If your culture is to waste a lot of time then I'll agree. If you want to spend time sharpening then spend that time on something useful, not disposable x-acto blades. Buy a couple finger (violin) planes, a block plane, a set of chisels and a REAL knife, like the violin knife blades on this page: [link]http://hocktools.com/Knives.htm[/link] The x-acto blade is not a real knife, it's a razor blade in a handle, and it's a great tool when used like that, but it can't do many things a real knife can like controlled quality carving of anything but the softest balsa. On the other hand, it's better than a real knife at slicing a 1/8" thick balsa sheet, the blade on a real knife is too thick. They are really two different tools for different jobs. Most people underestimate the skill it takes to sharpen properly, buy a set of chisels, start sharpening and you will learn to appreciate it.