Review on 🔪 X-ACTO 18x24 Inches Self-Healing Cutting Mat – Non-Stick Bottom, Gray by Dawn Fischer

First, I'm one of those people who does the most shopping. I try to compare features that aren't usually mentioned on product pages. For example, when I bought an 18" x 24" cutting mat, I compared the obvious (color, average customer ratings, price, etc.) with the not-so-obvious like layers and thickness. First, in addition to the larger size, I decided that I needed a cutting mat with good contrast between the guides and the mat itself. Until I got this rug, I was using the smaller Fiskars rug (6" x 18") for my needs. It did a good job with cuts of all kinds, but the size showed its limitations very quickly, and the orange guides on a dark gray background made it a bit difficult to align the edges of things being cut. After reviewing the various cutting mats available, it came down to Alvin and Dale. I ruled out Alvin because I really didn't want a green carpet. The Dahle rugs look and feel very good and have great reviews (I actually have a black one on the way) but only the black seemed to suit my needs; it has a black background and light gray guides. The blue dahle is good, but I don't feel enough contrast between the background and the landmarks. Too bad because blue is my favorite color. As for the transparent Dahle, it really needs an overhaul as there is almost no contrast between the background and the guides. The blue rails make the transparent dahle that much more desirable and, more importantly, useful and functional. So, aside from Alvin and the blue and clear Dahle floor mats, I ordered the X-Acto. The delivery was fast, the packaging was very suitable for the product and the price was very good (ordered in store). The cutting mat itself is fantastic. It's a beautiful light gray color with blue lines. The contrast is perfect. It's a 5-layer design like most top brands. What really surprised me was the thickness. This cutting mat is twice the size of my Fiskars. I am completely satisfied with my purchase. If you are looking for a good, thick and durable cutting mat, look no further than the X-Acto brand. My Fiskars have served me well and still take a seat at my desk, but they take a seat on the bench while the X-Acto becomes my leader.