Why will no one believe me that too often the Olfa cutters and blades from Joanns are "second rate citizens?? I have seen this over and over and over through the years. I promise!!! I've taught a lot of classes and can tell every time someone has a problem with a new blade that, before I even ask them, they have bought the blade from Joanns/Walmart/Hancock.
I can't prove it.
The "experts" swear it isn't true.
The web sites deny it.
But experience is a great teacher, and my 30 years experience tells me to avoid buying these from them in order to avoid frustration. Hancocks of Paducah (not the same as the chain store Hancock) sells Olfa blades in packages of 10 for a decent price and have a sale every year or more.

Jan in VA

Thanks for the heads up Jan. Just bought a new package of 5 today from Joanne's (before I read this). I will be paying close attention to how they cut!

DH and I prefer TruCut Rulers and Rotary cutter. I think they stay sharp longer because the cutter rides on that rail and keeps a consistent angle to the mat. They don't have every ruler shape but we do all our basic cutting with them. I also keep the blades sharp by using their electric sharpener.

try re-conditioning your mat - soak in a tub for a while, then lay out to dry on flat surface. Sounds like your mat just needs to be 're-hydrated'.....let us know what works for you

Thank you,Jan.I appreciate you sharing your own experience.Have you used the Ergo cutter? I planned to get one,but they have to be ordered on line from Joanns.I'm in the middle of cutting out a quilt,so need to keep at it.
Going to check out the store you mentioned.I need all the help experienced quilters are willing to share.

'S quite likely to be a worn mat - I like kai cut rotary cutters.They automatically retract when not in use.

I have the Martillini cutter as it is ergonomic and I find it easy to use!

You probably need to clean your mat. This is what happens when they get older. I don't know the link to find it,but if you go to the Olfa site, they have instructions on how to do it and make it almost new again.
Judy

Well, I have to tell you,my husband took my Olfa 66mm cutter apart because I didn't like the Fiskars bought yesterday.
So used to the Olfa blade retracting when you let up on it,was afraid my fingers would be sliced off.You have to click a button on the Fiskars cutter & I was forgetting to do it.
Anyway,he said he'd rather fix it,than listen to me gripe. Me? ;) So a soft cloth to wipe the blade & one drop of silicone....all is well,working like brand new.

I too have had problems with my Olfa. I'm wondering if there is a defect in this brand? Hmmmmmm.