This is not new info but is something I'd like to see more awareness about...
In June 2009, Freud ceased manufacturing of their well regarded "TK/Avanti" line, citing too much overlap with their similar Diablo and their upper Industrial line. The Avanti line was a quality value oriented blade that were widely distributed. You may still find some inventories of new old stock.
Shortly after, HD began carrying a line of "Avanti" and "Avanti Pro" blades that use a similar font and look on the Avanti trademark logo. These blades are much lower quality than the former Freud Avanti line, are made in China, and having nothing to do with Freud as far as I know. You'll find smaller inferior carbide, sloppy brazing, cheaper stamped steel bodies, etc. The new Avanti line resembles the Oldham contractor line, and the new Avanti Pro line resembles the DeWalt construction line. I have no idea who's manufacturing them, but they're not made in Italy by Freud. HD may not be doing anything illegal, but I'm a bit chafed at the idea of many unsuspecting consumers buying an inferior imitation while thinking they're getting a quality Freud blade. It seems deceptive to me, and I think the imitations should be avoided. Buyer beware....if it doesn't say "Freud" clearly on the front of the blade, it probably isn't.
Freud Avanti TK406 60T blade:
Imitation "Avanti" 60T blade:
Here's a look at an Oldham 60T finish blade:
Here's a (small) look at the new "Avanti Pro" 60T blade:
Here's a look at the DeWalt DW3126 60T blade:
In June 2009, Freud ceased manufacturing of their well regarded "TK/Avanti" line, citing too much overlap with their similar Diablo and their upper Industrial line. The Avanti line was a quality value oriented blade that were widely distributed. You may still find some inventories of new old stock.
Shortly after, HD began carrying a line of "Avanti" and "Avanti Pro" blades that use a similar font and look on the Avanti trademark logo. These blades are much lower quality than the former Freud Avanti line, are made in China, and having nothing to do with Freud as far as I know. You'll find smaller inferior carbide, sloppy brazing, cheaper stamped steel bodies, etc. The new Avanti line resembles the Oldham contractor line, and the new Avanti Pro line resembles the DeWalt construction line. I have no idea who's manufacturing them, but they're not made in Italy by Freud. HD may not be doing anything illegal, but I'm a bit chafed at the idea of many unsuspecting consumers buying an inferior imitation while thinking they're getting a quality Freud blade. It seems deceptive to me, and I think the imitations should be avoided. Buyer beware....if it doesn't say "Freud" clearly on the front of the blade, it probably isn't.
Freud Avanti TK406 60T blade:
Imitation "Avanti" 60T blade:
Here's a look at an Oldham 60T finish blade:
Here's a (small) look at the new "Avanti Pro" 60T blade:
Here's a look at the DeWalt DW3126 60T blade:
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