Single colored textures without the blurred effect

[DRedshot]

could it be the type of material you chose (ie Lambert, Blinn etc...)

the only thing I can see what looks a bit strange is that there are no shadows near the edges to give a perception of depth. Maybe you could try adding some details to the colour map around the edges, or adding a normal map (i know you said you've already tried this), - then the blurry effect might dissappear.

Sorry, but that's all I can suggest. Maybe try double checking how the UV's are mapped. They might be stretched too much or something