Just to clarify - it is not necessary to get the Martelli Mat to go with the cutter! The rotary cutters work just fine with any mat you already have. You also can use blades you have already, its just that they do offer some options of stronger blades that last longer as well as regular blades. It is best to use blades that match or have the right center hole so that the wear on the stem is O.K. There is a spring replacement available if the mechanism wears out. None of these issues should discourage anyone from using thee cutter - they are a godsend to arthritis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel problems.