My old mat was an Omnigrid self healing mat and I used to have to change blades quite often. I purchased an extra large Beba mat (the translucent kind) and since using this mat, I am getting a much longer life out of my blades. Of course this was one of the selling points the salesperson touted - which I didn't believe (I bought the mat for the size) but ... she was right!!

I think you are right on. I had thought I needed a new blade and I had a small mat right next to my machine and instead of getting up and wallking over to my big mat just quickly trimmed up something and was amazed at how good and sharp the cutter seemed. So I experimented with different mats, cutters and fabrics and the big mat was the culprit.

Mine seem to find one spot on a rotation that just won't cut no matter where they are on the mat.

I use Olfas and they seem to last me a long long time and through several projects. Like quiltstingz says polyester batting and some flannels tend to dull the blades faster. I have found that some of the white plastic mats also damage the blades. For me, a long time is 5 months not 5 years..... I use 60mm for more than 4 layers and 45mm for the other and I buy 45mm in 5pak. They are a little costly but that way I know I have a spare when it's needed, especially when at a quilt retreat!!

I bought one of these sharpeners from the Grace Company a while back and I love it.

http://truecut.graceframe.com/cart/s...sharpener.html

They supposedly sharpen virtually any brand, any size blade without having to remove the blade from the cutter. I have several different size cutters, three different brands and so far it works on all of them. It won't make a blade last forever, but has really helped to extend their life! I just run the blade through the sharpener several times after each project, or any time it feels like it needs it. I only paid $24.99 for mine. If you shop around, I'm sure you can find it for less than the $39.99 listed at the site above.

There is also a tutorial that shows how to use it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75VDKOu-kqE

I was just going to say this...I just rotated my big mat (it's 72" X 32") It's a big pain to rotate because of all the bolts of fabric on the wall side of it....but I sure cut better with the "new" surface.

Mine last and last too. I rarely change a blade and it is usually due to a nick caused by those darn errant pins. I dont do a lot of layers and if doing a Buggy Barn technique with 8 or more layers, I change a blade.

A good mat is critical and I found out that some fabric with poly or other fibers can actually dull blades. I almost ruined a rug hooking cutter blade with some mixed content wool.

My favorite blades are Gingher. They are more expensive but outlast the others several times over for me.

I've been using blades I bought over fifteen years ago. My daughter just bought her first machine and supplies and gave me one of her new blades. After cutting one project, the blade doesn't cut as well as my old ones do. It could be the difference in the steel used by Chinese manufacturers. I know the quality of steel has been a problem in other industries..

Rotary blades
 

I don't seem to have a problem with my rotary blades, and I have cut loads of fabric without changing the blades. Have you checked to see if the blades are put in backwards? That can make a big difference. It's worth a try. Hope you have better luck.

I usually get two or three projects out of one blade. I tried a sharpened but didn't care for the results so just switch out when needed.

Has anyone tried the new Gingher rotary cutters? OMG! They are wonderful. Pretty expensive, but I looked on ebay and they are cheaper. Plus classier - lol.

I recently purchased my first Fiskars TITANIUM blade. I cannot believe how great it works. It also has an adjustment on the side for heavy or light pressure. I have not found anything that cuts as well through so many layers. I can't recall the price but I found it at Joann's with a coupon. If I recall it was about the same price as the regular Fiskars. I really like this one.

I thought it was just me being careless. I've noticed a decline in quality too. I accidentally got several packets mixed up and used the newest blades first then went back to the older packet. The older ones lasted longer and didn't get those irritating nicks that leave just a thread or two uncut. Does anyone know if the company out of the midwest that sharpened blades is still around? I can't remember the name, but they did a fabulous job.

Quite by accident, I bought very large blades for my rotary cutter. It seems like they are lasting much longer then the size that is intended for this rotary cutter. I have used this one blade for cutting 2 quilts, lots of pieces, and even some batting.
I was told by someone in quild that to cut batting with the same blade will really dull it. I got "lazy" AND JUST used the same blade, and it is still sharp.
Don't know that there is a scientific reason for this, but it is working for me!
Mariah.

I have noticed the issue with the blades being dull or not cutting out of the wrapper for about six months now. I did buy Harbor Freight blades and went through four new, untouched blades that didn't cut at all before returning to Fiskars blades. I looked at the Harbor Freight blades and saw big nicks in the cutting surface; poor quality!! My local sewing buddy has noticed the same.

I just wish Joann's online carried more Fiskars or Olfa blades when they have a sale. I've ordered them at least 6 times in the past 6 months only to be told they are out of stock.

Has anyone tried the titanium blades, and how do they hold up?

What brand do you use?

Well, I have an Olfa cutter and mat of which I have had appx. 22yrs. Only this least year a quilting friend from Okla. ask me about changing my blade and I said: Huh, dada what for? She explained I needed to so I did but it seemed to work the same. She then gave me a bigger cutter which I sure do appreciate greatly for cutting all those layers. My #2 cutter still has the same blade in it and it still works ok. (I used it for upholestry and vinyl and decided I needed one just for fabric so bought another of the same years ago.) I have no idea except the new blades are a bit lighter I noticed. That may make a difference; probably does? not sure?

Jo Ann's has a sharpner cheaper than blades easy to use and really puts a nice edge on dull blades i take it where ever my cutter goes

I thought that the rotary cutter was designed to be used with a self healing mat. If that is the case, then cutting on any other surface (or mat) would likely dull or damage the blade. Instead of spending more money replacing blades, I think buying the appropriate mat would over the long run be more cost efficient. Not to mention saving a bunch of headaches and aggravation.

I agree with you...The blades dull very quickly....They seem thinner....

I started to have problems then treated myself to a new cutting mat AND a 60mm Olfa cutter, no problems at all now. I would really recommend investing in the 60mm if you do a lot of cutting, which I do.

Do blades have a front and back? How can you tell?

I didn't know there was a front or back either, it seems odd as I do clean and change the blade over when I do so.