Traditionally they have outlasted standard blades. I've made 20 cuts on one blade and it's still sharp. The butt blade had a sloppy weld. I've heard it at every revolution. No welding can be heard on this blade. I didn't notice it visually either. Good job Imachinist! I was definitely worth my money. UPDATE: This blade eventually broke after a MILLION cuts. Okay, maybe not a million, but this blade took forever to break. I stopped counting a long time ago. And it never got boring. I mainly cut 1" x 2" steel pipe. From time to time I cut out a small aluminum corner. I've even cut through hardened stainless steel railings a few times. Great blade!