The only time I have had a nick in my blade is when I accidentally dropped it. I close my cutter when I put it down and I change my blade every second or third project. I keep the used blades for cutting templates and batting squares...(use the back of your cutting mat for batting and fleece or you'll end up with fibers stuck in the cuts..found that out the hard way... I now have a fleece/batting cutting mat! LOL) :)