I love my Martelli rotary cutter. I have been using it exclusively now for about 10 years or so and wouldn't go back to other cutters. I can cut for hours. I only use their blades too. They seem sharper,last longer and are the best value, in my opinion. When I bought my rotary cutter they had a show special which included the 18 X 24 mat, so I've had it for 10 years too. The mat is getting a bit cut up, but I read a post on QB regarding repairing mats by soaking them in water which I plan to try. Last year I priced the newer mats by Martelli and they had more than doubled in price, so I didn't get a new one.