Carbide steel blades

[sawman]

I'd like to hear what you all know/think about carbide steel for a blade. Qualities, pro's, con's, etc.

Thanks in advance!

[Steinar]

High carbide steels are more brittle than low carbide steels, but have higher abrasion resistance. A sometimes overlooked problem of high carbide steels are they require a more obtuse edge angle to support the carbides in the steel matrix. With an acute edge angle and cutting hard materials, especially if you twist or turn the blade (whittling, for instance), steels without carbides may sometimes even stay sharp longer (than carbide steel) as the microchipping resulting from the carbides being torn from the edge ruins the high carbide steel edge. PM steels are very good news for carbides, as the reduced grain size of the carbides makes the steel tougher and less prone to chipping. It doesn't change the basic fact carbides are a mixed blessing. Also, carbide steels have lower impact resistance.

As with everything else, the right tool for the right job. If the edge should last forever, PM high carbide steel, if you need an extremely tough blade, opt for something with less carbon. ELMAX and INFI can never substitute eachother. 

[dks]

If you are considering widely used higher carbon steel then D2, used by Queen, is well regarded.

If you mean the steel used in pliers for the hard wire cutter part than it may be too fragile for a larger blade.