping. I usually order 10 at a time, and that way I have a supply on hand, if one of my quilting friends would like to buy a pair at my cost.

I gave up on seam rippers a while ago - they kept getting dull and often the points were just too large to do really fine work. I use my 4 inch Kai needlecraft scissors; they have very sharp, fine and precise points and they stay sharp!

Since they're scissors, I also feel like I've got more control. More than once, the seam ripper slipped and sliced my fabric. :(

I recently discovered the Bohin Seam Ripper that folds in half. Costs a bit more than most seam rippers but has an extremely sharp point, almost like a needle, and will get under those tiny machine stitches. I also like that that sharp point is folded away and doesn't "get" me in my sewing bag or drawer.

I bought a brass Heritage Seam Ripper & Stiletto over 30 years ago & I'm still using them. They stay sharp forever. If the seam ripper ever dulls they can replace the blade. https://heritage-crafts.com/collections/all

I had a collection of the small inexpensive seam rippers and when they got dull, I tossed them in the trash. When all were gone, I invested in a Clover brand seam ripper. I don't recall the number but it has been in use about two years and is just as sharp now as when I bought it and trust me, I have used is a lot. :p. When the time comes to replace, I would go Clover again. The four dollars I spent was a good investment. Long lasting and minimal frustration.:thumbup:

I've never come across an amazing seam ripper. I buy them on Amazon. They sell packs of 5 or more really cheap. I just throw them out when they aren't useful anymore.

I agree with previous posters- Clover brand the best. The ones I have are thinner and stay sharp. Worth the few extra pennies.

I think I have tried all of them over the years. I love the one with the eraser endcap and I also love the battery powered one which is actually a beard trimmer.

Havel’s ultimate seam ripper

I invented a different way to rip out a seam. I lift the first five or six stitches with the ripper, enough to grab, then go about an inch down and cut that stitch. I pull out the thread and turn the seam over to the other side. Several inches of stitches are loose, so cut a stitch about an inch from the end of the loose thread, pull the thread, and turn fabric over, repeating the cutting of the stitches seam and pulling the thread. The fabric does not wrinkle, there are no little pieces of thread floating around, and it is quicker. This method does not dull the ripper as quickly as you are not cutting each stitch.

Clover gets my vote. I have used many other brands, but Clover really stays sharp. Bluprint had them on sale.for $1.97...I bought six..gave three to my daughter. I should be set. BTW when I was at the cabin, had another brand that was dull. My husband took it to his workshop and used a fine sandpaper on it. Sharpened it up nicely....still using it there, but now have some Clovers to use instead.

I'm going to be controversial.

I think all seam rippers become dull over time. It's just the nature of the beast.
I have two methods of ripping seams:
My first method is I don't use seam rippers to rip seams, I use a razor or box knife. First I use the seam ripper to cut a couple of stitches, then I gently pull apart the seam. I keep some tension on the two fabrics by holding them apart and take the razor blade and touch it to the threads. This method works pretty fast.
My second method is if the seam I'm ripping isn't applique or cut on the bias, I use the Ricky Tims method. Grasp the two pieces of fabric and yank them apart. The seams will rip easily.

Someone had mentioned that they used a seam ripper and it tore a hole in her fabric. I'm going to hazard a guess that she was holding the seam ripper with the pointy end under the fabric. If you turn it over so the red ball is under the fabric and the pointy end is on top of the fabric, you won't get any ripping or tearing.

I went 40 yrs before discovering Clover. I sure wish I’d known of them way back. They are wonderful.