Contractor Supply Magazine

Many people still think the saw blade and cutting tool industry is outdated or simple. On the front lines, it is more evident that saw blade technology keeps advancing as products with improved longevity, higher productivity, and the ability to cut through a variety of materials. These manufacturers continue to engineer new solutions for saw blades and cutting tools.

THE L.S. STARRETT COMPANY

The L.S. Starrett Company views the market for band saws and hand power tool accessories remaining stable, with steady growth driven by ongoing demand.

Starrett’s hole saw line includes several new, applicationspecific hole saws including Fast Cut, Deep Cut and diamond grit, engineered for certain materials, power tools and job.

“While there are some challenges in the global economy, Starrett’s ability to adapt and focus on quality enables us to continue serving our customers effectively and maintain a competitive position,” says product manager Felipe Arntsen.

He says the key trends in the industry today focus on innovation and enhanced performance.

“Customers are looking for solutions that offer longer life, cleaner cuts, and greater reliability,” Arntsen says. “At the same time, there’s a strong emphasis on delivering real value, balancing quality with cost-effectiveness.”

He says at Starrett, the band saw blades and hand power tool accessories are constantly evolving to meet customer expectations.

“Through ongoing innovation, we stay competitive and provide dependable solutions across a variety of industries,” Arntsen says.

The L.S. Starrett Company has used the more recent economic challenges of inflation and supply chain delays as opportunities to improve. The company is using more local sourcing, automation, and stronger overall planning.

“We’re always looking for ways to adjust, improve quality, and respond faster to what our customers need,” Arntsen says, noting that the company is focused on scaling innovation and efficiency through technology.

Improved blade performance is sought via the use of different materials, new tooth design and durability.

“Even small upgrades can make a big difference for the user,” he says, noting that Starrett also is updating its packaging and internal processes to be more efficient and customer focused.

“We’re investing in smarter product development and streamlined operations to accelerate time-to-market, enhance quality, and stay competitive,” Arntsen says. “By strengthening our manufacturing and engineering capabilities, we aim to deliver cutting solutions that consistently exceed customer expectations.”

CHAMPION CUTTING TOOL CORP.

Champion Cutting Tool President Lowell Frey says the cutting tool and abrasives industries are in a period of shifting economic conditions, coupled with evolving customer demands.

Champion Brute RZR Cement Circular saw blades combine ultrasharp cement teeth, optimized tooth counts and laser cutting slits for steel, stainless steel and aluminum cutting.

“While the market remains competitive, the overall outlook is cautiously optimistic,” he says, noting that increased demand from sectors like aerospace, automotive, renewable energy, and infrastructure development is offsetting inflationary pressures and global supply chain instability.

The industry is struggling to adapt to inflation, skilled labor shortages, and fluctuating demand. At Champion, the company is adapting to economic shifts through investment in technology, inventory management systems and sales support to help distributors and tool users get the job done right.

Even with that assistance, across the board, customers are demanding longer-lasting tools that offer greater efficiency and reduced downtime.

Frey says that puts a growing emphasis on high-performance cutting tools like Champion’s steel cutting RZR cermet-tipped saw blades.

Similarly, within abrasives, there is a trend towards a desire for more precision, cleaner cuts, and user comfort. According to Frey, Champion meets those expectations with its high-performance, high-density flap discs and ceramic grain abrasives.

In addition, Frey notes that automation is transforming the industry.

“Our RotoBrute SB35 semi-automatic magnetic drill presses coupled with carbide tipped annular cutters increase speed and accuracy in structural steel work and safety advantages,” he says.

Frey says a common misunderstanding is that innovation is slow in this space. On the contrary, he says new coatings, geometries, bonding technologies, and digital integrations are advancing rapidly.

Additional developments include cermet circular saws for cleaner, cooler cuts in ferrous metals, additive manufacturing of cutting tools, and AI-powered process monitoring for predictive maintenance.

“Sustainability is also gaining ground, with recyclable materials and energy-efficient grinding solutions gaining traction,” Frey says.

To stay competitive, Champion is focusing on innovation, customer-specific solutions, and strategic partnerships.

“Emphasis on technical education, product differentiation, and maintaining quality in a price-sensitive market will remain essential for growth and leadership in the evolving industrial landscape,” Frey says.

TENRYU AMERICA INC.

Tenryu is known as a manufacturer of quality saw blades. The company makes over 3,000 types of carbide blades for woodworking, metalworking, plastic cutting and machining other composite materials and its application expertise is extensive.

Tenryu introduced its Cord-Free/ Heavy Metal PLUS X series in 2023. The company says one of the blades can cut through a 36-inch wide panel in under 10 seconds.

