Carbon steel
Flexible and economical for wood and softer materials, but it loses hardness faster under metal-cutting heat.
Bi-metal
A high-speed-steel tooth strip joined to a flexible backing combines edge life with impact resistance.
Carbide and grit
Carbide teeth survive hard or abrasive work; carbide or diamond grit cuts brittle materials without conventional tooth engagement.
Method for this decision
- Separate the body requirement from the cutting-edge requirement: the backing may need flexibility while the edge needs hardness.
- Classify the cut as clean wood, mixed demolition, metal, or abrasive mineral work.
- Confirm the blade construction and application on the manufacturer page before purchasing or fitting it.
Worked example
Example: nail-embedded wood creates impact that favors a demolition-rated bi-metal or carbide blade, while an abrasive mineral sheet may call for a purpose-built carbide or grit edge and a different dust-control method.
Limits and stop conditions
Material names alone cannot predict edge life. Heat, impact, feed, machine alignment, and contamination can defeat any construction. Do not infer that carbide or grit makes an unguarded or incompatible tool safe.