I absolutely love the actual seam ripper and thought it was getting dull, so I ordered the replacement—I am SO happy I had the option to do this because I so hate wasting plastic!. Well, before I received the replacement, I realized the ripper's "blade" was gunked with glue from using double-sided tape. I cleaned it off with rubbing alcohol, and lo and behold!, it is as sharp as ever! So I am confident that when I do have to use the replacement, it'll be just as excellent as the original!