Metal-Cutting Blade vs Wood Blade: Diablo Steel Demon vs IRWIN Marathon?
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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Diablo D0748F 7-1/4 in. 48-Tooth Steel Demon Ferrous Metal Blade
A 7-1/4 in. 48-tooth TCG Steel Demon blade for cutting ferrous metal (steel studs, EMT, angle iron, bar) on a circular saw with far less spark than an abrasive disc, leaving a cool, burr-free edge. It outlasts cut-off wheels. It's ferrous-only, the 0.087 in. kerf needs a slow feed or teeth chip, and it's wasted on wood.
| Teeth | 48T TCG |
|---|---|
| Arbor | 5/8 in |
| Kerf | 0.087 in |
| Material | TiCo Hi-Density carbide (cermet) |
| Diameter | 7-1/4 in |
| Best cut | Ferrous metal (studs, EMT, bar) |
IRWIN Marathon 24030 7-1/4 in. 24-Tooth Circular Saw Blade
A budget 7-1/4 in. 24-tooth ATB carbide blade for everyday framing, ripping, and deck cuts, cheap enough to stock several, with a silicone coating that limits pitch in PT and resinous lumber. As a value blade, its standard 0.071 in. kerf draws more power on cordless saws, the carbide dulls faster, and the rough grind makes it a poor finish choice.
| Teeth | 24T ATB |
|---|---|
| Arbor | 5/8 in |
| Kerf | 0.071 in |
| Material | Carbide-tipped |
| Diameter | 7-1/4 in |
| Best cut | General framing / rip |
Our verdict
These aren't really competitors; they answer whether you should ever cut metal with a wood blade, and the answer is no. The IRWIN 24030 is a fine general wood framing blade, but its ATB teeth overheat, dull instantly, and can shatter in steel. The Diablo D0748F Steel Demon uses a TCG cermet grind built for ferrous metal, cutting studs, EMT, and angle iron with low spark and a burr-free, cool edge. If you cut steel, buy the Steel Demon; keep the IRWIN for lumber and never swap them.