This page was last updated: Thursday, October 25, 2007

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Rotary Cutter Blades

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LP Sharp Rotary Cutter Page
L.P. Sharp Co.,  Box 85, Gilman, MN 56333-0085, U.S.A.
lp.sharp@hotmail.com 
Telephone 320-387-3030 

YOU CAN EXCHANGE BLADES OR BUY NEW ONES.

Ordering Instructions:  In the past we have asked that you send your old blades along with a stamped return envelope. We would resharpen your blades and return them. You received the same blades you sent to us. Our new procedure is to exchange your blades for new blades and we will provide the return envelope and postage. This will save us and our customers time and make it much easier to operate. We will still recycle your old blades and it will even out our production schedule at the same time. This will result in a slightly higher cost per blade, but we believe the convenience will justify the change. 

Please return your blades in the plastic containers that they are in when you buy them. These containers will hold up to ten blades each if you clip the little plastic tab on the inside of the cover. Please avoid writing on the blades and plastic containers. We recycle these items and have to clean them before they can be reused. If sending blades put them in a bubble pack envelope or a manila envelope with padding for safety. Blades can cut through the envelope and could injure personnel that handle them. Please do not tape the plastic containers as this slows us down. Normal turn around time for exchange from when you mail us your old blades, to when you receive your new blades is 10-14 days. 

EXCHANGE BLADES
with an exchange of your old blades
5 (five) blade minimum order

Olfa

28mm - (1" size) - $2.20 for each blade exchanged
45mm - (1 3/4") - $3.00 for each blade exchanged
60mm - (2 1/4") - $5.00 for each blade exchanged

Generic or Other Brands

28mm - (1" size) - $1.90 for each blade exchanged
45mm - (1 3/4") - $2.20 for each blade exchanged
60mm - (2 1/4") - $4.70 for each blade exchanged


BRAND NEW BLADES
Original, factory new (not reconditioned) without an exchange

Olfa

28mm - (1" size) - $23.00/10 Pack
45mm - (1 3/4") - $33.00/10 Pack
60mm - (2 1/4") - $30.00/ 5 Pack

Generic

28mm - (1" size) - $20.00/10 Pack
45mm - (1 3/4") - $25.00/10 Pack
60mm - (2 1/4") - $26.00/5 Pack

Cash, check and money orders are acceptable as payment.  Please be sure to enclose payment with your order - we cannot ship without payment in advance.  Minnesota residents please add 6.5% sales tax to your orders. No credit cards please. 

Canadian customers please email for current shipping details lp.sharp@hotmail.com 


What if I am sending you blades and want a different brand?

If the blades you are returning are generic, or some other brand than Olfa you may order new Olfa blades in the same quantity. So lets say that you have 5 Olfa 45mm blades and 5 generic 45mm blades to exchange. You may order 10 new Olfa blades for the ten you are returning. We will even honor blades of a different size for the exchange as long as your order meets the minimum order of 5 (five) blades.


Olfa Blades vs. Generic Blades

Many times we have been asked to explain the difference between these two brands of blades. To begin with, the blades are made of two different kinds of steel. The Olfas are made of a high grade tungsten steel, the generics are made of stainless steel. The tungsten steel is just a little harder and therefore will hold an edge a tad longer. The finishing process is just a little better on the Olfas, so initially the blade is just a little sharper on the average. What these two factors mean in the long run is that the Olfas start a little sharper and last a little longer. Until recently, Olfa had a large lead in quality control. That meant that their blades were more uniform and they didn't have as many "duds" as the generics. Recently, however, the company that produces our generics in Taiwan has tightened its standards and there is very little difference now in the blades. We have a number of companies that purchase generics for production jobs where they use them all day. They seem very satisfied with their quality and longevity.

Is the price of the Olfa justified? That is a good question. We like to think that our prices reflect what the blades are worth and we set our prices accordingly. Our margins are the same on both products, so all we can tell you is to try them both and see what you think. We have a lot of satisfied customers with both brands. Either way we think you will be pleased with your purchase. Most blades do not get dull from cutting fabric. They are ruined by hitting something hard, like a pin. If you take a little more care, and clean and oil your blade occasionally it will also last considerably longer - whether it is an Olfa or a Generic.

As to recommending the Olfa or the generic it can also depend on the user of the blade. If you are the only person using the cutter and you are normally careful what you cut, you may want to use the Olfas for their better longevity. If, on the other hand, you have employees, students or novices using the blades, you may want to use the more inexpensive generics. That way, if someone using the cutter runs over a pin or drops the cutter on a hard surface, it will cost you less to replace the blade. Another consideration might be the materials you are cutting. If you cut a lot of polyester, paper, plastics or other abrasive materials, you may want to use the generics to save money. 

Rotary Cutter handles:  It doesn't make any difference whether you use Olfa or generic blades in your Olfa, Dritz or brand X rotary cutters as far as a proper fit and function. The pivot hole size is standardized. Likewise, you can use Olfa or generic blades in your Olfa cutters. The cutter handles are just a matter of ergonomic comfort and different handles fit the user's hand differently. It is strictly a matter of preference when it comes to the handles. Especially if you have a special left hand model (they do make them), and it is being used by a right handed person.

 

Added Information:  When sending in old blades, keep in mind that the small plastic cases that new blades come in will hold up to ten blades. These cases will protect your blades while in the mail.  However, don't mail "One blade - One case". Combining more than one blade per plastic case will save you postage and will save us time as we unpack your order. Please pack your blades responsibly for safety. If you order brand new blades they will come to you in the factory blister pack. If you order exchange blades they may either come to you in the blister pack or in the plastic cases depending on the size of your order.

How do I find L.P. Sharp's current prices?

If you ever need to know if the price list you have is up to date, you can contact us at the above address, or by email at lp.sharp@hotmail.com  or on the web at  http://www.houseofhanson.com  Additionally, if you look in the classified ads in Quilters Newsletter Magazine, American Quilter, or McCalls Quilting, you will find current prices there. We have only raised prices twice in the past ten years, so chances are that your price list is correct.

 

Are orders from Guilds and Clubs O.K.?

We have quite a number of people who collect used blades from their quilting friends at meetings and also buy new blades for their clubs and groups. We encourage you to try it. The more the merrier! To order new blades in quantity, just send the money and we will forward the blades back to you as soon as we get your order. You must keep track of the people who get the blades. This is a great way to save money for your group.

So you think that Rotary Cutter Blades are only used in Quilting?

The rotary cutter was introduced to America in 1979. It was invented in Japan by the founder of the Olfa Corporation. It revolutionized the way we cut fabric and the entire quilting process took on another dimension as cutting became quicker and more precise. Did you know that other industries have discovered how useful these little blades are? I have clients that cut paper, plastic, rags, etc. all day long with them. Believe it or not, I even have a company on the West Coast that cuts neoprene diving suits out with them all day. And another business in California cuts out leather corsets and sells them in their shop and in a catalog. So you see, quilters are not the only ones who love this little tool, many other crafters and businesses depend on them for their fun and livelihood!

 If you have questions for L.P. Sharp please contact L.P. Sharp directly at:

 L.P. Sharp Co., Box 85, Gilman, MN 56333-0085, U.S.A.
lp.sharp@hotmail.com
Telephone 320-387-3030 

If you have comments or suggestions for the webmasters, email us at:
 jeff@houseofhanson.com

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This page was last updated:

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Changes:  65mm generic blades no longer available
updated contact information for L.P. Sharp