I use a blade through several quilts the green olfa mat is the best also if you are hitting or running over the ruler this will nick the blade also are you taking your blade out to clean lots of lint can form under the blade and cause it to skip be very careful but take your blade out wipe under it with a soft clean cloth put just a tiny drop of sewing machine oil under the blade just a drop as to much will get on your fabric when I do this with mine it will work like a new one again just be very careful when cutting that you don't hit or run over your ruler or any pins