I needed it for a typography lesson last year, I kinda lost it in the summer, I had to buy a new one. Get the original or something that seemed just as good and cheaper? In the end, I chose the original because I knew it would stand the test of time. And sure enough, a few weeks after receiving the ruler, I found the one I had lost. There must be a reason why my professors pointed to this ruler; I trust her opinion and time will tell