Ok, so I am just an idiot. I changed the blade with one of the Harbor Frieght blades but felt like I ws pushing too hard so after cutting a few more strips I changed the blade again with the Olfa blade. Made a few more cuts and what a difference, it was so much easier with the Olfa. BUT then I cut myself AGAIN, same finger, alittle worse than the last cut but not too bad. I have decided that I definitely need the KLUTZ glove because I am a big clutz to cut myself twice in one week.