the fiskar mat I have is a cutting mat- but not a 'self healing' mat- which the olfa is- that is the difference in the 2 mats that I have- so they do 'behave' differently- generally I use my fiskar one when using my pinking blade, or cutting fabrics that are not cottons-or are heavy (like canvas, denim or silks & wools that tend to be a bit different to cut.