Buzz
The carbide tip on a standard circular saw.Carbide (specifically tungsten carbide and titanium carbide) is a commonly used material in various cutting tools. Saw blades, lathe bits, drill bits, router bits, and dental drilling tips are typically made from carbide. The reason for carbide's popularity in these tools is that it maintains its sharpness far longer than most other materials. Furthermore, some ballpoint pens feature carbide balls to extend their longevity.
In tools like a carbide-tipped saw blade, the main body of the blade is constructed from steel, with carbide tips brazed onto the steel. A quality carbide tip can keep its edge 10 to 20 times longer than a steel-tipped tool.
The carbide tip on a typical circular saw.Carbide tips will eventually lose their sharpness. To sharpen them, you use the same methods as you would for tool steel, but since carbide is so hard, a different abrasive is required. Common options include a diamond-coated or carbide abrasive wheel.
If you've read How Diamonds Work, you're aware that diamond (pure crystalline carbon) is the hardest material known. Moissanite, which is silicon carbide, is nearly as hard. Both tungsten carbide and titanium carbide are compounds of metal and carbon, rating between 8 and 9 on the MOHS scale.
Tools are not made entirely of carbide, primarily because of the high cost, but also because carbide would make the tool too brittle. Steel is a better material for the body of the tool, as it is tougher and less likely to crack or break.
