Make sure you close the cutter between uses (also safer). When I am finished sewing for the day, I store my rotary cutter in a case which looks like an eyeglass or pencil case. I also use a soft "cover" that velcroes over the blade mechanism (wish I knew where I got this as I'd love to get others) before I put the cutter into the hard case. I find that by keeping my cutters closed and stored keeps them sharper longer. Don't know why other this works, other than the blades can't "hit" things accidentally and dull them. I don't change blades until I can't cut cleanly through fabric. Many of my blades have lasted months with no skipping problems. I only use the Olfa 28 mm blades. Don't like the Fiskars as much (will use if I have to) and absolutely detest the Harbor Freight (never got a sharp one). JMHO...