New blades when you are planning to cut many layers, and a large Olfa rotary cutter does make a difference. It takes more strength and pressure with the smaller blade to cut many layers than it does using a larger blade. They glide much easier through the fabric. Use the Grippers for your templates and rulers. You have control on holding down the fabrics. Several sizes are available online for different sized templates and rulers. Placing that pin is very important when doing a OBW to line them up, and I find using the grippers very helpful also.
You can Google: Gypsy Gripper, quilting rulers.