Thank you Carlton, I shall give them a go. I don't think your head's on the block at all, but different blades seem to suit different people.

At the moment I am breaking too many blades and that goes for the Vallorbes sold by Cookson and also the Laser Gold from Rio Grande, recommended here previously.

Of course it could mean that with age I am becoming too impatient and loosing concentration. When I have used these for a while and the novelty effect has worn off I shall report back. Regards, Dennis.