Am I just dreaming but did I read somewhere about a ruler that has an edge on it so that it will sharpen the blades as they are rolled along the edge? I could sure use that. I've been having trouble with blades "perforating" fabrics. Have changed to a new blade but still there will be a few threads not cut through. I bought a new mat, thinking that might be the problem, but that didn't solve the situation. Still have a few threads that will not give up!

Hmmm........ haven't heard of that but I heard something recently that aluminum foil sharpens blades. Just rotary cut some foil. I haven't tried it yet.

I think I read about this a while back too...someone posted it as a new ruler coming out or just released...

That would be a wonderful product. We would all want one.

When you put your new blade in make sure you clean it and the cutter and then put the tinest speck of oil on the back of the blade that goes against the plastic and tighten the screw down as tight as possible. I have had this problem and even took blades back and complained then my LQS hubby explained and put mine back together with the same blade and it worked like a charm. I felt very foolish but I am still cutting with that blade and this is my third quilt. He says if the blade is angled ever so slightly it will do that.

Found this on the website for International Association for Professional Quilters:

Do you want to keep your rotary blade sharp? Try The Cutting Edge ruler system from Sullivans and Pat Sloan. The ruler features full see-through, non-skid frosting and a unique red grid system that highlights the 1/2 inch marking. What is most unique about the ruler is it has an inlaid diamond powder edge that continually sharpens the blade that runs against its edge.

I wouldn't think cutting aluminum foil would be beneficial. Dulls my scissors a lot when I'm using it for labs.

I got lucky once at Wally World and found replacement blades on clearance for $1 each. I bought all 14!!

This is so true, had a teacher tell me that it was too tight, she loosened it a bit and it was great. I really have to watch and not angle the blade toward the ruler.

I run into this problem with a lot of my new students. It's not the blade or the ruler.

It's the way you are holding your cutter. I don't know how to explain the right way without pictures. So my best suggestion is to go to your nearest LQS and let them show you.