It is necessary to replace blades because the original blade is worn out, damaged or sometimes of inferior quality. If you notice that your blade is requiring more frequent sharpening, this may be a result of the fact that blades are often hardened only a 1/2" or so behind the factory edge. This is done for safety reasons and to prevent the blade from cracking when it is clamped in the plane.

You will find excellent blades from each of our suppliers. Hock Tools has the widest selection of blades in both High Carbon Steel (HCS) and cryogenically treated A2 tool steel. All Lie-Nielsen blades are cryogenically treated A2 tool steel. Academy Saws produces blades in cryogenically treated M2 High Speed Steel (HSS) which will outwear both High Carbon Steel and A2 tool steel by a large measure in abrasive woods.

For working in typical North American Hardwoods such as Oak, Walnut, Cherry and Maple, High Carbon Steel (HCS) is a good and cost effective choice. If you occasionally need to plane some of the more abrasive tropical hardwoods, we recommend the A2 tool steel blades. For those who work with Bamboo and other high silica content woods, we suggest you try the Academy Saws M2 HSS blades.

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