Blades are parts or sections of tools that feature a sharp edge, commonly known as the cutting edge. This principle is considered one of the first types of tools that humans invented and used. By breaking splinters in flintstone, they obtained a series of edges with a very acute angle that could cut through soft materials. Although rudimentary, these flint blades, made of a material resembling glass, were very sharp.
Today, the principle remains the same, and blades are found all around us. Kitchen knives, scissors, lawnmowers, blenders, and food processors are just a few examples of items we can find at home that have a blade.
- Barber Razor Blades
“Razor-sharp” is a well-known expression to say that a knife or tool is very sharp. Barber razors or old folding razors are among the sharpest tools. To achieve the closest shave, they need to be constantly sharpened to be as sharp as possible, cutting with minimal resistance.
We can sharpen and polish these razors to restore their original sharpness.
- Biscuit Joiner Blade
Biscuit joiners have gained popularity due to their speed and ease of use. They have small circular blades typically equipped with three to eight tungsten carbide teeth.
The teeth must be precisely sharpened to maintain balance and consistent cutting between them, ensuring a tight fit for the biscuits in the joints.
- Carpenter’s blades or wood scrapers
Carpenter’s blades, also known as wood scrapers, are used for finishing in woodworking. These blades need to be very sharp to prevent the wood grain from fraying. They also require a specific angle to be able to work properly.
They must be precisely sharpened and receive polishing to ensure no marks or streaks are left on the wood surface.
- Circular or Radial Blades
Several tools with various uses are equipped with circular or radial blades. These include table saws, circular saws, miter saws, and brush cutters, among others.
These blades usually have between 24 and 80 teeth, which need to be sharpened individually. Each tooth must have exactly the same sharpening to maintain consistent depth. The angle of the tooth surface is also crucial as it prevents the blade from vibrating and oscillating from side to side.
They are made of tungsten carbide, molybdenum carbide, or high-speed steel alloys, which are very hard and require specific machinery and precise calibration.
It is possible to sharpen blades that are not made of carbide but softer steel. They require the same process but with different tools.
- Food Processor Blades
It is common to own a food processor, and it is an instrument that can last a lifetime. After some time, it may start to malfunction, which is usually related to blades that are no longer cutting properly. There’s no need to buy another one; a simple sharpening can restore its original function and add a few more years to its lifespan. The blades must be sharpened with care as they are curved and have a cutting edge on one side only, unlike a regular knife.
- Hedge Trimmer Blades (Electric or Gas)
Dull hedge trimmers are not very practical; they hinder branches from being cut. The serrated blades of hedge trimmers require a more complex sharpening process that is repeated for each tooth.
- Lawnmower Blades (Electric or Gas)
Different types of blades are installed on mechanical lawnmowers. Two common types are the standard blade and the mulching blade.
To ensure an even lawn cut, both types of blades require sharpening.
- Manual or gas ice auger blades
It’s easy to understand why people neglect their ice auger blades. The blades are relatively soft and require very little effort to cut. They are often not sharpened and are not adequately protected, which leads to accelerated corrosion, especially when stored in a damp environment.
A well-sharpened blade reduces stress on the motor and saves time during drilling. It also prevents the blade from jamming abruptly in the ice, making it safer to use.
For manual ice augers, a sharp blade reduces the required effort, resulting in faster hole drilling.
- Manual reel mower blades
Manual reel mowers are making a comeback in urban areas due to their eco-friendly nature and suitability for small lawns.
The blades in the reel have a helical arrangement, which means they are like spirals wound around the drum. Once sharpened, the mower needs to be readjusted to provide the maximum cut.
Due to their complexity, these blades should only be sharpened by an expert.
- Miter saw
Miter saws are used in woodworking and carpentry to make precise angle cuts. They can be mechanical or manual and are mounted on a base with guides. Manual versions are a type of hand saw, while motorized versions have a large diameter circular saw blade. To prevent splintering or fraying of the wood, the blade must be kept sharp
- Paper Cutter or Guillotine Blades
Paper cutters are common tools in offices, and some are quite old but still functional. It is easy to recognize when they need sharpening and readjustment when the paper slips between the blade and the table without being cut.
These blades are designed to be periodically sharpened, and if done correctly, they can last for many more years and cut larger quantities of paper at once.
- Router Bits
Router bits are made of extremely hard and durable materials like carbide. They are designed to cut through relatively tough materials like wood at very high revolutions per minute and must withstand the heat generated from friction.
Most router bits have curved blades, making them challenging to sharpen. These blades on these bits require professional sharpening with the right equipment and should not be entrusted to just anyone. The use of three different grits of diamond sharpening stones is necessary to achieve a sharp edge.
