Metal-Cutting Blade vs Wood Blade: Diablo Steel Demon vs IRWIN Marathon?
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Diablo D0748F 7-1/4 in. 48-Tooth Steel Demon Ferrous Metal Blade
The go-to when you cut ferrous metal (steel studs, conduit, angle) with a circular saw and want clean, low-spark cuts instead of an abrasive wheel.
| 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 everyday framing blade to stock in quantity when you value low cost over the longer life of a premium Diablo.
| 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.