cutting mats
 

Has anyone tried the Alvin mats? Any difference in all the different brand names? I have Olfa now and it's worn out! Was going to try something new. I know it's a personal preference issue, but I have only had the Olfa (about four years and it has had it and I've tried all the methods to "restore" it.) Thanks in advance.

Haven't tried Alvin ... love the Martelli. It seems my blades last a lot longer and I know the mat does too.

ali

I've used Olfa and at one time had a white one I bought at JoAnns to fit a large cutting table I bought at the same time. I've no idea the brand. It worked ok but seemed 'harder' than Olfa. Somewhere on the board is a post about cleaning/restoring the Olfa mat. Do a search.

I also switched to Olfa and I like it BUT the Harbor Freight blades have really done a number on it.

I have an Alvin, but bought a martelli because the numbers were not close enough to the edge and I couldn't see them when cutting width of fabric. I love the Martelli, especially with the non-slip ruler. The Alvin is hiding under the bed in the spare room, lol.

I just looked at the martelli mats and they are not as big as I would have hoped. But do they last?

Love my Martelli and blades do last a whole lot longer. I cut something almost every day and have had my matt for at least 4 or 5 years with no visible wear. Have the 36 x 24 and will tell you that it was not cheap (I cried the whole time I was writing out the check), but...would not have anything else at this point in time. Has been well worth the investment.

I have the big 36x68 and 30x53 white opaques ones by sew fit.. Love them.. but if not taken car if you can get some really deep groves in the lines you use the most.. Mine are 5-10 years old..

I've only had mine a year, but so far so good.

www.jerrysartarama.com for awesome creative mark cutting mats, they r 3x as thick as the ones u get from joanns.
they usually have a good sale too. and a word about harborfreight blades..dont waste your money, the are crap.
good luck
katz

I have the Martelli mat and yes, they are expensive but well worth the $$. I have had mine for well over 7 yrs and no cuts. My blades don't seem to dull. It has been shipped to 2 different states and has been rolled up and returned to it's flat self. It's been in the sun and no damage. It's reversible and easy to clean.