When it comes to chainsaw chains, one question we regularly come across is whether tungsten carbide chains are actually worth the extra money compared to traditional steel chains.
At Gunnedah Throttle & Turf, we process a considerable amount of firewood, repair chainsaws, and sharpen hundreds of chains throughout the wood-cutting season. We also regularly speak with other chainsaw users, firewood cutters and people working in the industry.
Chainsaws and cutting equipment are something we have a genuine interest in, and over the years we've gained plenty of hands-on experience with both standard steel and tungsten carbide chains.
The truth is, we like both types of chain. They each have their advantages, and choosing the right one really comes down to what you're cutting and what you expect from your chainsaw.
How Much Longer Does a Tungsten Carbide Chain Stay Sharp?
One of the biggest advantages of tungsten carbide is its ability to maintain a cutting edge considerably longer than a conventional steel chain.
We find the easiest way to compare chain life is by using tanks of fuel rather than hours of cutting or quantities of timber. Everyone cuts different timber, works at different speeds and has different expectations of what constitutes a day's work.
In our experience, under typical firewood-cutting conditions:
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Standard steel chains: Around one tank of fuel before they benefit from sharpening, assuming they haven't encountered dirt, rocks or other abrasive material.
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Tungsten carbide chains: Commonly around 8–15 tanks of fuel between sharpenings, based on our own experience and feedback from other users.
These figures aren't laboratory results or guaranteed performance. They're observations from real-world cutting, and actual results will vary depending on timber, conditions and how the chain is used.
What makes carbide particularly impressive is that much of this cutting is carried out in timber that contains dirt, termite damage and other abrasive material — the sort of timber many people would normally avoid with a standard chain.
For firewood cutters regularly dealing with dirty or difficult timber, this extended edge retention can make a considerable difference.
Cutting Speed: Standard Steel vs Tungsten Carbide
This is where standard steel chains really shine.
A properly sharpened standard chain can achieve an exceptionally sharp, aggressive cutting edge. If maximum cutting speed is your priority, particularly in clean timber, we believe a well-sharpened standard chain has the advantage.
Tungsten carbide chains, when sharpened correctly, still cut extremely well. However, in our experience, they don't quite achieve that same razor-sharp cutting edge that conventional steel can deliver.
The trade-off is a relatively small sacrifice in peak cutting speed in exchange for substantially longer edge retention.
A standard chain may cut faster immediately after sharpening, but as its edge begins to deteriorate, cutting performance decreases.
A carbide chain may not be quite as aggressive initially, but it can continue cutting effectively for considerably longer without needing attention.
It's worth considering whether you're chasing the fastest individual cut or consistent cutting performance throughout an entire day's work.
Not All Tungsten Carbide Chains Are Created Equal
One of the biggest things we've learned from sharpening hundreds of carbide chains is that the construction of the cutting tooth makes a significant difference.
Some carbide chains use a relatively small piece of tungsten carbide attached to the front of the cutter's top plate.
We've found that certain designs using these smaller carbide sections can be more susceptible to damage, including the carbide breaking away from the steel cutter.
By comparison, the STIHL and Archer carbide chains we've worked with feature a more substantial carbide top-plate design.
In our experience, these designs offer improved longevity and durability compared with some of the smaller carbide-tipped alternatives.
They can be more expensive to purchase, but the additional durability can make them better value over the life of the chain.
It's important to remember that tungsten carbide is extremely hard, but it is also brittle compared with conventional chain steel.
Striking steel, rocks or other hard objects can chip or fracture carbide cutting edges, regardless of the brand.
The size of the carbide section, its construction and how securely it is attached to the cutter all play a role in overall durability.
Sharpening: One of the Biggest Differences
Sharpening is an area where conventional steel chains have a clear practical advantage.
A standard chainsaw chain can be sharpened in the paddock using a basic round file. If the chain starts losing its edge, you can stop for a few minutes, touch it up and get back to work.
It's relatively simple, inexpensive and convenient.
Tungsten carbide is a different story.
Because carbide is considerably harder than conventional chain steel, it requires specialised diamond sharpening equipment.
Sharpening carbide chains correctly can be challenging, and professional sharpening generally costs more than sharpening a standard chain.
They're also not practical to sharpen in the paddock with a conventional chainsaw file.
However, this is where the longer edge retention becomes important.
Standard chains are convenient because they're easy to sharpen. Carbide chains are convenient because they don't need sharpening nearly as often.
For some operators, being able to sharpen a chain anywhere is essential. For others, avoiding repeated sharpening interruptions is worth the additional maintenance cost.
Which Chainsaw Chain Is Better for Firewood?
That depends heavily on the timber you're cutting.
When we'd choose a standard steel chain
For clean timber where cutting speed is the main priority, a good-quality standard chain is difficult to beat.
They're sharp, aggressive, affordable and easy to maintain.
They're also an excellent option for people who prefer to sharpen their own chains in the field or regularly need to touch up their cutting edge.
When we'd choose a tungsten carbide chain
For dirty, abrasive or termite-affected timber, carbide really comes into its own.
Being able to cut multiple tanks of fuel without sharpening can be a significant advantage, particularly when processing large amounts of firewood.
Although the initial purchase price and sharpening costs are generally higher, the reduced sharpening frequency can make carbide an attractive option for the right application.
Our Verdict: Which Chain Should You Buy?
After considerable experience using and sharpening both types of chains, we don't believe there's one chain that's best for everyone.
If you're cutting clean timber and want maximum cutting performance with easy sharpening, a conventional steel chain is an excellent choice.
If you're regularly cutting dirty or abrasive timber and value long-lasting cutting performance, tungsten carbide is well worth considering.
Ultimately, the best chainsaw chain isn't necessarily the fastest or the most expensive — it's the one that suits the work you're doing.
At Gunnedah Throttle & Turf, we stock both STIHL and Archer chainsaw chains, including conventional steel and tungsten carbide options.
We're passionate about chainsaws and always happy to share our experiences. Whether you're processing firewood commercially or cutting a few loads for home, we're happy to help you find the chain that best suits your needs.
Explore our range of STIHL and Archer chainsaw chains, or get in touch with our team for advice.