Tungsten carbide is not one material. It is hard carbide grains held in a cobalt binder, and the recipe is chosen for the job.
The two dials
Grain size. Fine grains allow a sharper, more precisely defined edge, and they wear slowly against abrasive material. Coarse grains cannot be ground as keen.
Cobalt content. More cobalt means a tougher, more shock-resistant tip that survives a knock; less cobalt means a harder, more wear-resistant tip that is more likely to chip.
How grades are labeled
| Label | What it signals | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | Tougher, more cobalt | Rough cutting, reclaimed lumber |
| C3 | Balanced, harder | Router bits, general woodworking |
| C4 | Finest grain, hardest | Fine finish cuts in clean stock |
| Micrograin | Very fine grain, no C-number | Clean edges in hardwood and MDF |
| YG8 | About 8% cobalt (Chinese scale) | Tough general purpose, near C2 |
On our router bits shelf, several listings name a grade: the MNA 25-piece set states C3, the Bosch 30-piece set says micrograin, and the Hiltex 24-piece set uses the YG8 designation. A named grade is worth more than a vague “premium carbide”.
What the choices mean in a workshop
A fine-grain, lower-cobalt blade stays sharp far longer in clean lumber and MDF, and gives the cleanest cut. It is the wrong blade for reclaimed stock with a nail in it.
A tougher grade shrugs off the occasional impact and never gets as sharp. That is the right choice for job-site work and demolition.
What you can actually see
Not much, from a listing. Manufacturers who care usually say something about the grade; those who do not, do not. The proxies are the size of the tip, the neatness of the grind, and whether the maker publishes anything at all about the carbide.
The consequence
Two blades with the same tooth count and grind can differ several times over in edge life. Tooth count is printed large; the carbide grade is what you are actually buying. Whether cheap saw blades are ever worth buying and whether a saw blade can be resharpened follow on from here.
What comes up most often
What do C2, C3 and C4 mean on a blade or bit?
They are an older industry shorthand for carbide grade. Lower numbers are tougher and more shock-resistant; higher numbers are harder, finer and hold an edge longer in clean wood. C3 is the usual grade for router bits and general woodworking blades; C4 is chosen for fine finish cuts.
What is YG8 carbide?
A Chinese designation for carbide with about 8% cobalt. It is a tough, general-purpose grade, roughly nearer C2 than C3, and it is not directly comparable with the C-scale on a like-for-like basis.
Can a carbide blade be resharpened?
Yes, by a sharpening service with diamond wheels, usually several times. Bigger carbide tips give more regrinds, which is one reason a good blade costs more up front and less over its life.
Last reviewed October 27, 2026