u/ExpensiveError42

I've been working on my first fpp, which requires an extraordinary amount of cutting. I was getting frustrated because I was having to put so much pressure on my blade even when it was new and I finally recognized that my 20-year-old cutting mat was probably not helping me. When your mat is all messed up you've got to press extra hard to get through the fabric and you get through an the texture on your mat.

I went and spent about $35 on an 18x24 creative grids double-sided mat and it has made all the difference in the world.

Check your cutting mat. Is it wrecked? If you have the means, replace it for the sake of your wrists.