HSS or Cobalt knives?

[Matt Ellis]

I'm replacing the standard knives in my Grizzly planer for the Self set system. Excluding the cost of the blade holders, for a difference of about $8, I can have a factory edge each time I need new knives, as compared to having traditional knives resharpened and then trying to set them.

That being said, I have a question about the disposable blades. Grizzly offers both a cobalt blade as well as a standard HSS. The cobalt is roughly twice the cost of the HSS. Worth it? All else being equal, will they last 2x (or longer) than the HSS set?

Thanks,

-matt

[Erik Loza]

Matt, I have mostly experience with Tersa knives and with them, HSS seems to leave a better surface finish than Cobalt. A lot of the actual longevity depends on the wood, of course.

Best,

Erik Loza
Minimax USA