Rotary Blades...is it just me?
 

Is it just me? My rotary blades don't seem to last as long as they use to. They seem to only stay sharp for only one project, they use to last for at least 4-5 projects.

I agree the blades only seem to last for one project if that, and I have tried ofla and fiskers and harber fraight dosen't seem to make much difference except some of the harber fraights don't work at all and some do ok.

I have noticed that at one time with a new blade you could cut at least 6 layers, now the most I will try is3.
Do others have this problem?

no I don't have this problem. my blades seem to last and last. No problem at all.

I don't seem to have this problem either. My cutters still have the same blades in them that came with them. I've been using some of them for 20 years. Can't comment on the new blades since I haven't had to change any of mine.

Some of mine don't last as long, and others seem to last through many quilts. I have finally convinced myself that if I think a blade isn't cutting well, it isn't. Too often I have thought..."Well, it will work better on this next cut," when it doesn't. Then I end up butchering my fabric! I sort of figure I am a slow learner. :)

Dina

I'm still using the blades I bought over five years ago so I don't know about the new ones. I do know the new packages of blades I have doesn't seem as heavy as the old packages. I thought it was just the package but it looks the same. I'm glad I have lots of 5 pack blades I bought on clearance when Hancock Fabric closed down. I bought every package there was, the clerk went in the back and brought out what was back there. None of the other customers wanted more then one pack thinking it was expensive at the time even with the clearance price. I bet they wished they bought more now that one blade is about $10 and the five pack then was marked down to $6.

Maybe it is your mat. Even self healing one wear out after many cuttings especially if you are cutting over and over again in the same area!

I thought it was just me. I got an elecric blade sharpener and I thought it was good until. . . . . I purchaded an "ergonamic Martelli"rotary cutter. Wow, the difference was amazing. It came with a blade and it cuts like a hot knife through butter. I did 4 layes and there was no effort at all. No strings stubbornly refusing to be cut. It would be worth it to me to buy better blades. Anyone know if these come is a 5 pack? I finished the first project and it's still cutting like brand new.

I use Olfas and mine seem to last as long as they always have. I have a separate one that I use when trimming up quilts after quilting as the poly in the battings (80/20) do seem to wear the blades out a little faster. Just a thought when you change your blades are you putting your cutter back together properly? I think they have a video out on the Olfa site. Also holding your cutter at the correct angle makes a huge difference in how it cuts.