I love my Olfa mat, and it is....indeed........a self healing mat. If you don't use the lines (use your rulers instead) for measuring and cutting, the Olfa will last forever. I'm going on nearly 25 years with the same mat. Since I'm known as the "notions Queen" in my group, I can't recommend any particular thing to have..........(I like to think that I have them all. hahah)