I have a friend who is a vet and I buy a box from her when I get close to running out.

If you do a Google on "disposable scalpels for sale" you'll get lots of hits to choose from. You can even get them through Amazon.

It isn't only doctors and veterinarians who use scalpels; they're used in sculpture, drafting, graphic arts, I even saw my electrician use one. So there are plenty of customers and hence plenty of suppliers.

I broke 3 in one week last winter

I must be doing something wrong. I have a Fons and Porter, ergonomically designed seam ripper and bought it about five years ago and I am still using it.

I make more mistakes than anyone here on the board. I don't understand why mine doesn't dull! And I do a lot of ripping! Well, not a whole lot, but I am sure a lot more than some of you.

Here is my thought on it. Someone had to make money on the invention of a seam ripper. We are helping them out? Remembering that only God is perfect, He planned for us to be able to use a seam ripper and He made sure that because we all love quilting so much that it would be designed as an inexpensive item that wouldn't send us to the poorhouse like a sewing machine can. Can't do without either one. So it is just like my handy dandy little orange stick that is about 65 years old (honest) that I use to push seams through! Cheap and effective!!!!!

Happy Ripping, Quilters!!!! Edie

you can cut sandpaper with it and see if that helps, what have you get to lose?

I didn't think that was possible. Break the point or ball off, but Wear Out, never heard of that. That is a lot of ripping, LOL

I use Havels Seam Ripper, stays sharp a very long time, or a single edge razor blade.....

If you're worried about the center circle not being perfect, don't be - your fabric circle will cover the imperfections. Craftybear posted this link to the Missouri Star Quilt Co a few days ago about the Dresden Plate. Hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcy_p4pryE4

I hate seam rippers! I use a sharp pair of scissors, or a surgical seam ripper. I have arthritis in my hands and can't use those tiny seam rippers. To me they do more damage to fabric than good. I try to be very careful to sew right the first time so I don't have to remove stitches. Surgical scissors have a spring loaded handle and very sharp curved points and do a wonderful job.

Don't know how to save a dull one by resharpening it but I do make use of an old dull one.....I use it to clean out the hairs and threads from my vac. cleaners beater bar.

Don't know how to save a dull one by resharpening it but I do make use of an old dull one.....I use it to clean out the hairs and threads from my vac. cleaners beater bar.