Something is wrong with these electrodes. I bought diamond cut lanthanate a few months ago. Diamond Lanthanates are difficult to grind, could be dunked in a puddle multiple times and still held a bow like a champ and lasted a very long time. In general, they seemed better than 2 percent thorified. Wanted to save money so bought it. They seem thorified, if not worse than thorified. They wear out very quickly, foul very quickly, and don't maintain an accurate, clean arc, at least for a short period of time. I don't know, I can't say there's anything wrong with these electrodes. I weld professionally, not an amateur, I can say. My advice to future buyers, don't skimp, buy a diamond grinder.