I get them also and have been very pleased with the quality.

Same here! I dither about, pressing harder and going over more than once. Then, when I finally change the blade, the difference is astounding. And I KNOW this will be the case. I buy large packs of the blades on Amazon, so they aren't too bad per blade - but I do it every single time.

Yes, that is very true. I rarely have anything on my feet at home. I do lock it when I'm done cutting, but not between cuts. I probably should...

Thanks for posting. That sounds lovely. I can see how ball bearings would make a huge difference.

I change blades at first skip. I have seen so many at retreats and sew days use a dull blade to make them last. I use to be that way but one day I was helping my husband in his shop and he changed out a $200 saw blade because it wasn't cutting like new He didn't feel any guilt at all.

One by One you raise an interesting point...I think women in general and makers in particular (and probably quilters most of all) are expected to be thrifty to the max: even if that impairs their ability to make the art they want to make.

You hear it less now but when I started quilting every second post on a chat board was about avoiding "waste". No one criticizes painters for making field sketches and "wasting" paint and paper. Why quilters? To this day when I hear "no waste" as an accolade it puts my teeth on edge (current fabric prices notwithstanding!).

The other thing that I had happen a few times were private messages from older quilters who warned me to build a big stash before retirement because after that, no room would be made in the budget for fabric/quilting purchases. These were women older than myself, of a generation given no access to the marital discretionary spending capital. And I had to admit, my own husband was not happy at first that I had taken up such a frumpy hobby, let alone one that cost money. Mercifully he gets it now.

But. I have built a VERY large stash!!! I will lay in some of those Headley blades as well : )

Recently brought Fiskers 60 mm cutter, far superior to 45mm cutter, less pressure,cuts through fabric every time,Titanium blade probably outlast normal 45mm x 10 times

Ha! I have cutters in all sizes, each is better for something. I use the smallest size when cutting very small pieces., the 45 Is what I use for general cutting and trimming, and the 60 is wonderful for when doing larger cuts, multiple layers, flannel, or trimming the edges of a quilt. Just like machines, can't have too many cutters!

I also use the 60mm because I find it cuts thru fabrics better. I have a 45mm somewhere that I haven't used since I discovered the 60mm. I did buy a shark cutter a few years ago. It's good for cutting curves. I mostly use it for cutting out garments but it would be good for applique pieces also.

Since Jenny from MS uses it, I’m assuming the blades can easily be switched for left-handed users?