I love my Martelli mat. My rotary cutters don't dull too fast, thank goodness. I live in Arizona and mine hasn't had ant problems.

ali

I got my Olfa mats from Hancock Fabrics and they have never had a smell. I tried the Fiskars and June Taylor and did not like either one of them. I also tried the white mat from JoAnn Fabrics and I cut right into it.

I had to keep mine (Olfa) out in the shed for nearly nine weeks--have asthma and it made me SICK! And I know it was in the store for quite a while as they did not order anything new when they were preparing to clear out all the sewing supplies(Alco).

Like everything else, it probably depends where it was manufactured.

I've tried other mats(Fiskars & June Tailor), but always go back to Olfa. However the last Olfa I bought (friend got it at Joann's for me) doen't appear to be as good as my old Olfa mat.

Thanks to those who have answered me back about their mats. The June Tailor and Fiskors mats just "Look" too flimsy. I haven't heard of Olga mats; and a couple of you are having a problem with a smell from the Olfa mats. My question is "Did you notice the smell at the store when you purchased them? I thought I'd do the smell test today so need answer quick. Thanks Again, Joyce

I know a lot of people on here have given two thumbs up for the Alvin cutting mats. They are professional mats. Use the search feature to read the discussions, but here is the link to one:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-59896-1.htm

I plan to get an Alvin for my next cutting mat.

I bought one of the giant Olfa mats from Joanns. Do you realize that is comes in 2 pieces and have to be clipped together. I found the seam where the 2 pieces meet annoying and a problem. I took it back (sent it back). I have 2 of the 36" ones and like them very much. Stay away from the white mats as they will really reduce the life of your rotary blades.

Thanks for the advice regarding the hinged Olfa mats because that's exactly what I was going to buy. Yes I agree with you about JoAnn's white mat; I've gone thru 2 of them.

thanks for the information on the Alvin mat