This test was performed by Nick Starrett.
He puts four circular saw blades—ranging from ultra-budget to premium—through real shop tests to see which one actually performs best across common cuts.
If you’re a woodworker wondering whether a high-end blade is worth the money or if a budget option can still deliver clean results, this video gives you clear, unbiased answers based on practical performance, not marketing.
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Why This Test Matters
Saw blades are often surrounded by hype, branding, and big price tags. But when it comes time to actually cut hardwood or plywood in your shop, does spending more give you cleaner results, smoother cuts, and safer operation?
Nick put together a blind test using four general-purpose blades—two premium, one budget retail, and one mystery Craigslist special. By keeping tooth count and cutting conditions consistent, this experiment shows how each blade performs under real woodworking scenarios.
The Testing Setup
To avoid bias, each blade was painted over so the person making the cuts didn’t know which was which. This ensured brand loyalty and assumptions didn’t influence the results.
All four blades were subjected to the same tests:
- A rip cut on standard hardwood
- A rip cut on thick hardwood
- A crosscut across the grain
- A rip cut on plywood to test tear-out
Each blade was rated on a 1–5 scale for each cut. At the end, paint was removed to reveal the true identity of each blade and compare the performance to its reputation and price.
The Blades Tested
Nick included the following in the test:
- Forest Woodworker — A highly regarded, expensive blade often seen in pro shops
- Ridge Carbide Super Combo — Another premium blade, but without some of the protective coatings others use
- Win 10-inch Budget Blade — A low-cost option available online for a fraction of the price
- Unbranded Craigslist Blade — A no-name blade picked up locally, with unknown history and questionable quality
Key Observations by Test
Rip Cut – Standard Hardwood
Some blades cut smoothly with little resistance. Others dragged, vibrated, or left rough edges. Sound and feel revealed a lot—smooth, quiet cuts pointed to good tooth geometry and sharp carbide tips.
Rip Cut – Thick Hardwood
This test revealed the biggest differences. Higher-end blades maintained cutting quality and consistency, while lower-quality ones struggled. Signs of burning, chip ejection issues, and surface roughness flagged weaker performers.
Crosscut Performance
Crosscutting tests a blade’s ability to shear fibers cleanly. The best blades left crisp, burn-free ends. One blade scored high here despite a rougher start in other tests, showing that specialized performance doesn’t always follow the price tag.
Plywood Tear-Out Test
Plywood exposes a blade’s ability to deal with fragile veneer. Top blades left the face and underside with minimal fuzz. Poorer blades caused splintering and frayed edges—bad news for cabinet or finish work.
The Blind Results
- Blade A: Solid but unremarkable. Good enough for daily cuts but not impressive.
- Blade B: Best overall performer with smooth rips and acceptable plywood cuts. Slight burn on one crosscut but otherwise excellent.
- Blade C: Poor rip performance but surprisingly good on the crosscut. A mixed result from a blade with a premium reputation.
- Blade D: Clearly the worst—dragging, burning, and tear-out across every test.
The Reveal
After the paint came off:
- Blade D (worst) was the unbranded Craigslist special. This reinforced the risks of using unknown or ultra-cheap blades in the shop—not just for quality, but for safety.
- Blade C, which had a rough rip performance but the best crosscut, turned out to be the Forest Woodworker blade—an unexpected result from a top-tier brand.
- Blade B, the overall winner, was the Ridge Carbide Super Combo. It consistently scored high across all tasks and proved to be the most reliable blade in the group.
What Woodworkers Can Learn
This test provides a few clear takeaways:
- Price usually reflects performance—but not always. The most expensive blade didn’t win every test, and some budget options surprised with decent results.
- Buy for your use case. If you mostly rip hardwood, prioritize a blade that excels in ripping. If clean plywood cuts matter most, look for one optimized for veneer work.
- Avoid mystery blades. The Craigslist blade not only performed poorly but also felt unsafe. Bad cuts increase the risk of kickback or user error.
- Trust your hands and ears. Experienced woodworkers know that smooth feed and consistent sound are good signs of blade quality—this test backs that up.
- Real-world tests beat marketing. Watching how a blade handles your material says far more than what’s on the packaging.
A Useful Test for Everyday Woodworkers
Nick’s side-by-side test offers more than just scores. It shows how each blade behaves on real materials under common shop conditions—something reviews and ratings don’t always reveal.
If you’ve ever debated whether it’s worth upgrading your blade—or if you’ve been tempted by a budget option—this test gives you the information to decide with confidence.
Please support Nick by visiting his website here: https://www.nickscustomwoodworks.com/.