--- title: Why Choose Carbide Cutting Tools Over Steel or Cobalt Cutting Tools description: Want to know what makes carbide cutting tools superior to steel or cobalt cutting tools? 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[FASTFAST is the foundation to our company’s success.](https://fullertontool.com/about/fast) - [CareersSee what our employees have to say about working for us.](https://fullertontool.com/about/careers) - [FAQFind answers to our frequently asked questions.](https://fullertontool.com/about/faq) - [BlogGet the latest information on everything Fullerton.](https://blog.fullertontool.com/) - Contact - [Contact UsWe are here to help.](https://fullertontool.com/contact) - [Rep LocatorFind representatives in your area](https://fullertontool.com/contact/locator) - [Login](https://fullertontool.com/login) ![](https://blog.fullertontool.com/hubfs/2023-CarbidevsSteel3.png) # Why Choose Carbide Cutting Tools Over Steel or Cobalt Cutting Tools Published by [Beth Bauer](https://blog.fullertontool.com/author/beth-bauer) on February 01, 2023 ![2023-CarbidevsSteel3](https://blog.fullertontool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2023-CarbidevsSteel3.png?width=1500&height=975&name=2023-CarbidevsSteel3.png) A common question we often receive is why should I choose carbide cutting tools over steel or cobalt cutting tools. So today, we are going to break down the advantages of solid carbide cutting tools over steel or cobalt cutting tools. 1. **Hardness:** Carbide is much harder than high-speed steel, which allows it to maintain a sharp cutting edge for a longer time, resulting in a better surface finish and reduced cutting time. The only cutting tool material harder than carbide is polycrystalline diamonds. 2. **Heat resistance:** Carbide can withstand higher temperatures than high-speed steel, which makes it ideal for high-speed and high-heat cutting applications. 3. **Toughness:** Despite being hard, carbide also has high toughness, which means it is less likely to break or chip during cutting. 4. **Versatility:** High-performance carbide cutting tools come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and geometries, making them suitable for a variety of cutting applications. Overall, solid carbide cutting tools are more efficient and durable than steel cutting tools, making them a better choice for many demanding machining applications.  Tags: [cutting tools](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/cutting-tools), [carbide](https://blog.fullertontool.com/topic/carbide) [Back to Blog](https://blog.fullertontool.com) ## Related Articles ## [How Edge Preps Optimize Carbide Cutting Tools](https://blog.fullertontool.com/how-edge-preps-optimize-carbide-cutting-tools) Edge preps are crucial for carbide-cutting tools because they can significantly improve the tool's... [Read More](https://blog.fullertontool.com/how-edge-preps-optimize-carbide-cutting-tools) ## [Maximize Efficiency and Quality with Reground Carbide Cutting Tools](https://blog.fullertontool.com/maximize-efficiency-and-quality-with-reground-carbide-cutting-tools) Carbide-cutting tools are essential for modern manufacturing and are used in a variety of... [Read More](https://blog.fullertontool.com/maximize-efficiency-and-quality-with-reground-carbide-cutting-tools) ## [When Your Cutting Tool Is Not to Blame - Understanding Acceleration & Deceleration in Machining](https://blog.fullertontool.com/when-your-cutting-tool-is-not-to-blame-understanding-acceleration-deceleration-in-machining) Acceleration (ACC) and deceleration (DEC) are important factors when machining, there are many... [Read More](https://blog.fullertontool.com/when-your-cutting-tool-is-not-to-blame-understanding-acceleration-deceleration-in-machining) ### Contact Us 800.248.8315 [sales@fullertontool.com](mailto:sales@fullertontool.com) ### Stay In Touch [Subscribe to Our Emails](https://landing.fullertontool.com/subscribe-to-newsletter) ### Connect Fullerton Tool Company, Inc. © 2026 [Terms of Service](https://fullertontool.com/legal/termsofservice) [Privacy Policy](https://fullertontool.com/legal/privacypolicy)