Wanted: Your rotary blade sharpening success stories ...
 

I apologize if this thread seems repetitive, but I've been searching this forum for blade sharpening information. Many members report success with their blade sharpeners but don't give enough detail. Even more report disappointment.

I have a USA sharpener that DH and I have been experimenting with. He has tried to sharpen dull blades, beginning with the coarse stone and finishing with the fine stone. He also tried to sharpen some blades that were used but not very dull yet, hoping it would revitalize them. The result in both cases was that the blades were unusable (even the ones that started out relatively sharp).

I'm hoping that members will give details of their blade sharpening success. Please detail the sharpener you are using, how soon you sharpen your blade and the exact process (fine/coarse stones, etc).

I figure we are doing something terribly wrong to have a blade sharpener actually dull a previously relatively sharp blade.

Thanks!

If my used blades won't cut paper, I make a small envelope/pocket to put them in then staple all around and pitch them. I bought one of those sharpeners from Nancy's Notions. Waste of money and time for me. I use gift certificates and discount coupons and sales to get my rotary blades. Somethings, I'm just not going to mess with.

I agree with tessagin. I get my blades in bulk from ebay. Her current price is 100 45mm blades for $75. If you have a quilting buddy, you could split an order.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-45MM-ROT...#ht_588wt_1161

I heard somewhere on this forum that rotary blades can be had quite cheaply at Harbor Freight.

i had someone who professional sharpened blades and my rotary blades were NOT a bit sharper than before. It is a waste of time and effort. Sorry !

I received 10 Harbor Freight blades as a gift. About 1/2 of them were not very sharp. I'll continue to use coupons/sales to buy Olfa blades.

No luck with blade sharpener...I buy Harbor Freight blades.

Me too. Have tried many, and NONE do what they say they do.

I don't bother trying to sharpen a dull blade anymore. It won't be a sharp as a new one. I do sharpen a new blade several times times during use with the vertical sharpener from Grace Co. It keeps the blade sharp for a long time. The date on my blade in my cutter says 11/13. It is still very sharp but I use my Go more then my rotary cutter. Of course if it gets a nick, it goes right in the trash.

I too, bought the electric sharpener from Nance's Notions. Waste of time and money. When they don't cut material I save them for paper. After that I toss them.