I have a carbide tip blade that did cost as much as 5 regular blades. So far it has lasted 3 years and still cuts great. I just resawed cherry, hackberry, walnut and hard maple all cuts were straight and smooth. One light pass on the planer is all that was needed. I hated spending the money but it has been worth every penny. I figure I am up the cost of 4 new regular blades already.