I don't even know how long I've had mine (6 years, maybe? more?)... and I love it!!! I use it for the strips, and applique shapes both - and I ESPECIALLY like it for the HST's, as the dog ears are already cut off and help with the alignment. If I'm doing HST's, I go ahead and put my fabrics right-sides-together and cut them at the same time, that's another step taken care of. The only thing that I am a little dissatisfied with is the plastic-type sheet that you put over the top when cutting - they do seem to wear out rather more quickly than I would like. Two of my favorite dies are the Dresden Plate and the Double Wedding Ring. Both of these were impossible for me before I got the dies - now they're both a dream!!