i try to get the most out of my blade as possible and probably do not change them as often as i should...they are so expensive...when i have to go over the cut 2 or 3 times to get it i break down and change it (and am amazed how wonderful my cuts suddenly are!) i bought a sharpener about 5 years ago, have broke down and used it a few times...when i really needed a sharper blade but could not go buy one. it does work...but to me it is HORRIBLY DANGEROUS!!! just the way you have to handle the blade it scares the crap out of me...i use paper towels to hold the blade to put it in the sharpener but you have to finagle it and...oh, i can't explain how it works, but i only use it when i have to...about 3 times in 5 years...i think they are starting to come out with ones that are not so dangerous, but for the few extra cuts you get from sharpening the blade i don't think it's worth the money. i save my (old) blades in a container for when i need to cut non-fabric items (like card stock) they may not be sharp enough for good fabric cuts any longer but they work great for paper cutting, plastic...other materials (even batting) that you would dull a good blade on. i have an (old ) cutter that i put tape around the handle so i know it is the one with the old blade to use on non-fabric cutting