For professionals in the tiling, masonry, and construction industries, choosing the right blade is only part of the equation. The performance, speed, and finish of your cuts depend not only on blade type but also on maintaining the diamonds correctly. RUBI offers a wide range of blades—each engineered for a specific purpose—and understanding the differences can transform both your workflow and results.
In this guide, we break down the key distinctions between blade types, why diamond sharpening matters, and how RUBI’s two cleaning blocks help maximise performance and blade life.
Fast vs. Smooth: Understanding Blade Cutting Styles
Viper Blades – Fast, Precise Cutting
RUBI’s Viper blades are designed for professionals who need speed without sacrificing accuracy. Their serrated, turbo-style rim increases cutting aggression, allowing them to glide quickly through hard materials like porcelain.
Benefits of Viper blades:
- Fast, powerful cutting action
- High precision even on dense materials
- Ideal for high-volume or time-sensitive work
When productivity matters, and you’re cutting multiple porcelain tiles or slabs, Viper blades are an excellent choice.
Continuous Rim Blades – Ultra-Smooth Finishes
Continuous rim blades feature a solid diamond edge without segments or gaps. This design reduces vibration and allows the blade to create exceptionally clean, chip-free cuts—ideal for final cuts where visual quality matters most.
Benefits of continuous rim blades:
- Smoothest possible cutting finish
- Reduced chipping on porcelain and ceramic
- Preferred for mitres and exposed edges
If a flawless finish is the priority, continuous rim blades deliver the most refined results.
Why Blade Maintenance Matters: The Role of Diamond Sharpness
Even the highest-quality blades require proper maintenance. Over time, the diamonds on a blade can become glazed or clogged with residue from the materials being cut. When this happens, cutting performance slows down, heat increases, and the blade wears out far faster.
Heat Is the Biggest Enemy
A dull blade generates more friction, which produces excess heat. This heat:
- Damages the diamond matrix
- Reduces the blade’s cutting speed
- Shortens the blade’s overall lifespan
Keeping the diamonds exposed and sharp is crucial for both performance and durability.
Sharpening Blades Properly with RUBI Cleaning Blocks
RUBI offers two cleaning blocks, each designed for a specific type of blade maintenance. These blocks restore cutting efficiency by exposing fresh, sharp diamonds and removing material build-up.
Orange Cleaning Block – General Maintenance
The orange block is designed for regular upkeep. It cleans the blade by removing surface debris and light glazing, helping maintain consistent cutting performance.
Best for:
- Routine cleaning
- Maintaining cutting speed
- Preventing early signs of dullness
This is the go-to option for daily or weekly care, depending on usage.
Black N-Cleaning Block – Sharpening & Heavy-Duty Cleaning
The black N-Cleaning block is more abrasive and is specifically designed to sharpen diamond blades. Its gritty composition exposes fresh diamonds quickly, restoring cutting power to the blade.
Best for:
- Reviving a dull blade
- Sharpening diamonds for maximum speed
- Preventing overheating during demanding cuts
For blades showing visible slowdown, this is the most effective way to restore performance.
How to Use the Cleaning Blocks
Using the blocks is simple and safe:
- Mount your blade as usual.
- Power up your cutter (wet or dry, depending on blade type).
- Make several controlled cuts into the cleaning block.
- Stop once you feel the blade cutting freely and cleanly again.
Regular maintenance prevents heat build-up, ensures faster cutting, improves finish quality, and significantly extends blade life.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between blade types—such as fast-cutting Viper blades versus smooth-cutting continuous rim blades—helps you select the right tool for every task. But even the best blade won’t perform at its peak without proper diamond maintenance.
By incorporating RUBI’s orange Cleaning Block for routine upkeep and the black N-Cleaning Block for sharpening, you can maintain maximum cutting speed, reduce heat build-up, and dramatically extend the lifespan of your blades.
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