Im using single sided razor blades, and noticed that they seemed to dull really fast. Im cutting out the pieces for my first puppet and went thru 2 blades. It's the pinhead pattern, slightly upsized. Is this normal or am I a bit ham-fisted

Also, has anyone used a blade sharpener to try and prolong the life of blades? I saw a sharpener online for about $16(US). It claims...

"Save a Blade Automatic Razor Sharpener - Get up to 200 perfect shaves from a single blade!"

Yes, the foam does dull the blade, but I can usually use me a long time.  I think it's just practice.  You can use sewing machine oil on the blade.  I haven't tried sharpening them.  We use box cutter blades. Stanley brand.

Julie

Yep they are going to dull on you pretty quick although I would think you could get at the very least one puppet cut out with a blade. Since they are so inexpensive I've never really thought of sharpening them but for $16.00 you really have nothing to loose. Like Julie I often use the box cutters to cut the foam. I really like the ones that have long thine break off blades. They are meant to be used one blade tip at a time and then you break off the end when it dulls but I like to extend them fully and use them kind of like a knife. Speaking of knifes, did you know a serrated knife or even an electric knife can cut poly foam?  Again even with these the foam is going to dull your edge.

Thanks guys. Im thinking I might need to get one of those cutting boards, or mats, whatever they call them. The green ones. Im cutting on cardboard, to protect the surface of the table I work on.

I can get about a puppet and a half out of a blade most times.  A cutting mat will make a big difference.  Nothing dulls blade edges like paper and the cardboard is probably partly to blame.  But for sure you need a cutting mat (they stink though for some reason).  Also keep a pair of scissors just for fabric and another for miscellaneous cutting purposes, especially paper or patterns or what-have-you.

Yup as everyone has said the foam kills blades pretty quickly. I too use utility knife blades but mostly because I got a free 100 pack a while ago. The price was right and they work quite well! A sharpener is an interesting idea. Might be worth a shot. I strongly agree with the idea of buying your self a cutting mat. I got one to use with my rotary cutter (which by the way is the ONLY way to cut out fabric!) and use it all the time. Now I just wish I'd bought the bigger one.

Hey, that rotary cutter looks interesting. I googled it, and that might be something I try. I dont necessarily have issues with carpel Tunnel or arthritis yet, but my hands do let me know when they have had enough.

You are defiantly going to want a cutting board if you use a rotary cutter. I will say one thing about a rotary cutter though. It is best for long straight cuts.  I find with close sharp curves and such it is easier to use a razor.

True. I use my rotary cutter for longer cuts and finish sharp curves and such with scissors or blade.

I use an electric knife (I've used electric knives for foam for about 16-17 years - I'm sold on them), and am seriously thinking about getting a band saw for cutting foam.  I do not like using razor blades (although I do on occasion, and buy them in huge packages).

I have several rotary cutters and mats (in all sizes, shapes, and brands).  I don't cut foam with them either, I do use them on fabrics (mostly as Shawn said, for  straight cuts).  I have a blade sharpener for the rotary blades and it works great.