Why I Stopped Trusting Cheap Blades

I’ll be honest — I used to think all diamond blades were the same. Back when I started landscaping and tiling over 20 years ago, I’d pick up whatever blade was cheapest at the builders’ merchants and get stuck in.

That was fine for soft stone or concrete, but once porcelain paving became popular, I quickly realised I was in trouble. I remember cutting a set of 20mm porcelain patio slabs for a client’s garden in Dublin — by the third slab, the blade was smoking, the tiles were chipping, and I was sweating bullets. The client wasn’t impressed, and neither was I.

Fast forward a few years, I learned the hard way: porcelain and granite are a completely different beast. You simply can’t rely on budget blades. That’s why when I finally found a blade that cuts both porcelain and granite without chipping, it felt like I’d won the lottery.

Why Porcelain and Granite Are So Hard to Work With

Porcelain: Looks Easy, Cuts Like Steel

Porcelain tiles are gorgeous — clean lines, sleek finish, and built to last. But cutting them? It’s like trying to slice through tempered glass. They’re so dense that most blades just bounce or overheat. Even the tiniest chip on a patio edge can ruin the look.

Granite: Beauty With Attitude

Granite is another story. It’s naturally hard, and if you’ve ever tried cutting granite steps for a garden entrance, you’ll know how unforgiving it is. One wrong move and the cut will follow a vein in the stone, leaving a jagged mess.

Together, porcelain and granite are the two materials that expose weak blades for what they are — useless.

What Makes the Best Consaw Blade for Porcelain and Granite?

From years on jobs, here’s what I’ve found matters most:

  • High-Quality Diamond Segments
    Cheap blades have a thin smear of diamond dust. A proper blade has industrial-grade diamond segments that stay sharp through tough materials.

  • Continuous Rim with Reinforcement
    A continuous rim is key for porcelain because it avoids that “saw-tooth” chipping effect. At the same time, reinforced cores stop the blade from warping under granite’s hardness.

  • Size Matters (300mm vs 350mm)
    Most outdoor porcelain paving cuts perfectly with a 300mm blade. For granite steps or thick paving, a 350mm might be needed — but 300mm is more versatile for day-to-day work.

  • Durability
    You want a blade that doesn’t just get you through one job. A good porcelain and granite blade should survive multiple projects without losing its edge.

The Blade That Changed the Game for Me

I first used the 300mm Porcelain Blade for Consaw from A-Z Hire on a massive job — a 600 square metre porcelain courtyard in a country estate. Normally, I’d expect to chew through at least two blades on something that size. But this one? It lasted the whole project, and every single edge was clean.

A couple of weeks later, I had a granite step installation in Dublin. Out came the same blade. I half expected it to finally give up, but to my surprise, it handled the granite just as easily. Smooth, controlled cuts, no wobble, and no chips.

From that day on, I stopped experimenting. I’ve stuck with that blade, and I recommend it to anyone serious about tiling or paving. If you want to check it out, it’s on A-Z Hire’s site under their Porcelain Blade for Consaw 300mm page — a blade that really does what it says on the tin.

Why Buying Local Beats Guessing Online

I’ve seen people order blades off random websites, only to turn up on site and find they’ve bought the wrong size or a blade that lasts for about three tiles.

That’s why I stick with A-Z Hire here in Dublin:

  • Trusted Quality – They only stock blades that have been tested on the job.

  • Same-Day Collection – Perfect if you’re mid-project and your old blade finally dies.

  • Advice from People Who Know – They don’t just sell the tools; they use them too.

It’s that difference between being “sold to” and being “looked after.”

Pro Tips for Cutting Porcelain and Granite Without Stress

Even with the right blade, there are a few tricks that make all the difference:

1. Keep Your Consaw Serviced

A wobbly or poorly maintained saw will ruin even the best blade. Always check bearings and make sure there’s no play before starting.

2. Use Water Cooling Whenever You Can

It keeps dust down, reduces heat, and extends blade life. For indoor jobs, a light mist system works wonders.

3. Secure Your Material Properly

For porcelain paving, I often lay the slab on a bed of sand. It cushions the tile and prevents movement that causes chips.

4. Don’t Force the Cut

The blade does the work. Forcing it only leads to overheating and uneven cuts. A steady hand gives the cleanest results.

Who Needs a Proper Porcelain and Granite Blade?

Honestly? Pretty much anyone working with modern building materials:

  • DIY Homeowners putting down porcelain patios.

  • Landscapers handling outdoor paving jobs.

  • Builders installing granite steps or natural stone features.

  • Tilers working on kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.

  • Property Managers maintaining high-end estates.

If porcelain or granite is involved, this isn’t a luxury — it’s essential.

FAQs

Can one blade really cut both porcelain and granite?
Yes — with the right diamond segments and structure. The A-Z Hire 300mm blade has been designed to handle both.

How long does it last?
In my experience, much longer than cheap alternatives. One blade often lasts multiple projects.

Do I need water cooling?
Not essential, but strongly recommended for porcelain. It keeps the edge sharp and reduces dust.

How much should I pay for a proper blade?
Expect to pay more than budget options, but the lifespan and quality more than cover the cost.

Final Thoughts – Get the Job Done Right

If you’ve battled with chipped porcelain tiles, burnt-out blades, or jagged granite edges, I know your pain. I’ve been there too many times.

But the solution is simple: stop gambling on cheap blades and invest in one that’s built for the job. For me, the 300mm Porcelain Blade for Consaw at A-Z Hire has been the difference between frustration and flawless results.

Whether you’re a DIYer laying your first patio or a professional landscaper like me, this is the blade that finally makes porcelain and granite cutting easy.