Charmart wrote: That's really interesting! I didn't know they existed.

i save my blades and send them to LP Sharps. They exchange them and resharpen . The price is reasonable and your blades are recycled. http://www.houseofhanson.com/lpsharp.html
charmart

i save my blades and send them to LP Sharps. They exchange them and resharpen . The price is reasonable and your blades are recycled.

Rachel are you talking about medical needles or sewing needles?

I have NEVER heard that hospitals and nursing homes will accept old needles!!! I have 2 friends that are nurses, one in a hospital and one in a nursing home. I'll have to ask if they accept the old needles. I've been saving them in a pill bottle and I write old needles on the outside. Of course, I keep the cap and put that back on.
eileenkny

As a hospice nurse we would encourage patients and family members to throw thier needles into old laundry soap bottles. Then tape the tops shut and write sharps or needles across the tops. Take them to the nearest hospital or nursing home or hospital. It doesn't matter what kind of needle or blade is in there it is still recyclable and therefor they have to take it. Some hospitals only have certain days for public to drop them off. So call in advance. Also some garbage companies or hospice agencies will pick them up for you or blood draw labs will take them but please don't just throw them out. I just thought I would pass this on for those who may not know this.
Rachel

I have used BOTH the needle and blade sharpener and find them pretty good.

PK Nord advised to get the needle sharpener as she has many antique machines that she can no longer buy needles for and finds it a life saver.

I have used the blade sharpener and found it good. Not absolutely wonderful, but helpful. At the price of blades, I think it's worth trying to get a few more miles on a blade and has helped me do this.

Lynn

Has anyone used one of those needle sharpeners? I've been looking at them and the price, about $10 might be worth it if they are any good. I would be afraid of bending the needle. It seems like I'm always having to change the needle!
JoAnne in a very hot, dry southern California

I was also disappointed with the blade sharpener. Haven't bothered to use it for a long time

The very best blades I have ever used were Alto blades. They were in an opportunity basket I won. I have never seen them in a shop but they seem to be available at http://www.quiltcut.com Those blades were the sharpest, longest lasting blades I have ever used, simply the very best. I just found them at that site so I'm going to go order some right now.
JoAnne

I have one of the blade sharpeners and cut myself with the blade I was sharpening, this morning! I usually only sharpen once and then move on to a new blade. The sharpener really doesn't help if you have knicked the blade. Don't forget to save the containers those blades come in to put the used ones in to throw away--they can still do damage!!!

I don't have any nicks I just can't afford to buy a lot of blades and was wondering if I should make the investment i a sharpener. Also what blades are better ? So far I have been using the ones that have been given to me as birthday gifts or christmas gifts. I can usually make them last but i notice they don't always have a crisp cut. I also know this is due to dullness. So I was hoping for input. Rachel

I usually knick my blades when I accidentally hit the ruler or sometimes, a wayward pin will be on my mat a that will do it.

I, too, was very disappointed in the results from using one of those rotary blade "sharpeners". I am very fortunate, my dh is able to sharpen the blades for me and they are very sharp. One thing I don't understand is why I get a nick in the blade almost with the first cut. This happens with a new blade, not with one dh has sharpened.

Does anyone know if we need to replace the mats often? I wonder if that's contributing to the nicks in the blades.

JoAnne