“Tenryu introduced Cord-Free/Heavy Metal PLUS X series, a new generation of steel cutting circular saw blades in 2023,” says Keiji Iida, national sales manager, Tenryu, noting that the blades are the thinnest cementtipped saw blades in the industry for cutting flat or corrugated sheet steel materials such as 30-gauge galvanized flat sheets for HVAC fabrication or 24- to 29-gauge coated roofing panels.

The blades are available in diameters ranging from 5 3/8-inch to 8-inch, suitable for all major sizes saws.

“These blades are designed with ultra-fine, thin-kerf teeth that slice through sheet steel like a utility knife cutting paper,” Iida says.

For example, HMC-18572CBDT (7 1/4-inch diameter, 0.051-inch kerf, 72 teeth) delivers a significantly finer cut compared to Tenryu’s signature general-purpose PRF-18548BW (0.079-inch kerf, 48 teeth).

According to Iida, the combination of an extremely thin kerf and 50% more teeth narrows the gap between teeth, resulting in smooth, controlled cutting with minimal chattering. It also reduces heat generation and cutting resistance, preserving burr-free finishes, and protecting coated surfaces—without compromising manufacturer warranties.

Additionally, he says the blade’s flat and tensioned body, featuring resin-filled anti-noise and anti-vibration slots, enables the cermet tips to retain sharp edges longer.

“While tin snips and nibblers are commonly used for sheet steel fabrication, they struggle to produce straight, clean cuts on long, flexible steel panels without deforming ribs or standing seams,” Iida says.

Comparatively, he says a Tenryu PLUS X blade can cut through a 36-inch-wide panel in under 10 seconds.

Tenryu steel-cutting blades are specified and recommended in the installation guides of multiple steel building material manufacturers.

“Cutting with the wrong blade can easily damage the protective coating,” Iida notes. “As coating technologies evolve, featuring more durable and complex compositions, Tenryu’s PLUS X Series has advanced to meet these higher standards, delivering improved precision, performance and comfort.”

MILWAUKEE TOOL

From Milwaukee Tool’s perspective, the future of the tool industry is driven by the demand for smarter, more versatile solutions.

Milwaukee’s 7 1/4- inch Nitrus carbide framing and demolition circular saw blade reportedly offers the fastest cutting and longest life in framing and demolition.

“We continue to see a strong movement from gas and corded equipment to battery powered solutions that prioritize productivity, safety, and sustainability,” says Ryan Chaffee, product manager at Milwaukee Tool. “As the industry evolves, Milwaukee remains committed to delivering solutions that redefine performance, reliability and the overall user experience.”

Rapid technological advancements are shaping the power tool industry, with increased emphasis on safety and productivity. Simultaneously, Chaffee notes that accessory innovation also is evolving at a rapid pace, unlocking new capabilities and performance.

“This reflects a broader shift towards system-level performance, where every component, from the tool to the blade, works together to deliver unmatched performance, efficiency, and user experience on jobsites,” he says, noting that Milwaukee is developing accessories with faster cutting and longer life by keeping the carbide teeth sharper and more durable in application and maximizing user productivity.

A common misconception is that accessories such as blades are secondary to power tool performance. Chaffee says the right accessory can dramatically impact productivity, because it’s not just about cutting faster, it’s about cutting smarter.

“The right blade or bit can improve precision, cut quality, tool efficiency and user experience while minimizing downtime,” he says, noting that Milwaukee Tool designs its accessories in parallel to its latest tools to optimize solutions in creation of the next generation of performance.

“Innovation in accessories is critical to unlocking the full potential of cordless tools,” Chaffee says.

Within the current economic climate, the industry is prioritizing innovations that drive productivity and reduce the total cost of ownership.

“Professionals are looking for tools and accessories that offer long-term value, solutions that help eliminate fuel expenses or minimize maintenance,” Chaffee says.

One of the most intense areas of growth right now is the advancement of cutting-edge technologies. Breakthroughs in carbide technology are opening new possibilities in material cutting, enabling users to achieve greater productivity and efficiency across a wide range of demanding applications from framing and demolition to precision cutting in tough materials.

“As these technologies continue to evolve, they are not only enhancing performance but also reshaping what professionals can expect from their tools on the jobsite,” Chaffee says.

An example of this is Milwaukee Tool’s new 7 1/4-inch 24T NITRUS Carbide Framing and Demolition Circular saw blade. Engineered to deliver the fastest cuts and longest life, even through nail-embedded wood, screws, and shingles. The performance of these blades extends across an entire lineup of NITRUS carbide cutting accessories for SAWZALL and Oscillating Multi-Tool blades.

“With a commitment to delivering disruptive innovation and a boots-on-the-ground approach to research and development, Milwaukee will continue to redefine how work gets done on the jobsite,” Chaffee says.

LEARN MORE

This article originally appeared in the August/September 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright, 2025 Direct Business Media.

Share This!