Re-sharpen or Buy New - Auger Blades

[loebs93]

I'm wondering what the differences are between re-sharpened blades and new blades for a lazer style auger are...or any auger for that matter. Sooner or later this winter I will need to purchase one of the two. I understand the price of new blades is roughly double the price of re-sharpened blades. Is there a reason I shouldn't get re-sharpened blades?

[metrojoe]

I seem to recall the last time I bought new blades they were only a few dollars more than resharpened blades. It may depend on where you buy them(the used ones). It might be cheaper to find a sharpening place yourself and bring them in.

[coldmark]

Both. My bait shop had my blades in stock so I bought new ones. My originals are in good shape so I'll get those sharpened to use as a backup. That reminds me, I need to bring those in to get sharpened. Thanks.

[loebs93]

Has anybody done the blade exchange? That is where I got the "double the price" idea.

[Walterwontfalter]

I like to use my Dremel tool with a small grinding wheel and touch my blades up every once in a while. I've gotten very good results doing this and only touch them up about 2 or 3 times a season.

[Mr. Pike1]

Loabs, First and foremost you should be able to get many years on your orginal auger blades unless you bump or hit something while drilling. I have a strikemaster and drill thousands of holes each year. Mine has cut the ice like butter for 3 years. This year I did put resharpened ones on as the was all they had in stock when I picked them up. I am hoping for another three good years on these. I will let you know

One more thing be very very careful when switching the blades. One false move and you could be in a world of hurt.

[kslipsinker]

I chipper blade is easily sharpened, but shaver blades are much more difficult to sharpen correctly. I don't even bother with trying to stretch a blade's life. I did that once a long time ago. It isn't worth the frustration. There isn't enough time to fish without having to be concerned about a blade cutting properly. New all the way!

[Deephole57]

My experience with the Strikemaster blades you turn in for resharpened blades has not been very positive.

When I buy "new" ones I have no issues and they last alot longer it seems and cut better as well. Might just be the oultet I use to turn them in for replacements I'm not sure, but I'll be buying new frome here out .

[Steve Foss]

I use the exchange blade program for my Strikemaster XL-3000. At the beginning of each ice season, I just pay my $15 or so and get the factory re-sharpened exchange blades and they last all season slick as greased owl$hnit. I drill hundreds of holes each winter. No complaints, no problems. People look on in awe at how fast it all happens. And I don't really care about fast, just dependable. This is a dependable way to do things. I keep a second set of blades in my gear just in case insanity strikes and I hit someone's ashes or other on-the-ice grit.

[MinnesotaMuskie]

I have years of use on my blades...9 out 10 times it is the angle of the blade that is wrong...not the edge. I have been told this is not true with gas augers...but trust me...it is.