I was just having the same problems, and thought the blade sure wore out fast. turned my blade around, not any difference. Well, went to fabric store to pick up a few things and decided to get one of the June TAYLOR cut and press mats because it was bigger than the old one I had at home. That mat is a lot harder it seems, and the rotery cutter is working like new. I also think I was pressing too hard on the softer mat, and I believe that was what made some of my strips not quite the same size., the fabric was actually going into the mat.