Common signs include rough or feathered edges, incomplete cuts near parts of the stack, increased cutting pressure, material pulling, or inconsistent results across the sheet. Similar symptoms can also result from a worn cutting stick, poor clamping, misalignment, or unsuitable stack height. Inspect the whole cutting system before assuming the knife alone is responsible. A blade may be suitable for professional sharpening if it has enough material remaining and no damage that makes reuse unsafe. Maintain a service record so sharpening cycles and performance changes can be tracked. Continuing to operate with a dull knife can increase waste, place extra demand on the cutter, and reduce productivity.