Tried (3) different edger blades side by side.

PicturePerfectLawns · Mar 18, 2017

I searched and searched and wanted to give someone a good review to go by on some blades in case they find themselves in the same situation.

Today, I ran each of these blades for over an hour straight on a large apartment complex. (Star Blade (4 cutting surfaces), Regular Square Rectangular blades, and Gator Blades. All three were used against the same concrete, same type of grass, same conditions (Mildly Damp.)

Gator Blade: As far as edging performance, the Gator blade outperforms the regular rectangular blade. Especially if you like a really "Defined" look around the perimeters. Price is about twice what a regular blade cost. The edge is more noticeable and more defined. Conditions were kind of damp, the gator blade literally eliminated the clods of mud that the others threw up. Cut was crisp and edge, no stringers hanging over. Not sure they will last as long as the star.

Star Edger Blade: This blade surprised me that it doesn't like to "jump" out of the edge like the regular blades.This blade doesn't leave as a "Defined" look as the gator blade leaves with the (wider edge.) This blade however, I suspect will hold up a lot longer then both other blades. The blade cuts through anything, even in the thickest areas, and it's true, you can edge as fast as you can walk with this guy. Four more points of contact, makes sure everything gets cut in one pass. The edge is also crisp and great, besides not looking as defined. This blade also did throw noticeable clumps compared to the gator blade.

Regular Rectangle Blade: I've used these for years. Cheap .80 cent ones to $2.00 ones. It does the job. But often causes me to go forward and back on tough areas. These also will not last near as long as the star blade. And again, this blade throws up a lot of clumps compared to the gator blade.

Overall, I'm a tight wad and like to make money, but not spend it. I found the Star blade and Gator blade both cost more. But in my opinion, time is money, and they make up for it. I'll no longer be using basic blades again. If I can run with a blade and not have to go back, or it last longer and I don't have to spend time changing them out, I'll make up the difference.

Tall or Overgrown edges and even just maintaining edges, I'd choose the Star Blade.

For Redefining edges to maintain with a trimmer weekly, or for high end properties, I'd choose the Gator Blade.

KB Lawn Care · Mar 18, 2017

Great review! Did you by chance get any photos of the three different edges?

Turf Kare · Mar 18, 2017

Great Review! Been interested in Gator Edger Blades vs the Star Blades I use now. Where did you buy your Gator Edger Blades?
Not really happy with how small of an edge my star blade leaves, even tho my Weed Control guy I Parnter with say big edges produce easier weed growth there, Blah! I guess he's right tho. I'd still like to try the Gator Edger Blades.

PicturePerfectLawns · Mar 22, 2017

Turf Kare said:
Great Review! Been interested in Gator Edger Blades vs the Star Blades I use now. Where did you buy your Gator Edger Blades?
Not really happy with how small of an edge my star blade leaves, even tho my Weed Control guy I Parnter with say big edges produce easier weed growth there, Blah! I guess he's right tho. I'd still like to try the Gator Edger Blades.

I bought them from a Dealer while I was in to pick up some parts. I had the regular blades already, and ordered the star edger blades off Amazon. I happened to be in the dealer and he had them on "display" pretty much enticing me to try them. As for weeds in the cracks, I've heard this phrase quiet a bit. I'm not sure if it stems from people seeing weeds in sidewalk cracks. But I've double bladed up with regular edger blades for as far as I can remember. I've never personally have had issues with weeds in cracks. I don't see how you can have weeds in the crack if you are constantly maintaining the crack each week. What I've noticed is with a slightly wider (2 blade edge) is I can maintain the edges much quicker the rest of the season. With a thin edge, in peek growing times, that edge can get tight quick. Once that edge gets tight up against the concrete, it takes longer to edge the following week. With that little bitty bit of extra edge, it gives me just enough room to fly through it in following weeks. Not only this, but it gives a more defind look from a distant in my opinion.

weeze · Mar 18, 2017

i always wanted to try one of these:

The Swamp Fox · Oct 19, 2020

I realize this thread is now 3.5 years old, but after having searched the archives on this topic all the way back to the early 2000's, it's the best I've found at comparing the performance and pros/cons of various edger blade types head-to-head.

I'm not holding out for a response from the OP, as it looks like @PicturePerfectLawns has been banned at some point. Anybody else have input on how the below edger blades stack up in terms of overall performance, wear rate, and value?

Standard Rectangular Blades (Unhardened)
Standard Rectangular Blades (Hardened)
Standard Rectangular Blades Doubled (Parallel or X-configuration)
Star Blades
Gator Blades
Golden Edge

I've researched all of these blade types independently and am more or less familiar with the basic value proposition of each, but I'd love to hear feedback from those who have tried multiple blade types from the above list.

The Swamp Fox · Oct 27, 2020

Anybody?

Johnagain · Oct 31, 2020

When you use 2 or 3 a day the ones that cost 75 cents each are the best.

RobertJ · Apr 21, 2021

I'm also searching for edger blades. Johnagain, where you getting them so cheap?
I assume you order a S-Ton of them at a time.

Thanks,

Hurryupelectric · Apr 21, 2021

I was getting packs of ten or so with individual blades at around a dollar or less per blade on amazon, sterns I think. They we're good and cheap as I always have a fresh blade on my edger, always. I have no desire to fight and take longer over a ~$1 blade. I use the Oregon gator blades now and while more expensive, I highly prefer them for the reasons listed in the original post. As an aside, I looked at some solo operators stick edger the other day and it had about an inch and a half left on either side of the bolt, I can just imagine fighting with that leaving a crappy edge over a dollar blade lol.

RobertJ · Apr 21, 2021

Thank you. I currently use the three point star blades but I thought they should last longer.
I'll order a Gator and try it.

Edit - The three point I'm using is from HD so may not be the best.

Johnagain · Apr 24, 2021

RobertJ said:
I'm also searching for edger blades. Johnagain, where you getting them so cheap?
I assume you order a S-Ton of them at a time.

Thanks,

I get them from my local dealer box of 50 now is $40 a box. I just usually buy a box a month.

RobertJ · Apr 24, 2021

Thank you.

Tried (3) different edger blades side by side.

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