I use the hex and circle die a lot to cut paper templates and I put a sheet of thin paper over the rag die to keep the threads from getting in the die. The die hasn't dulled that I can tell. They still cut great. The original mats were much better then the ones now. My original mats are still going strong and the newer ones I bought crack much sooner. But the original mats cost more. I would pay the higher price for the better quality. If so many hadn't wailed about the price of the mats they would still be the best. Another cut off nose to spite the face attitude.