I also tried (and hate) Harbor Freight blades. Couldn't cut more than one layer of cotton fabric at a time. As far as sharpeners: I've tried them all. The first ones consisted of a flat 'donut' with a sandpaper 'inner donut' and a thing you screw the blade to, then twist it over the sandpaper. OK for slight dulling, worthless for bad dulling, and the sandpaper rings didn't last long. Tried the one like a ruler that you put your cutter into and scroll forward and backward. Not helpful. Got the $70 one with electric motor. Also only good for slight dullness and I have found it impossible to change the sharpened block, cause I can't get the old block out of the unit. I'm retired too, but that level of frustration is way more than the cost of new blades on sale.