The project I ordered this for needs a 1.25 inch cut to stock. Recutting the shaft with a shorter knife will scratch the part that has already been cut. The cutting edge of this drill is specified as 1.25 inches. It's actually 1.088 inches. While the flutes are 1.25 inches, the cutting edge is 1.088 inches. I didn't actually use them because I really needed 1.25 inches.